Print data generation device, control method of print data generation device and program

Abstract

To save time and effort of a user editing and operating excess print data in which a calculation label length exceeds a maximum label length, when print data is generated using table data.SOLUTION: A print data generation device acquires table data in which a text is stored, and a maximum label length, generates print data, on the basis of a text included in each row data of the table data, for each of the row data, when excess print data in which a calculation label length calculated on the basis of the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length is included in the generated print data, generates non-excess print data in which the calculation label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length, on the basis of the same text as the excess print data, and substitutes the excess print data with non-excess print data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print data generating device, a control method for a print data generating device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a print data generation device that acquires text from table data and generates print data for creating labels based on the acquired text, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. Among these print data generation devices, there is also known a device that generates print data for each row of table data and can generate multiple pieces of print data at once when the table data includes multiple rows of data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-121315 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional print data generation devices cannot set a maximum label length when generating print data using table data. Therefore, if the print data generated based on the table data includes print data whose calculated label length exceeds the user's desired maximum label length, the user must edit the print data. In particular, when table data is used, a large amount of print data is often generated, which is likely to include multiple print data whose calculated label length exceeds the maximum label length, placing a heavy burden on the user to edit the print data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The print data generation device of the present invention comprises a maximum label length acquisition unit that acquires a maximum label length, a table data acquisition unit that acquires table data in which text is stored, and a print data generation unit that generates print data for each row of data in the table data based on the text contained in each row of data.If the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length, the print data generation unit generates non-excess print data based on the same text as the excess print data, whose calculated label length is less than or equal to the maximum label length, and replaces the excess print data with the non-excess print data.

[0006] The control method for a print data generating device of the present invention includes the steps of: the print data generating device acquiring a maximum label length; acquiring table data containing text; and generating print data for each row of data in the table data based on the text contained in each row of data; and in the step of generating print data, if the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length, non-excess print data is generated based on the same text as the excess print data, with the calculated label length being equal to or less than the maximum label length, and the excess print data is replaced with the non-excess print data.

[0007] The program of the present invention causes a print data generating device to execute the steps of acquiring a maximum label length, acquiring table data containing text, and generating print data for each row of data in the table data based on the text contained in each row of data. In the step of generating print data, if the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length, non-excess print data is generated based on the same text as the excess print data, and the calculated label length is less than or equal to the maximum label length, and the excess print data is replaced with the non-excess print data. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a tape printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of table data. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a label created based on the first row of the table data in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a label created based on the second row of the table data in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an external view of the tape printing device and the tape cartridge. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a PC and a tape printing apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a display example of an edit screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a PC. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a label in which the character size of some of the text printed on the label of FIG. 4 has been reduced. [Figure 10] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a label in which some of the text printed on the label in FIG. 4 has been broken into lines. [Figure 11] 5 is a diagram showing a label on which a code image is printed, which is a code image of the text printed on the label of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a print data transmission process performed by a PC. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 12. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The print data generating device, the control method for the print data generating device, and the program will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in some of the drawings, directions based on an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system or an XZ Cartesian coordinate system are used for the sake of convenience of explanation only, and do not limit the following embodiments in any way.

[0010] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a tape printing system SY. The tape printing system SY includes a PC (Personal Computer) 1 and a tape printing device 2, which are communicatively connected via a cable 5. The PC 1 is an example of a "print data generating device." Note that the PC 1 and the tape printing device 2 may be connected via wireless communication instead of the cable 5, or via a network.

[0011] PC1 generates print data for printing print images G1 to G3, GC on tape T (see FIG. 5) and sends the generated print data to the tape printer 2. When print images G1 to G3, GC are not distinguished from each other, they are simply referred to as "print image G." The tape printer 2 prints print image G on tape T based on the print data sent from PC1. Tape T is composed of print tape with an adhesive layer formed on its back surface and release tape attached to the print tape by this adhesive layer. After printing print image G, tape printer 2 cuts tape T. Hereinafter, this cut tape T will be referred to as "label 10" (see FIG. 3). The label 10 is used by peeling the release tape from the print tape and attaching it to an object to which it is to be attached.

[0012] The PC 1 according to this embodiment acquires table data 61 (see FIG. 2) and generates print data based on the text stored in the acquired table data 61. In other words, the PC 1 can generate print data for merge printing using the table data 61. Note that "table data" refers to table-format data or CSV data created by a spreadsheet application (not shown).

[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of table data 61. As shown in FIG. 2, the table data 61 is data consisting of columns and rows. When performing merge printing, the PC1 generates print data for each row of data in the table data 61. For example, the row data in the first row of the table data 61 shown in FIG. 2 contains three pieces of text: "Test," "111," and "AAA." Based on the row data in the first row, the PC1 generates print data for creating a label 10 on which three print images G are printed, as shown in FIG. 3. Furthermore, the row data in the second row of the table data 61 shown in FIG. 2 contains three pieces of text: "Test," "222," and "BBBBBBBBBBBBBB." Based on the row data in the second row, the PC1 generates print data for creating a label 10 on which three print images G are printed, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0014] As shown in Figure 3 and other figures, in merge printing, print areas PB1 to PB3 in which print images G are printed are set for each column of table data 61. When print areas PB1 to PB3 are not distinguished from one another, they are simply referred to as "print areas PB." For ease of explanation, print area PB is shown by dashed lines in Figure 3 and other figures, but is not actually printed on label 10. The length of print area PB in the X-axis direction changes depending on the number of characters of text to be merged. This print area PB is an area corresponding to text box B displayed as part of print image PI on edit screen D (see Figure 7). Details of edit screen D will be described later.

[0015] 3 and 4, the label 10 has a print image G based on the text contained in the "Title1" column printed in the first print area PB1, a print image G based on the text contained in the "Title2" column printed in the second print area PB2, and a print image G based on the text contained in the "Title3" column printed in the third print area PB3. Hereinafter, the print image G based on the text contained in the "Title1" column will be referred to as the "first print image G1," the print image G based on the text contained in the "Title2" column will be referred to as the "second print image G2," and the print image G based on the text contained in the "Title3" column will be referred to as the "third print image G3."

[0016] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the length of the label 10 to be produced varies depending on the length of the print area PB in the X-axis direction. Hereinafter, the length of the label 10 to be produced will be referred to as "label length to be produced L1." For example, the length of the third print area PB3 shown in Figure 4 in the X-axis direction is longer than the length of the third print area PB3 shown in Figure 3 in the X-axis direction, so the label length to be produced L1 shown in Figure 4 is longer than the label length to be produced L1 shown in Figure 3. In this way, with merge printing, the label length to be produced L1 varies depending on the line data to be merged.

[0017] The label length L1 to be produced is the sum of the leading margin length L11, the trailing margin length L12, and the printing length L13, which are the lengths of the marginal areas provided at both ends of the tape T in the X-axis direction. The leading margin length L11 is the length from the edge of the tape T in the -X direction to the edge in the -X direction of the printing area PB whose edge in the -X direction is closest to the -X direction among one or more printing areas PB. The trailing margin length L12 is the length from the edge of the tape T in the +X direction to the edge in the +X direction of the printing area PB whose edge in the +X direction is closest to the +X direction among one or more printing areas PB. In this embodiment, the leading margin length L11 and the trailing margin length L12 are set to the same length. The printing length L13 is the length from the edge in the -X direction of the printing area PB whose edge in the -X direction is closest to the -X direction among one or more printing areas PB to the edge in the +X direction of the printing area PB whose edge in the +X direction is closest to the +X direction among one or more printing areas PB.

[0018] However, when a label 10 is to be affixed to an object, if the created label 10 is longer than the applicable area, the label 10 may not be able to be affixed. For this reason, the PC 1 according to this embodiment is capable of setting the maximum length of the label 10. Hereinafter, the maximum length of the label 10 will be referred to as the "maximum label length."

[0019] If the label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the maximum label length, the PC 1 edits the print data so that the to-be-created label length L1 does not exceed the maximum label length. Hereinafter, the label length calculated based on the print data will be referred to as the "calculated label length." This eliminates the need for the user to manually edit the print data so that the calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length when print data is created that exceeds the maximum label length. Furthermore, the PC 1 according to this embodiment can also set the maximum label length when performing merge printing. Because merge printing is often performed when multiple tapes T are produced at once, being able to set the maximum label length further reduces the user's effort in editing the print data. This embodiment will mainly describe a method for generating print data when the maximum label length is set for merge printing.

[0020] 5 is an external view of the tape printing device 2 and the tape cartridge C. The tape printing device 2 includes an operation key group 21, a printing device display 22, a cartridge mounting section 23, and a tape ejection port 24.

[0021] The operation key group 21 and the printer-side display 22 are mainly used when the tape printer 2 operates in a stand-alone mode. In this embodiment, the tape printer 2 is assumed to operate while connected to the PC 1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0022] A tape cartridge C is removably mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 23. The tape cartridge C contains a tape T and an ink ribbon R wound in a case. The tape cartridge C also has a platen roller 17.

[0023] The cartridge mounting section 23 is provided with a platen drive shaft 25 and a print head 26. The platen drive shaft 25 is engaged with the platen roller 17 when the tape cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 23. The platen roller 17 feeds the tape T and ink ribbon R in the -X direction.

[0024] The print head 26 is located in a position facing the platen roller 17 when the tape cartridge C is installed in the cartridge mounting section 23. The print head 26 is driven to generate heat in accordance with the print data sent from the PC 1. This causes the ink on the ink ribbon R to be transferred to the tape T, and a print image G based on the print data is printed on the tape T.

[0025] A cutter 27 is provided between the cartridge mounting section 23 and the tape ejection opening 24. The cutter 27 cuts the printed tape T in the Z direction. The cut tape T is ejected from the tape ejection opening 24 as a label 10.

[0026] 6 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the PC 1 and the tape printing device 2. The PC 1 includes a PC display 11, a PC operation unit 12, a PC communication unit 13, a PC control unit 14, and a storage unit 15.

[0027] The PC display 11 displays various screens such as an edit screen D (see FIG. 7) described later. The PC operation unit 12 is, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and is used by the user to perform various operations.

[0028] The PC-side communication unit 13 communicates with the tape printing device 2 via the cable 5. For example, the PC-side communication unit 13 transmits print data to the tape printing device 2 and receives cartridge information, which is information about the tape cartridge C, from the tape printing device 2. The cartridge information includes tape width information that indicates the tape width of the tape T housed in the tape cartridge C.

[0029] The PC control unit 14 includes a PC central processing unit (CPU) 14a, a PC read-only memory (ROM) 14b, and a PC random access memory (RAM) 14c.

[0030] The PC-side CPU 14a performs various controls by loading various programs stored in the PC-side ROM 14b and the storage unit 15 into the PC-side RAM 14c and executing them. Note that the PC-side control unit 14 may use a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) as a processor instead of the PC-side CPU 14a. The processor may also be configured such that one or more CPUs and a hardware circuit such as an ASIC work together to operate.

[0031] The storage unit 15 stores a dedicated application 31. The dedicated application 31 is an example of a "program." The dedicated application 31 is an application program for generating print data and communicating with the tape printing device 2. The storage unit 15 also includes a table data storage area 32. The table data storage area 32 stores table data 61 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0032] The tape printing device 2 includes a printing device communication section 41, a cartridge information detection section 42, a printing device control section 43, and a printing section 44.

[0033] The printer communication unit 41 communicates with the PC 1 via the cable 5 .

[0034] The cartridge information detection unit 42 optically detects cartridge information from a code image (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the tape cartridge C loaded in the cartridge loading unit 23. The cartridge information detection unit 42 may also detect cartridge information from a circuit board (not shown) or an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tag (not shown) provided on the tape cartridge C.

[0035] The printing device control unit 43 includes a printing device CPU 43a, a printing device ROM 43b, and a printing device RAM 43c.

[0036] The printer-side ROM 43b stores control programs such as firmware. The printer-side CPU 43a performs various controls by loading the control programs such as firmware stored in the printer-side ROM 43b into the printer-side RAM 43c and executing them. Note that the printer-side control unit 43 may use a hardware circuit such as an ASIC as a processor instead of the printer-side CPU 43a. The processor may also be configured so that one or more CPUs and a hardware circuit such as an ASIC work together.

[0037] When the printing device CPU 43a acquires print data from PC1, it causes the printing unit 44, which will be described later, to print the data. Furthermore, when the printing device CPU 43a receives a cartridge information request signal from PC1, it sends the cartridge information detected by the cartridge information detection unit 42 to PC1.

[0038] The printing unit 44 is a mechanism for printing on the tape T, and includes a print head 26 , a feed motor 44 a , a platen drive shaft 25 , a cutter motor 44 b , and a cutter 27 .

[0039] The print head 26 has multiple heating elements and performs printing by thermally transferring ink from the ink ribbon R to the tape T. The feed motor 44a is a drive source that drives the platen drive shaft 25. The feed motor 44a feeds the tape T and ink ribbon R in the -X direction by rotating the platen roller 17 via the platen drive shaft 25. The cutter motor 44b is a drive source that drives the cutter 27. The cutter motor 44b drives the cutter 27 to cut the tape T in the Z direction.

[0040] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the editing screen D. The PC 1 starts the dedicated application 31 to display the editing screen D on the PC display 11. Fig. 7 shows the state in which table data 61 for merge printing is displayed on the editing screen D.

[0041] The editing screen D is partitioned into a print image display area 51, a table data display area 52, and an operation area 53. The print image display area 51 displays a print image PI. The print image PI includes a label image LI, print image images GI1 to GI3, text boxes B1 to B3, and length information 65. When the print image images GI1 to GI3 are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "print image images GI." When the text boxes B1 to B3 are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as "text boxes B."

[0042] The label image LI is an imitation of the label 10, and the print image GI is an imitation of the print image G.

[0043] Text box B is a frame indicating the area into which text read from table data 61 is inserted. Text box B can be placed at any position on label image LI. For example, text box B can be created by right-clicking the mouse in print image display area 51, selecting "Add Block Frame" from a menu (not shown), and associating it with columns of table data 61. In the example of FIG. 7, first text box B1, second text box B2, and third text box B3 are associated with the "Title1" column, "Title2" column, and "Title3" column of table data 61, respectively. Furthermore, text box B can be resized by dragging its edges or vertices with the mouse.

[0044] 7, the second text box B2 is placed in the -Z direction of the first text box B1, and the third text box B3 is placed in the +X direction of the first text box B1 and the second text box B2. The lengths of the first text box B1 and the second text box B2 in the Z-axis direction are both set shorter than the length of the third text box B3 in the Z-axis direction.

[0045] The length of text box B in the X-axis direction changes depending on the number of characters of text being poured into it. The character size of the text poured into text box B is automatically set depending on the length of text box B in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the character size of the text poured into the first text box B1 and the second text box B2 will be smaller than the text poured into the third text box B3. Furthermore, if a line break is inserted after text is poured into text box B, the character size is automatically reduced so that the text after the line break fits into text box B.

[0046] The length information 65 displays numerical values ​​indicating the leading margin length L11, trailing margin length L12, and to-be-produced label length L1 (see FIG. 3 for all of these). The leading margin length L11 and trailing margin length L12 indicate the margin lengths entered in the margin length input field 73, which will be described later. The to-be-produced label length L1 indicates the calculated label length calculated based on the print data. Note that in the example of FIG. 7, the length information 65 is displayed in millimeters, but it may also be displayed in other units, such as inches.

[0047] Table data 61 is displayed in table data display area 52. In the example of Fig. 7, the table data 61 shown in Fig. 2 is displayed. In addition, in the example of Fig. 7, a print image PI based on the row data of the first row of table data 61 displayed in table data display area 52 is displayed in print image display area 51.

[0048] In the operation area 53, an acquire button 71, a tape width input field 72, a margin length input field 73, a maximum label length input field 74, and a print button 75 are displayed.

[0049] When the acquire button 71 is selected, the PC1 sends a cartridge information request signal to the tape printer 2. When the PC1 receives cartridge information from the tape printer 2, it displays the tape width indicated by the tape width information included in the received cartridge information in the tape width input field 72. The PC1 displays a label image LI of the tape width displayed in the tape width input field 72 in the print image display area 51. Note that the user can also input a desired tape width into the tape width input field 72. In this case, the PC1 also displays a label image LI of the tape width input into the tape width input field 72 in the print image display area 51.

[0050] The user inputs the margin length into the margin length input field 73. The margin length input into the margin length input field 73 becomes the front margin length L11 and the rear margin length L12. The PC 1 displays the label image LI and length information 65 in the print image display area 51 so that the margin lengths are the ones input into the margin length input field 73. Note that the margin length input field 73 may be provided with two input fields for separately inputting the front margin length L11 and the rear margin length L12.

[0051] If the user desires to set a maximum label length, the user inputs the maximum label length into the maximum label length input field 74. If a maximum label length is input into the maximum length input field 74, the PC 1 sets the input length as the maximum label length. If a maximum label length is not input into the maximum length input field 74, the PC 1 does not set a maximum label length.

[0052] In the example of FIG. 7, the maximum label length is set to "70 mm." If the print data generated based on the table data 61 includes print data for which the calculated label length exceeds "70 mm," the PC 1 determines that print data is excess print data and generates non-excess print data, which is print data for which the length of the tape T is 70 mm or less. The PC 1 then replaces the excess print data with the generated non-excess print data and sends it to the tape printer 2, causing the tape printer 2 to create labels 10 with a production label length L1 that does not exceed the maximum label length. Note that if a maximum label length is not entered in the maximum length input field 74, the PC 1 does not generate non-excess print data and sends the excess print data to the tape printer 2 as is.

[0053] Furthermore, the minimum length that can be entered is set in the maximum label length input field 74. This minimum value is a length that allows at least the code image GC (see FIG. 11) to be printed. Furthermore, when the maximum label length is entered in the maximum label length input field 74, i.e., when the maximum label length is set, the minimum tape width that can be entered is set in the tape width input field 72. This minimum value is the tape width that allows at least the code image GC to be printed. Note that if the tape width indicated by the tape width information acquired by selecting the acquire button 71 is a tape width that is less than this minimum value, the PC 1 displays an error on the editing screen D.

[0054] The print button 75 is a button for issuing a print instruction. For example, when the print button 75 is selected in the state shown in FIG. 7, the PC 1 generates three pieces of print data based on the table data 61 shown in FIG. 2. If none of the three pieces of print data is excess print data, the PC 1 sends the three pieces of print data to the tape printing device 2. Furthermore, if excess print data is included in the three pieces of print data, the PC 1 generates non-excess print data based on the same text as the excess print data, replaces the excess print data with the non-excess print data, and sends it to the tape printing device 2.

[0055] 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the PC 1. The PC 1 includes a table data acquisition unit 110, a maximum label length acquisition unit 120, a tape width information acquisition unit 130, and a print data generation unit 140. These functions are realized by the PC-side CPU 14a executing a dedicated application 31.

[0056] The table data acquisition unit 110 acquires table data 61 in which text is stored, as shown in Fig. 2. The table data acquisition unit 110 acquires the table data 61 from the table data storage area 32 (see Fig. 6).

[0057] The maximum label length is acquired by the maximum label length acquisition unit 120. The maximum label length acquisition unit 120 acquires the length input in the maximum length input field 74 (see FIG. 7) on the editing screen D as the maximum label length.

[0058] The tape width information acquisition unit 130 acquires tape width information that indicates the tape width of the tape T for creating the label 10. The tape width information acquisition unit 130 receives cartridge information sent from the tape printing device 2 and acquires the tape width information included in the cartridge information.

[0059] The print data generation unit 140 generates print data based on the text included in each row of data in the table data 61. If the generated print data includes excess print data whose calculated label length exceeds the acquired maximum label length, the print data generation unit 140 generates non-excess print data whose calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length based on the same text as the excess print data, and replaces the excess print data with the non-excess print data.

[0060] More specifically, to generate non-excess print data, print data generation unit 140 uses at least one of a first means for reducing the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data, a second means for inserting line breaks into the text used to generate the excess print data, and a third means for converting the text used to generate the excess print data into a code image. In this embodiment, print data generation unit 140 generates non-excess print data by prioritizing the first means among these first, second, and third means as a first priority and the second means as a second priority.

[0061] The text targeted by the first and second means is text that is not included within the set maximum label length range. For example, the example in Figure 4 shows a case where the produced label length L1 is longer than the maximum label length, and therefore is a diagram showing an example of a label 10 created based on excess print data. In the example in Figure 4, the text targeted by the first and second means is the text "BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB" shown in the third print image G3. In other words, the text targeted by the first and second means is text that is not included in the range from the end of the label 10 in the -X direction to a position shifted in the +X direction by the maximum label length when the label 10 is created based on excess print data.

[0062] The text that is the target of the third method is all text that is printed based on the excess print data. For example, in the example shown in Figure 4, the text that is the target of the third method is "Test," "222," and "BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB."

[0063] If the character size of the text indicated by the excess print data is not the minimum character size, the print data generation unit 140 generates non-excess print data using the first means. This is because the character size of the text cannot be reduced if the character size of the text is the minimum character size.

[0064] In the first method, reducing the character size of text refers to decreasing the character size of text one step at a time. For example, assume that the character size of text can be set to three levels: 24 x 24 dots, 48 ​​x 48 dots, and 64 x 64 dots. If the character size of the text indicated by the excess print data is 64 x 64 dots, the print data generation unit 140 generates print data with a character size of 48 x 48 dots. If the calculated label length based on that print data is less than the maximum label length, the print data generation unit 140 classifies that print data as non-excess print data. If the calculated label length based on the print data with a character size of 48 x 48 dots is not less than the maximum label length, the print data generation unit 140 generates print data with a character size of 24 x 24 dots. If the calculated label length based on that print data is less than the maximum label length, the print data generation unit 140 classifies that print data as non-excess print data. Furthermore, if the calculated label length based on the print data with the character size set to "24 x 24 dots" is not equal to or less than the maximum label length, the print data generating unit 140 generates the print data using the second means.

[0065] Furthermore, if the tape width indicated by the tape width information acquired by the tape width information acquisition unit 130 is equal to or greater than a predetermined tape width, the print data generation unit 140 generates print data using the second means. The predetermined tape width is the minimum tape width that can print two lines of text. In this embodiment, the second means performs a line break in the text only once.

[0066] In the second method, "breaking text into a new line" means breaking a line near the center of a single line of text to make it into two lines of text. For example, if the text is "ABCDE", a line break is made after "B" or after "C" to make it into two lines of text.

[0067] Furthermore, in the third means, converting text into a code image refers to converting the text into a code image GC (see FIG. 11) such as a QR Code (registered trademark). For example, if the text to be processed by the third means is "Test," "222," and "BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB," the third means converts these three pieces of text into one code image GC.

[0068] Figure 9 shows a label 10 based on non-excess print data in which the character size of the text "BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB" from the three texts printed on the label 10 shown in Figure 4 has been reduced by the first means. The text shown in the third print image G3 in Figure 9 has a smaller character size than the text shown in the third print image G3 in Figure 4. As a result, the length of the third print area PB3 in the X-axis direction of the label 10 shown in Figure 9 is shorter than the label 10 shown in Figure 4, and therefore the print length L13 and the produced label length L1 are also shorter.

[0069] FIG. 10 shows a label 10 based on non-excess print data in which the text "BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB" from the three texts printed on the label 10 shown in FIG. 4 has been broken into lines by the second method when the maximum label length is set to a value smaller than the label length L1 of the label L shown in FIG. 9. As shown in the third print image G3 of FIG. 10, the text has a line break in the middle of the 16-character text, resulting in two lines of eight characters each. The character size of the text has also been reduced so that the two lines of text fit within the third print area PB3. Furthermore, because the text has been broken into lines, the length of the third print area PB3 in the X-axis direction of the label 10 shown in FIG. 10 is shorter than the label 10 shown in FIG. 4, and therefore the print length L13 and the label length L1 to be produced are also shorter.

[0070] FIG. 11 shows a label 10 based on non-excess print data in which the three texts printed on the label 10 shown in FIG. 4 are converted into code images by a third means when the maximum label length is set to a value smaller than the produced label length L1 of the label L shown in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 11, a code image GC in which the three texts are converted into a code image is printed on the label 10. As a result of the three texts being converted into a code image in this way, the label 10 shown in FIG. 11 has only a code printing area PBC in which the code image GC is printed, instead of the first printing area PB1 to the third printing area PB3 shown in FIG. 4. Therefore, the label 10 shown in FIG. 11 has a shorter printing length L13 and a shorter produced label length L1 than the label 10 shown in FIG. 4.

[0071] 12 and 13 are flowcharts showing the print data transmission process by the PC 1. The print data transmission process starts with the edit screen D displayed on the PC display 11. The print data transmission process shown below is the process performed when the maximum label length has been entered in the maximum length input field 74, i.e., when the maximum label length has been set.

[0072] In step S01 of FIG. 12, the PC 1 acquires the table data 61 (see FIG. 2).

[0073] In step S02, the PC 1 acquires the maximum label length. The PC 1 acquires the length input in the maximum label length input field 74 (see FIG. 7) on the editing screen D as the maximum label length.

[0074] In step S03, the PC 1 determines whether a print instruction has been issued. That is, the PC 1 determines whether the print button 75 has been selected on the editing screen D. If the PC 1 determines that a print instruction has been issued, it proceeds to step S04. If the PC 1 determines that a print instruction has not been issued, it repeats the determination in step S03.

[0075] In step S04, the PC 1 acquires the tape width information. The PC 1 receives the cartridge information from the tape printing device 2 by sending a cartridge information request signal to the tape printing device 2, and acquires the tape width information included in the received cartridge information.

[0076] In step S05, the PC 1 generates print data for each row of the table data 61 acquired in step S01. It is assumed that in step S05, the PC 1 generates m pieces of print data (where m is an integer greater than or equal to 1).

[0077] In step S06, PC1 determines whether the nth print data (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) of the m pieces of print data generated in step S05 is excess print data. As described above, excess print data is print data for which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the maximum label length obtained in step S02. If PC1 determines that the nth print data is excess print data, it proceeds to step S07 in FIG. 13. If PC1 determines that the nth print data is not excess print data, it proceeds to step S15.

[0078] In step S07 of FIG. 13, PC1 determines whether the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data can be reduced. If the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data is not the minimum character size, PC1 determines that the character size of the text can be reduced. If PC1 determines that the character size of the text can be reduced, it proceeds to step S08. If PC1 determines that the character size of the text cannot be reduced, it proceeds to step S10.

[0079] In step S08, the PC 1 generates print data by the first means, that is, the PC 1 generates print data in which the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data is reduced.

[0080] In step S09, PC1 determines whether the calculated label length calculated based on the print data generated in step S08 is equal to or less than the maximum label length acquired in step S02. If PC1 determines that the calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length, it proceeds to step S14. If PC1 determines that the calculated label length is not equal to or less than the maximum label length, that is, if it determines that the calculated label length exceeds the maximum label length, it proceeds to step S10.

[0081] In step S10, PC1 determines whether the text used to generate the excess print data can be broken into lines. If the tape width indicated by the tape width information acquired in step S04 is equal to or greater than the predetermined tape width, PC1 determines that the text can be broken into lines. If PC1 determines that the text can be broken into lines, it proceeds to step S11. If PC1 determines that the text cannot be broken into lines, it proceeds to step S13.

[0082] In step S11, PC1 generates print data using the second means. That is, PC1 generates print data by inserting line breaks into the text used to generate the excess print data. Note that even if the character size of the text is reduced in step S08, PC1 generates print data by inserting line breaks into the text at the character size before reduction in step S11.

[0083] In step S12, PC1 determines whether the calculated label length calculated based on the print data generated in step S11 is equal to or less than the maximum label length acquired in step S02. If PC1 determines that the calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length, it proceeds to step S14. If PC1 determines that the calculated label length is not equal to or less than the maximum label length, that is, if it determines that the calculated label length exceeds the maximum label length, it proceeds to step S13.

[0084] In step S13, the PC 1 generates print data by a third means, that is, the PC 1 generates print data by converting the text used to generate the excess print data into a code image.

[0085] In step S14, the PC 1 sets the print data generated in any one of steps S08, S11, and S13 as non-excess print data, and replaces the excess print data with the non-excess print data.

[0086] In step S15, the PC1 sets n to "n+1".

[0087] In step S16, the PC1 determines whether n is equal to or less than m. If the PC1 determines that n is equal to or less than m, the process returns to step S06. If the PC1 determines that n is not equal to or less than m, that is, that n exceeds m, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0088] In step S17, the PC 1 transmits the print data to the tape printing device 2. The PC 1 transmits a total of m pieces of print data generated in any of steps S05, S08, S11, and S13 to the tape printing device 2. After step S17, the PC 1 ends the print data transmission process.

[0089] As explained above, when generated print data during merge printing includes excess print data whose calculated label length exceeds the maximum label length, the PC 1 according to this embodiment generates non-excess print data based on the same text as the excess print data, with a calculated label length equal to or less than the maximum label length. This allows the user to set the maximum label length during merge printing, and eliminates the need to edit the excess print data even when the generated print data includes excess print data.

[0090] Furthermore, PC1 generates non-excess print data using at least one of the following means: a first means for reducing the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data; a second means for inserting line breaks into the text used to generate the excess print data; and a third means for converting the text used to generate the excess print data into a code image. This allows PC1 to generate non-excess print data more reliably than if it were to generate non-excess print data using only one of these means.

[0091] Furthermore, PC1 generates non-excess print data from among the first, second, and third means in the order of priority: first means, second means, third means. This allows non-excess print data to be generated more reliably without changing the appearance of the text used to generate the excess print data as much as possible.

[0092] Regardless of the above embodiment, the following modifications can be adopted. [Variation 1] The PC 1 may accept a selection of which of the first, second, and third means to use to generate non-excess print data. In this case, the user may select one means or multiple means. Furthermore, if the user selects multiple methods, the PC 1 may accept the user's preference setting. In this case, the PC 1 generates non-excess print data using the method selected by the user, in accordance with the preference set by the user. This configuration allows the user to select the desired method and set the desired preference order.

[0093] [Variation 2] The PC 1 may generate non-excess print data using a means other than the first, second, and third means, or by combining any of the first, second, and third means with another means. Possible other means include shortening the leading margin length L11 and the trailing margin length L12, narrowing the character spacing of the text, or changing the text font to one with a narrower character width.

[0094] [Variation 3] The PC 1 may be configured to be able to reduce the character size of the text by only one level in the first means. In this case, if the calculated label length based on the print data generated by the first means exceeds the maximum label length, the PC 1 may generate print data by the second means, and the second means may insert a line break in the text with the character size reduced by the first means. As a further modification, the PC 1 may accept the setting of a minimum character size when the character size is reduced by the first means. In this case, the PC 1 may reduce the character size by one step at a time until it reaches the minimum character size by the first means, and if the calculated label length when the character size of the text is the minimum character size exceeds the maximum label length, generate print data by the second means. As a further modification, if a minimum character size is not set, the PC 1 may reduce the character size of the text so that the calculated label length based on the generated print data is the largest character size possible within the range of the maximum label length. In this case, the PC 1 can generate non-excess print data using only the first means.

[0095] [Variation 4] In the second means, PC1 may allow the text to be line-fed not only once but multiple times. For example, if two line feeds are allowed, PC1 may first generate print data by line-fed the text once near the center, and if the calculated label length based on the print data exceeds the maximum label length, generate print data by line-fed the text twice. When line-fed text twice, line-fed text may be inserted about 1 / 3 of the way from the first character and about 2 / 3 of the way from the first character. If the calculated label length based on the print data generated by line-fed text twice exceeds the maximum label length, PC1 may use the third means to generate non-exceeding print data. As a further modification, the PC 1 may perform line breaks on the text as much as possible until the calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length, i.e., the PC 1 may perform line breaks on the text until the number of characters per line is one character.

[0096] [Variation 5] The PC1 may accept a selection of the type of code image GC that converts the text into a code image in the third means. In this case, the PC1 converts the text into the type of code image GC selected by the user. The PC1 can accept a selection from multiple types of code image GC, such as "QR Code (registered trademark)" and "Micro QR Code (registered trademark)." As a further modification, the PC1 may determine what type of code image GC to convert the text into, depending on the tape width indicated by the acquired tape width information. For example, if the tape width indicated by the tape width information is less than the first tape width, the PC1 may convert the text into a "micro QR code (registered trademark)" in the third means, and if the tape width indicated by the tape width information is wider than the first tape width, the PC1 may convert the text into a "QR code (registered trademark)" in the third means.

[0097] [Variation 6] The tape printing device 2 may issue an error notification if the cartridge type cannot be detected by the cartridge information detection unit 42 when receiving a cartridge information request signal from the PC 1. The case where the cartridge type cannot be detected may be, for example, when the tape cartridge C is not mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 23 or when a detection error occurs in the cartridge information detection unit 42. For example, the tape printing device 2 may notify an error by displaying an error message on the printer display 22 to the effect that the cartridge type could not be detected. Alternatively, the tape printing device 2 may notify an error to the PC 1. In this case, the PC 1 may display an error message on the PC display 11 to the effect that the tape width information could not be acquired.

[0098] [Variation 7] The above embodiment may be applied to the tape printing device 2. That is, the tape printing device 2 may realize each of the functions shown in Fig. 8. In this modification, each of the functions shown in Fig. 8 is realized by the printing device CPU 43a executing a control program stored in the printing device ROM 43b.

[0099] [Variation 8] The "print data generating device" may be an information processing terminal such as a tablet terminal instead of the PC 1. The dedicated application 31 may be provided to the customer as a program. A storage medium on which the dedicated application 31 is recorded may be provided to the customer. Other modifications may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0100] [Note] The print data generating device, the control method for the print data generating device, and the program will be described below. PC1 comprises a maximum label length acquisition unit 120 that acquires the maximum label length, a table data acquisition unit 110 that acquires table data 61 in which text is stored, and a print data generation unit 140 that generates print data for each row of data in table data 61 based on the text contained in each row of data.If the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length, print data generation unit 140 generates non-excess print data based on the same text as the excess print data, whose calculated label length is less than or equal to the maximum label length, and replaces the excess print data with the non-excess print data.

[0101] The control method of PC1 is such that PC1 executes the steps of acquiring the maximum label length, acquiring table data 61 storing text, and generating print data for each row of data in table data 61 based on the text contained in each row of data; in the step of generating print data, if the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length, non-excess print data is generated based on the same text as the excess print data, with the calculated label length being equal to or less than the maximum label length, and the excess print data is replaced with the non-excess print data.

[0102] The program causes PC1 to execute the steps of acquiring a maximum label length, acquiring table data 61 containing text, and generating print data for each row of table data 61 based on the text contained in each row of data. In the step of generating print data, if the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length, non-excess print data is generated based on the same text as the excess print data, and the calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length, and the excess print data is replaced with the non-excess print data.

[0103] According to this configuration, when generating print data using the table data 61, the user can save time and effort in editing the excess print data.

[0104] In the above PC1, when excess print data is included in the generated print data, the print data generation unit 140 preferably generates non-excess print data using at least one of a first means for reducing the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data, a second means for inserting a line break into the text used to generate the excess print data, and a third means for converting the text used to generate the excess print data into a code image.

[0105] According to this configuration, the PC 1 can generate non-excess print data using at least one of the first means, the second means, and the third means.

[0106] In the above PC1, when the generated print data includes excess print data, the print data generation unit 140 determines whether the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data is the minimum character size, and if the character size of the text indicated by the excess print data is not the minimum character size, it preferably generates non-excess print data using the first means, and if the character size of the text indicated by the excess print data is the minimum character size, it preferably generates non-excess print data using at least one of the second means and the third means.

[0107] According to this configuration, the PC 1 can generate non-excess print data by giving the first means the first priority among the first means, second means, and third means.

[0108] The above PC1 preferably further comprises a tape width information acquisition unit 130 that acquires tape width information indicating the tape width of the tape T from which the label 10 is to be created, and when the generated print data includes excess print data and the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data is the minimum character size, the print data generation unit 140 determines whether the tape width indicated by the tape width information is equal to or greater than a predetermined tape width, and if it determines that the tape width indicated by the tape width information is equal to or greater than the predetermined tape width, generates non-excess print data using a second means, and if it determines that the tape width indicated by the tape width information is less than the predetermined tape width, generates non-excess print data using a third means.

[0109] According to this configuration, the PC 1 can generate non-excess print data from among the first means, second means, and third means in the order of priority of the first means, second means, and third means. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...PC, 2...tape printing device, 10...label, 15...memory unit, 31...dedicated application, 61...table data, 110...table data acquisition unit, 120...maximum label length acquisition unit, 130...tape width information acquisition unit, 140...print data generation unit, T...tape.

Claims

1. a maximum label length acquisition unit for acquiring a maximum label length; a table data acquisition unit that acquires table data in which text is stored; a print data generating unit that generates print data for each row of data of the table data based on the text included in the row of data, The print data generation unit If the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the acquired maximum label length, the print data generation device generates non-excess print data based on the same text as the excess print data, in which the calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length, and replaces the excess print data with the non-excess print data.

2. The print data generation unit The print data generation device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the generated print data includes the excess print data, the non-excess print data is generated using at least one of a first means for reducing the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data, a second means for inserting a line break into the text used to generate the excess print data, and a third means for converting the text used to generate the excess print data into a code image.

3. The print data generation unit The print data generation device described in claim 2, characterized in that when the generated print data includes excess print data, it determines whether the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data is the minimum character size, and if the character size of the text indicated by the excess print data is not the minimum character size, it uses the first means to generate the non-excess print data, and if the character size of the text indicated by the excess print data is the minimum character size, it uses at least one of the second means and the third means to generate the non-excess print data.

4. a tape width information acquiring unit that acquires tape width information indicating the tape width of a tape for which a label is to be created; The print data generation unit 4. The print data generating device according to claim 3, wherein, when the generated print data includes excess print data and the character size of the text used to generate the excess print data is the minimum character size, the device determines whether the tape width indicated by the tape width information is equal to or greater than a predetermined tape width, and, when it is determined that the tape width indicated by the tape width information is equal to or greater than the predetermined tape width, generates the non-excess print data using the second means, and when it is determined that the tape width indicated by the tape width information is less than the predetermined tape width, generates the non-excess print data using the third means.

5. A print data generating device obtaining a maximum label length; obtaining table data containing text; generating print data for each row of data in the table data based on the text included in the row of data; In the step of generating print data, A control method for a print data generation device, characterized in that if the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the obtained maximum label length, non-excess print data is generated based on the same text as the excess print data, so that the calculated label length is equal to or less than the maximum label length, and the excess print data is replaced with the non-excess print data.

6. A print data generating device obtaining a maximum label length; obtaining table data containing text; generating print data for each row of data in the table data based on the text included in each row of data, In the step of generating print data, A program characterized in that, if the generated print data includes excess print data in which the calculated label length calculated based on the print data exceeds the obtained maximum label length, the program generates non-excess print data based on the same text as the excess print data, in which the calculated label length is less than or equal to the maximum label length, and replaces the excess print data with the non-excess print data.

Images