Information processing apparatus, information control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a user interface for allowing a user to intuitively create a label with a simple operation.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus is provided with a controller that displays a window W1 of a second application on a desktop screen 1004a based on reference information for referring to a data file of a first application that supports label creation. The Window W1 includes a label image 1410 corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a GUI component 1401 related to printing the label image 1410. The controller outputs a label image printing instruction to the printing device in response to the operation of selecting the GUI component 1401 when the first application is not running.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Printing devices that create labels by printing characters, images, etc. on tape, which is a long, narrow strip of printing medium, are known. To promote the use of this type of printing device, an application program that assists in label creation (hereinafter referred to as a label creation assistance application) that runs on an information processing device such as a personal computer or smartphone is sometimes provided. Related technology is described, for example, in Patent Document 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-092326 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By using the label creation support application, it is possible to easily create data files for labels with various designs, and to instruct a printer to create labels based on the created data files. In addition, the created data files can be saved on an information processing device and can be read and used whenever necessary.

[0005] However, to use the created data file, it is necessary to start the label creation support application, and to instruct label creation using the label creation support application, it is necessary to select and read from the information processing device the data file corresponding to the label to be created.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique for providing a user interface that enables a user to intuitively create a label with a simple operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that displays a window of a second application on a screen based on reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that assists in label creation, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced in the reference information and a first graphical user interface component, and the control unit outputs a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component when the first application is not running.

[0008] An information processing device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that displays a window of a second application on a screen based on reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that assists in label creation, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced in the reference information and a second graphical user interface component, and when the first application is not running, the control unit, in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, executes the first application by specifying the data file corresponding to the label image, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application.

[0009] An information control method according to one embodiment of the present invention reads reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that assists in label creation, displays a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced in the reference information and a first graphical user interface component, and, when the first application is not running, outputs a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component.

[0010] An information control method according to another aspect of the present invention reads reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that assists in label creation, displays a window of the second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced in the reference information and a second graphical user interface component, and, when the first application is not running, executes the first application by specifying the data file corresponding to the label image in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application.

[0011] A program according to one embodiment of the present invention causes a computer to read reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that assists in label creation, display a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced in the reference information and a first graphical user interface component, and, when the first application is not running, output a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component.

[0012] A program according to another aspect of the present invention causes a computer to read reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that assists in label creation, display a window of the second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including at least a label image corresponding to the data file referenced in the reference information and a second graphical user interface component, and, when the first application is not running, execute the first application by specifying the data file corresponding to the label image in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the above aspect, it is possible to provide a user interface that allows a user to intuitively create a label with a simple operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a partial plan view of a printing device 1 according to an embodiment with the cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport path for a print medium. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing device 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing device 1000 according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of a flowchart of a label image registration process. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of an editing screen of a label creation support application. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a print preview screen of a label creation support application. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a desktop screen after a label image registration process. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a flowchart of a label image window display process. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a desktop screen after label image window display processing. [Figure 12] 10 is an example of a flowchart of a label image window response process. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining updating of a label image by a switching operation of insertion data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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 stickable. However, tape does not necessarily have to have an adhesive layer. Furthermore, a label refers to tape used as a print medium with some information printed on it.

[0017] The printing method of the printing device according to the embodiment is not particularly limited. The printing device may be, 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 also be an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or the like.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of a printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention with the cover open.

[0019] The system shown in Fig. 1 includes a printing device 1 and an information processing device 1000 on which a label creation support application runs. In the system shown in Fig. 1, the information processing device 1000 outputs a print instruction for a label image created by the label creation support application to the printing device 1, which then prints the label image on tape 13 to create a label on which the label image is printed.

[0020] The information processing device 1000 is, for example, a notebook terminal as shown in Fig. 1, but is not limited to this example. The information processing device 1000 may be a tablet terminal or a smartphone. Note that the information processing device 1000 is not limited to a mobile terminal and may also be a stationary device.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 exchange data, for example, via wireless communication. The standard of the wireless communication performed between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 is not particularly limited. For example, a wireless LAN standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be adopted. Communication may be performed in ad hoc mode as shown in FIG. 1, or in infrastructure mode via an access point. 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 performed between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000. However, communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 is not limited to wireless communication, and may also be communication using a wired cable.

[0022] The printing device 1 illustrated in Figures 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 concave adapter mounting section 201 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 underlined number "9" in Figures 1 and 2 indicates that the width of the tape 13 stored in the tape adapter 11 is 9 mm. Note that the tape 13 is not limited to 9 mm wide, and various widths such as 12 mm, 18 mm, and 36 mm can also be used.

[0023] The adapter mounting section 201 of the device housing 2 communicates with an outlet 202 provided on the side of the device housing 2. The printing device 1 can transport the tape 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11 mounted in the adapter mounting section 201 along a transport path provided in the device housing 2 and eject it from the outlet 202. The device housing 2 is equipped with a platen roller (transport roller) 6 that transports the tape 13 pulled 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.

[0024] The lid 4 is attached to the device housing 2 so that the adapter mounting section 201 in the device housing 2 can be opened and closed. In the printing device 1, a keyboard 3 is provided in an area of ​​the device housing 2 that does not interfere with the lid 4 when it is in the closed position, and a display 5 is provided on the surface of the lid 4. The keyboard 3 is an input device having multiple keys for inputting and selecting various pieces of information related to the operation of the printing device 1. The display 5 is a display device that displays various pieces of information input or selected using the keyboard 3.

[0025] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport path for a print medium, in which the transport path for the tape 13 in the printing device 1 is shown as a straight path.

[0026] The tape 13 unwound from the tape roll 12 and supplied to the printing device 1 passes between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 of the printing unit 7, and is transported along a transport path leading to the discharge outlet 202 of the device housing 2. For example, when the lid 4 moves to the closed position, the tape 13 is sandwiched between the circumferential surface of the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701, and is transported along the transport path as the platen roller 6 rotates.

[0027] The platen roller 6 in the printing device 1 of this embodiment can be rotated by the power of a motor (not shown) in a first rotation direction that feeds the tape 13 toward the discharge port 202, and in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction. In the following description, rotation of the platen roller 6 in the first rotation direction will be referred to as forward rotation, and the feed direction of the tape 13 when the platen roller 6 is rotated forward will be referred to as the forward direction. Also in the following description, rotation of the platen roller 6 in the second rotation direction will be referred to as reverse rotation, and the feed direction of the tape 13 when the platen roller 6 is rotated reverse will be referred to as the reverse direction.

[0028] The printing device 1 prints on the tape 13 by applying heat from the thermal head 701 to the tape 13 as it is transported forward. In the following description, the position on the transport path where the tape 13 and the thermal head 701 come into contact is referred to as the printing position.

[0029] The tape 13 transported along the transport path can be cut by a first cutter 801 at a full-cut position between the print position and the discharge position (a position corresponding to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2). The tape 13 transported along the transport path can be cut by a second cutter 802 at a half-cut position between the full-cut position and the discharge position.

[0030] The first cutter 801 is a full cutter that cuts the entire tape 13 at a cut line of the tape 13 at the full cut position, separating it into two pieces. For example, if the tape 13 is a print medium that includes a substrate that is an adhesive tape layer and a separator that is a protective layer that protects the adhesive tape layer, the first cutter 801 cuts both the substrate and the separator, separating each of the substrate and the separator into two pieces.

[0031] The second cutter 802 is a half cutter that cuts the tape 13 at a cut line in the tape 13 at the half-cut position so that both sides of the cut line remain integral due to the uncut portions. For example, if the tape 13 is a print medium that includes a substrate that is an adhesive tape layer and a separator that is a protective layer that protects the adhesive tape layer, the second cutter 802 cuts only the substrate and does not cut the separator. Note that the second cutter 802 may also be a cutter that cuts the tape 13 so that perforations are created in the tape 13.

[0032] 3, the printing device 1 may also be provided with a pair of discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 that sandwich the tape 13 between the half-cut position and the discharge position on the conveyance path and assist in conveying the tape 13 in the forward direction. For example, when the tape 13 is cut by the first cutter 801, the discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 operate so that the tape 13 located downstream of the full-cut position is conveyed in the forward direction. In the following description, the position on the conveyance path where the tape 13 is sandwiched between the discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 is referred to as the discharge roller position. The discharge roller position is a position between the full-cut position and the discharge position.

[0033] 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment. The printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 140, a conveying unit 150, a printing unit 160, a cutting unit 170, a sensor 180, and a communication unit 190.

[0034] The input unit 130 is an input device for inputting various information to the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the above-mentioned keyboard 3. The display unit 140 is a display device for displaying various information to the user of the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the above-mentioned display 5.

[0035] The transport unit 150 transports the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The transport unit 150 includes, for example, the platen roller 6, a motor connected to the platen roller 6, a drive circuit that drives the motor, and an encoder that detects the number of rotations (rotation angle) of the platen roller 6.

[0036] The printing unit 160 prints on the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The printing unit 160 corresponds to the printing unit 7 described above, and includes, for example, a thermal head 701, a drive circuit that drives the heat generating elements of the thermal head 701, and a thermistor that detects the temperature of the thermal head 701.

[0037] The cutting section 170 cuts the tape 13 under the control of the control section 100. The cutting section 170 corresponds to the above-described cutting unit 8, and includes, for example, a first cutter 801, a second cutter 802, motors connected to each cutter, a drive circuit for driving the motors, and a pair of discharge rollers 1501 and 1502.

[0038] The control unit 100 controls the conveying unit 150, the printing unit 160, and the cutting unit 170. The control unit 100 controls the operation of one or more of the conveying unit 150, the printing unit 160, and the cutting unit 170, thereby controlling the execution of the conveying process, the printing process, and the cutting process in the printing device 1.

[0039] The control by the control unit 100 is performed by, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in the storage unit 120. The control unit 100 may include an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like.

[0040] The storage unit 120 stores various programs executed by the processor serving as the control unit 100, various data used when executing the programs, etc. The storage unit 120 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 121 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122.

[0041] The sensor 180 detects, for example, whether or not the tape adapter 11 is attached, and also detects the width of the tape 13 supplied from the attached tape adapter 11. The communication unit 190 is a communication interface that communicates with the information processing device 1000. The communication unit 190 can perform at least one of wireless communication in accordance with a known short-range wireless communication standard and wired communication using a transmission cable.

[0042] For example, when the printing device 1 configured as above receives a print instruction including a label image from the information processing device 1000, it performs a process (operation) of printing the label image on the tape 13 to create a label.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1000 according to an embodiment. Although not particularly limited, the information processing device 1000 may include, for example, a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an input interface 1003, an output interface 1004, and a communication interface 1005, as shown in Fig. 5, which may be connected via a bus.

[0044] The processor 1001 is an example of a control unit of the information processing device 1000. The processor 1001 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and executes a program stored in the storage device 1002. The processor 1001 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).

[0045] The storage device 1002 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as any semiconductor memory. The one or more storage devices 1002 include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, etc. The storage device 1002 may also include magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or other types of storage devices.

[0046] The storage device 1002 preferably stores at least two programs (a program 1002a and a program 1002b), and further stores one or more data files 1002c and a database 1002d.

[0047] The program 1002a is, for example, an example of a first application, and is an application that supports label creation (label creation support application). The processor 1001 executes the program 1002a to create a label image and save it together with various setting information, thereby storing a data file 1002c in the storage device 1002. The program 1002a also registers information (reference information) for referencing the created data file 1002c in a database 1002d.

[0048] Program 1002b is, for example, an example of a second application, and is an application that supports access to data file 1002c. Program 1002b is a program different from program 1002a. When processor 1001 executes program 1002b, reference information registered in database 1002d is read, and a window including a label image corresponding to data file 1002c referenced by the reference information is displayed on the desktop screen.

[0049] The input interface 1003 is connected to a touch panel, a keyboard, or the like. The input interface 1003 may also be connected to an audio input device such as a microphone. The output interface 1004 is connected to a display device or the like. The display device may be a display device included in the information processing device 1000, or may be a display device different from the information processing device 1000. The communication interface 1005 exchanges data with the printing device 1, for example, by wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the standard of wireless communication performed between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 (communication interface 1005). Communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 (communication interface 1005) is not limited to wireless communication, and may also be communication using a wired cable.

[0050] In the information processing device 1000 configured as described above, the processor 1001 uses one of the two programs to create a data file for label creation containing a label image and registers reference information for the data file in a database. This series of processes is hereinafter referred to as a label image registration process. Furthermore, the processor 1001 uses the other program to display on the desktop screen a window containing a label image corresponding to the data file based on the reference information registered in the database. This series of processes is hereinafter referred to as a label image window display process.

[0051] In the information processing device 1000, the processor 1001 performs label image window display processing while the reference information is registered in the database, thereby providing the user with a user interface that enables the user to intuitively create labels with simple operations. This point will be described in more detail below.

[0052] Fig. 6 is an example of a flowchart of the label image registration process. Fig. 7 is an example of an edit screen of the label creation support application. Fig. 8 is an example of a print preview screen of the label creation support application. First, the label image registration process will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 8.

[0053] The label image registration process shown in FIG. 6 is started, for example, when the user of the information processing device 1000 selects the label assistance application (program 1002a) and the processor 1001 executes the program 1002a.

[0054] When the label image registration process is started, the processor 1001 displays an editing screen on the display device (step S1). Here, the processor 1001 displays, for example, a window 1100 shown in Fig. 7, which functions as the editing screen, on the display device.

[0055] Window 1100 includes an editing area 1141 for editing a label image. The outline of a label having a width and length specified by GUI components 1131 and 1132 is displayed in editing area 1141, and the label image is displayed within that outline. The user can arbitrarily create and edit the label image within the outline, and by using GUI components 1112 to 1119, the user can easily create and edit label images including text, tables, identification codes, and the like.

[0056] When the user presses GUI component 1111 after creating the label image, processor 1001 creates data file 1002c of the label creation support application including the created label image and saves it in storage device 1002 (step S2). The user can select any location to save data file 1002c. For example, the user may save data file 1002c in the default folder for the label creation support application, or in a folder other than the default folder.

[0057] Furthermore, when the user presses the GUI component 1120 to instruct a print preview (step S3 YES), the processor 1001 displays a preview screen on the display device (step S4). Here, the processor 1001 displays, for example, a window 1200 shown in Fig. 8, which functions as the preview screen, on the display device.

[0058] In the window 1200, a label image printed on tape and information on printing devices to which a print instruction can be output from the information processing device 1000 are displayed, along with a GUI component 1201 (display image button) and a GUI component 1202 (print button).

[0059] When the user presses the print button (GUI component 1202) (step S5 YES), the processor 1001 outputs a print instruction including the label image being previewed to the printing device 1 (step S6). As a result, a label on which the label image is printed is created by the printing device 1.

[0060] When the user presses the display image button (GUI component 1201) (step S7 YES), the processor 1001 registers reference information referencing the data file corresponding to the label image being previewed in a database (step S8). Here, the database simply means a device for centrally managing reference information corresponding to one or more data files, and its structure is not particularly limited. The database may be a simple text file, or a file managed by a DBMS (database management system).

[0061] The reference information registered in the database in step S8 only needs to include the location information of the data file, and the image file itself corresponding to the data file may or may not be included in the reference information.

[0062] In the label image registration process shown in Figure 6, reference information is registered in the database when the user presses the display image button. This means that only the reference information for data files selected by the user from among the data files created with the label creation support application can be registered in the database. In other words, the label image to be displayed on the desktop screen can be selected in the label image window display process described below. This makes it possible to display only label images that are frequently printed on the desktop screen. Note that reference information for all data files created with the label creation support application can also be registered in the database.

[0063] Fig. 9 shows an example of a desktop screen after label image registration processing. By performing label image window display processing shown in Fig. 10, which will be described later, after the label image registration processing shown in Fig. 6, it is possible to display a label image window (window W1) containing label image 1410 corresponding to data file 1002c on desktop screen 1004a, regardless of the storage location of data file 1002c in step S2. Icons 1301 and 1302 are icons of various applications placed on the desktop screen.

[0064] Window W1 includes GUI components (GUI components 1401 and 1402) in addition to a label image 1410. The GUI components included in window W1 include at least one of GUI component 1401 related to printing the label image and GUI component 1402 related to editing the label image, and it is desirable to include both, as shown in FIG. 9. This allows the user to print and edit the label image 1410 displayed in window W1 on the desktop screen with a small amount of work by using the GUI components in window W1. Note that GUI component 1401 related to printing the label image is an example of a first GUI component, and GUI component 1402 related to editing the label image is an example of a second GUI component.

[0065] Fig. 10 is an example of a flowchart of the label image window display processing. Fig. 11 is an example of a desktop screen after the label image window display processing. The label image window display processing will be described in detail below with reference to Figs. 10 and 11.

[0066] As described above, the label image window display process shown in Fig. 10 is started, for example, after the label image registration process shown in Fig. 6. The label image window display process may also be started when the information processing device 1000 is started. In either case, the process is started by the processor 1001 executing the program 1002b. In the following, assuming that a plurality of pieces of reference information have already been registered in the database 1002d, an example will be described in which the label image window display process is performed when the information processing device 1000 is started.

[0067] When the label image window display process starts, the processor 1001 acquires reference information by reading it from the database 1002d (step S11). Then, in steps S12 to S15, one or more pieces of reference information acquired in step S11 are selected in order, and a label image window is displayed for each piece of reference information based on the reference information.

[0068] More specifically, the processor 1001 first selects reference information (step S12) and acquires a label image corresponding to the data file 1002c referenced by the selected reference information (step S13). Here, the processor 1001, for example, identifies the location of the data file 1002c based on the reference information, accesses the data file 1002c, and acquires the label image from the data file 1002c. Also, if the reference information includes a label image, the processor 1001 may acquire the label image from the reference information.

[0069] When the label image is acquired, the processor 1001 displays a window on the desktop screen 1004a (step S14). Here, the processor 1001 may display a label image window on the desktop screen 1004a, such as window W1 shown in Fig. 11, which is an example of a label image window, including a label image 1410, a GUI component 1401 related to printing the label image 1410, and a GUI component 1402 related to editing the label image 1410.

[0070] 11, which is an example of a label image window, in addition to a label image 1420, a GUI component 1401 related to printing the label image 1420, and a GUI component 1402 related to editing the label image 1420, the processor 1001 may display a label image window on the desktop screen 1004a that includes GUI components (GUI components 1403a and 1403b) related to switching between merged data. The GUI components (GUI components 1403a and 1403b) related to switching between merged data are an example of a third GUI component.

[0071] Note that insertion data is data used in the merge print function, which creates multiple labels in succession by replacing only a portion of the label image (for example, the text portion or the identification code portion), and is data that is replaced for each label. In label image 1420, the insertion data is the equipment name "Printer B," the control number "111-112," and the acquisition date "2021 / 01 / 10."

[0072] Furthermore, when the acquired label image is created using the serial number printing function, as in the case where it is created using the merge printing function, the processor 1001 may display on the desktop screen 1004a a label image window that includes the label image, GUI component 1401 related to printing the label image, GUI component 1402 related to editing the label image, and GUI components related to switching of serial numbers (GUI components 1403a, 1403b).

[0073] Furthermore, when multiple label images corresponding to the data file are acquired in step S13, the processor 1001 may display a label image list window on the desktop screen 1004a, which connects multiple label image windows corresponding to the multiple label images (label image 1431, label image 1432), as shown in window W3 in FIG. 11, which is an example of a label image list window. The label image list window may include, for each label image window, a label image, a GUI component 1401 related to printing the label image, and a GUI component 1402 related to editing the label image. Furthermore, the label image list window may include a GUI component 1404 related to display conditions. The GUI component 1404 related to display conditions is an example of a fourth GUI component.

[0074] After the windows are displayed, if there is reference information other than the reference information selected in step S12 (YES in step S15), processor 1001 repeats the processes from step S12 to step S15 until all of the reference information has been selected. Fig. 11 shows a state in which all of the reference information has been selected and the windows corresponding to the reference information are displayed on the desktop screen.

[0075] Fig. 12 is an example of a flowchart of the label image window response process. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the updating of the label image due to the operation of switching the inserted data. Below, with reference to Figs. 12 and 13, the process performed in response to the operation on the label image window (hereinafter referred to as the label image window response process) will be explained. Specifically, the process performed in response to the operation on each of the four types of GUI components displayed on the window will be explained.

[0076] When the processor 1001 detects an operation on the printing GUI (GUI component 1401) (step S21 YES), it outputs a print instruction (step S22). More specifically, in response to an operation to select the GUI component 1401 (for example, pressing a button), the processor 1001 outputs a print instruction to the printing device 1 to print the label image in the window in which the GUI component 1401 is displayed. That is, the processor 1001 outputs a print instruction without opening a data file and executing the label creation support application. In other words, when the label creation support application is not being executed, the processor 1001 outputs a print instruction to the printing device 1 to print the label image in the window in which the GUI component 1401 is displayed in response to an operation to select the GUI component 1401. As a result, a label on which the label image is printed is created by the printing device 1.

[0077] When the processor 1001 detects an operation on the editing GUI (GUI component 1402) (step S23 YES), it launches the label creation support application (step S24). More specifically, in response to an operation to select the GUI component 1402 (for example, pressing a button), the processor 1001 specifies a data file corresponding to the label image in the window in which the GUI component 1402 is displayed and executes the label creation support application. That is, the processor 1001 specifies the data file and executes the label creation support application without opening the data file and executing the label creation support application. In other words, when the label creation support application is not being executed, the processor 1001 specifies a data file corresponding to the label image in the window in which the GUI component 1402 is displayed and executes the label creation support application in response to an operation to select the GUI component 1402. As a result, an editing screen for the label image in the label creation support application is displayed on the display device, and the processor 1001 can edit the label image on the editing screen. That is, the label image becomes editable by the user.

[0078] When the processor 1001 detects an operation on the insertion GUI (GUI component 1403a, GUI component 1403b) (step S25 YES), it updates the label image (step S26). More specifically, in response to an operation to select the GUI component 1403a or 1403b (for example, pressing a button), the processor 1001 updates the label image based on the insertion data associated with the data file corresponding to the label image in the window in which the GUI component is displayed.

[0079] 13, by pressing GUI component 1403a (left arrow) in window W2, the merge data is switched. Specifically, for example, the equipment name "Printer B" is switched to "Printer A," the control number "111-112" is switched to "111-111," and the acquisition date "2021 / 01 / 10" is switched to "2021 / 01 / 09." As a result, window W21 in which label image 1420 has been updated to label image 1421 is displayed on the desktop screen 1004a.

[0080] Similarly, the insertion data can be switched by pressing GUI component 1403b (right arrow) in window W2. Specifically, for example, the equipment name "Printer B" is switched to "Printer C," the control number "111-112" is switched to "111-113," and the acquisition date "2021 / 01 / 10" is switched to "2021 / 01 / 13." As a result, window W22, in which label image 1420 has been updated to label image 1422, is displayed on the desktop screen 1004a.

[0081] When the processor 1001 detects an operation on the condition specification GUI (GUI component 1404) (step S27 YES), it updates the selection or display order of the label images (step S28). More specifically, in response to an operation to select a display condition using the GUI component 1404, the processor 1001 updates the selection of the label images to be displayed in the window or the display order of the label images to be displayed in the window.

[0082] For example, by entering any string next to the string "(Search):" in GUI component 1404 in window W3 shown in FIG. 11, label images containing the information of the entered string are searched for in the label image list, and the corresponding label images are displayed. Also, by specifying a sorting condition next to the string "(Sort):", the display order of the displayed label images is changed according to the sorting condition. In this example, the display order is changed using frequency as the sorting condition. Note that frequency is determined by comparing the number of times the data file is accessed and the number of times the label image corresponding to the data file has been printed, etc.

[0083] As described above, in the information processing device 1000, the processor 1001 executes the program 1002b to perform the processing shown in Fig. 10, thereby providing the user with a user interface that enables intuitive label creation with simple operations. Specifically, at least one of a printing GUI component and an editing GUI component is displayed together with the label image in a window displayed on the desktop screen 1004a, allowing easy access from the desktop screen to data files that can be saved in any location. Furthermore, by providing dedicated GUI components in the window for printing and editing, which are the main uses of label images, the operations required by the user when using label images can be minimized.

[0084] Furthermore, the information processing device 1000 is configured so that a print instruction is output to the printing device 1 in response to an operation on a printing GUI component, so that printing of a label image and label creation can be performed with a single touch from the desktop screen. Also, a label creation support application is launched and an editing screen is displayed in response to an operation on an editing GUI component, so that it is possible to immediately edit a label image without having to search for a data file within the information processing device.

[0085] In addition, in the information processing device 1000, a GUI component for switching merge data is provided within the window, so that the limited space of the desktop screen can be used efficiently to display the merge print label image within the window.

[0086] Furthermore, in the information processing device 1000, even when multiple label images are managed in a list, a GUI component for setting display conditions is provided within the window, so that the limited space on the desktop screen can be used efficiently to display serially printed label images within the window.

[0087] The above-described embodiments are illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments and should be understood to encompass various modifications and alternatives to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be understood that each embodiment can be embodied by modifying its components without departing from its spirit and scope. 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 information processing device, display control method, and program can be variously modified and altered without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0088] In the above-described embodiment, the reference information includes, as an example, a label image in addition to the location information of the data file, but the reference information may also include time information. When the reference information includes time information, the processor 1001 may start displaying a window on the desktop screen at a time determined based on the time information. In this way, by including time information as the reference information, the timing of displaying a window including a label image may be controlled.

[0089] Furthermore, the time information may be included in the data file rather than in the reference information. When the data file contains time information, the processor 1001 may start displaying a window on the desktop screen at a time determined based on the time information. In this way, even when the data file contains time information rather than the reference information, the timing of displaying a window containing a label image can be controlled.

[0090] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been shown in which the information processing device 1000 separate from the printing device 1 executes the above-described program, but the printing device 1 may also operate as the information processing device 1000. In other words, the printing device 1 may execute the above-described program.

[0091] In the above-described embodiment, a window is displayed on a desktop screen. Here, the desktop screen may be any screen that serves as the basis for the GUI of an information processing device, such as a start screen or a home screen. The above-described second application may be a widget of the first application displayed on such a broad desktop screen. The window may also be displayed on a screen other than the desktop screen. Since any screen is sufficient as long as it is easily accessible and can be checked without hassle for the user, the second application may display a window on any screen, not necessarily limited to the desktop screen.

[0092] In this specification, the expression "based on A" does not mean "based only on A," but means "based on at least A." That is, "based on A" may also be based on B in addition to A.

[0093] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," etc., used to modify a noun do not limit the quantity or order of the elements described by the noun. These terms are used to distinguish between two or more elements, not less, not more. Thus, the identification of a "first" and a "second" element does not imply that the "first" element precedes the "second" element, nor does it negate the existence of a "third" element.

[0094] The inventions described in the claims of the present application as originally filed are as follows: [Appendix 1] a control unit that displays a window of a second application on a screen based on reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; the window includes a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a first graphical user interface component; The control unit outputting a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component when the first application is not running; An information processing device characterized by: [Appendix 2] a control unit that displays a window of a second application on a screen based on reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; the window includes a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a second graphical user interface component; The control unit when the first application is not being executed, in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, a data file corresponding to the label image is specified and the first application is executed, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application; An information processing device characterized by: [Appendix 3] In the information processing device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, the window further includes a third graphical user interface component associated with switching between merged data; The control unit updates the label image based on merged data associated with the data file in response to an operation of selecting the third graphical user interface component. 1. An information processing device comprising: [Appendix 4] In the information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 3, If there are multiple label images corresponding to the data file, the window further includes a fourth graphical user interface component related to a display condition; The control unit updates the selection of label images to be displayed in the window or the display order of the label images to be displayed in the window in response to an operation to select a display condition using the fourth graphical user interface component. 1. An information processing device comprising: [Appendix 5] In the information processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, When time information is included in the data file referenced by the reference information, the control unit starts displaying the window on the screen at a time determined based on the time information. 1. An information processing device comprising: [Appendix 6] reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a first graphical user interface component; outputting a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component when the first application is not running; An information control method comprising: [Appendix 7] reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a second graphical user interface component; when the first application is not being executed, in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, a data file corresponding to the label image is specified and the first application is executed, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application; An information control method comprising: [Appendix 8] reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a first graphical user interface component; outputting a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component when the first application is not being executed; A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above. [Appendix 9] reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying, on a screen based on the read reference information, a window of a second application including at least a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a second graphical user interface component; when the first application is not being executed, in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, a data file corresponding to the label image is specified and the first application is executed, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application; A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 Printing device 1000 Information Processing Device 1001 processor 1002 Storage device 1002a and 1002b programs 1002c data file 1002d database 1003 Input Interface 1004 Display Interface 1004a Desktop screen 1005 Communication Interface 1100, 1200, W1~W3, W21, W22 windows 1111~1120, 11131, 1132, 1201, 1202, 1401, 1402, 1403a, 1403b, 1404 GUI parts 1141 Editing Area 1301~1304 Icon 1410, 1420~1422, 1431, 1432 Label image

Claims

1. a control unit that displays a window of a second application on a screen based on reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; the window includes a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a first graphical user interface component; The control unit outputting a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component when the first application is not running; An information processing device characterized by:

2. a control unit that displays a window of a second application on a screen based on reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; the window includes a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a second graphical user interface component; The control unit when the first application is not being executed, in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, a data file corresponding to the label image is designated and the first application is executed, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application; An information processing device characterized by:

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 1, the window further includes a third graphical user interface component associated with switching between merged data; The control unit updates the label image based on merged data associated with the data file in response to an operation of selecting the third graphical user interface component.

1. An information processing device comprising:

4. 4. The information processing device according to claim 1, If there are multiple label images corresponding to the data file, the window further includes a fourth graphical user interface component related to a display condition; The control unit updates the selection of label images to be displayed in the window or the display order of the label images to be displayed in the window in response to an operation to select a display condition using the fourth graphical user interface component.

1. An information processing device comprising:

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, When time information is included in the data file referenced by the reference information, the control unit starts displaying the window on the screen at a time determined based on the time information.

1. An information processing device comprising:

6. reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a first graphical user interface component; outputting a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component when the first application is not running; An information control method comprising:

7. reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a second graphical user interface component; when the first application is not being executed, in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, a data file corresponding to the label image is designated and the first application is executed, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application; An information control method comprising:

8. reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying a window of a second application on a screen based on the read reference information, the window including a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a first graphical user interface component; outputting a print instruction for the label image to a printing device in response to an operation of selecting the first graphical user interface component when the first application is not being executed; A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

9. reading reference information for referencing a data file of a first application that supports label creation; displaying, on a screen based on the read reference information, a window of a second application including at least a label image corresponding to the data file referenced by the reference information and a second graphical user interface component; when the first application is not being executed, in response to an operation of selecting the second graphical user interface component, a data file corresponding to the label image is designated and the first application is executed, thereby enabling editing of the label image on a label image editing screen in the first application; A program characterized by causing a computer to execute the above.

Images