Display program, display device, and display method

Abstract

To provide a display program, a display device, and a display method capable of displaying a part of a plurality of images to be printed on a plurality of media by a printer on a display part in distinction from the other images, and displaying an image of a position without displaying the other images.SOLUTION: The display device displays images to be printed by the plurality of printers on a display unit. The controller is configured to cause the display to display a first image G41 and a second image G42, the first image LA being represented by colors representable on first media printable by one or more target printers among the plurality of printers, the second image LA being represented by colors representable on second media printable by the target printers, the second media being different from the first media.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 28

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display program, a display device, and a display method. [Background technology]

[0002] The display program of Patent Document 1 includes an acquisition step, a search step, and a display step. In the acquisition step, data on the tape width desired by the user and print data are acquired. In the search step, all combinations of tape color and ink color for all types of cartridges that correspond to the tape width data acquired in the acquisition step are searched for. In the display step, a print image of the print data based on the combinations searched for in the search step is displayed on the display unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-69596 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The appearance of images printed on a medium by a printer varies depending on the characteristics of the medium that can be used by the printer. Here, there is a demand for displaying some of the images printed on multiple media on a display unit in a manner that distinguishes them from the other images, or for displaying some of the images without displaying the other images.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a display program, a display device, and a display method that can display some images of multiple images printed on multiple media by a printer on a display unit in a manner that distinguishes them from other images, or display a positional image without displaying other images. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A display program according to a first aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor that displays images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit to display on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a first medium that can be printed on one or more target printers among the plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a second medium that can be printed on the target printer and is different from the first medium, and executes an image display process that does not display on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a third medium that cannot be printed on the target printer.

[0007] According to the first aspect, it is possible to display the first image and the second image on the display unit without displaying the third image among the plurality of images printed on the plurality of media by the target printer.

[0008] A display program according to a second aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it causes a processor that displays images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit to execute an image display process that causes a first image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among the plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a second medium that can be printed by the target printer and is different from the first medium, to be displayed on the display unit, and a third image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer, to be displayed on the display unit in distinction from the first image and the second image.

[0009] According to the second aspect, the first image, the second image, and the third image can be displayed on the display unit in a distinguishable manner from among a plurality of images to be printed on a plurality of media by the target printer.

[0010] A display device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a display device comprising a display unit that displays images printed by a plurality of printers and a processor that controls the display unit to display the images, wherein the processor executes image display processing to cause the display unit to display a first image expressed in colors that can be represented on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among the plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be represented on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer, and not to display a third image expressed in colors that can be represented on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer. The third aspect achieves the same effects as the first aspect.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a display device comprising a display unit that displays images printed by a plurality of printers and a processor that controls the display unit to display the images, wherein the processor executes image display processing to cause the display unit to display a first image expressed in colors that can be represented on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among the plurality of printers, a second image expressed in colors that can be represented on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer, and a third image expressed in colors that can be represented on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer, distinguished from the first image and the second image. The fourth aspect provides the same effects as the second aspect.

[0012] A display method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a display method for displaying images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit, the display unit including an image display step of displaying on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be represented on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among the plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be represented on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer, and not displaying on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be represented on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer. The fifth aspect achieves the same effects as the first aspect.

[0013] A display method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a display method for displaying images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit, the display method comprising the steps of: displaying on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be represented on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among the plurality of printers; and a second image expressed in colors that can be represented on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer; and displaying on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be represented on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer, in order to distinguish it from the first image and the second image. The sixth aspect provides the same effect as the second aspect. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system 1. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a management server 2 and a display device 3. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(1). [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(2). [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(3). [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(4). [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(5). [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(6). [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(7). [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(8). [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first display screen D1(9). [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(1). [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(2). [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(3). [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(4). [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(5). [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(6). [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(7). [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(8). [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(9). [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(10). [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(11). [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(12). [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second display screen D2(13). [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third display screen D3(1). [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third display screen D3(2). [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third display screen D3(3). [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth display screen D4(1). [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth display screen D4(2). [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth display screen D4(3). [Figure 31] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth display screen D4(4). [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth display screen D4(5). [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth display screen D4(6). [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth display screen D5(1). [Figure 35] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth display screen D5(2). [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth display screen D5(3). [Figure 37] 10 is a flowchart of a first registration process. [Figure 38] 10 is a flowchart of a second registration process. [Figure 39] 10 is a flowchart of a display process. [Figure 40] 39 is a flowchart of the display process. [Figure 41] 10 is a flowchart of a narrowing-down process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings are used to explain technical features that may be adopted by the present invention. The configurations of the devices described are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to be limiting.

[0016] <System 1 Overview> The system 1 shown in FIG. 1 provides a rental service in which label printers P and cassettes C are rented to users. The system 1 stores a plurality of label printers P and cassettes C. In the rental service, the label printer P and cassette C necessary for printing a desired image are rented to the user. The user can print the desired image by using the rented label printer P and cassette C. The system 1 is installed, for example, in an amusement facility or the like.

[0017] The system 1 includes a management server 2 and a display device 3. The management server 2 operates a rental service. The display device 3 is a tablet terminal used by a user. The user performs an input operation on the display device 3 to select a desired image. The management server 2 rents the user a label printer P and cassette C required to print the selected image.

[0018] Label printer P is a printer that prints using the thermal transfer method. A cassette C is loaded into label printer P. Label printer P prints an image onto the tape in cassette C by heating the ink ribbon in cassette C with a thermal head. The tape with the printed image is ejected from cassette C and cut off by label printer P. This creates a label. The cassettes C that can be loaded into label printer P are specified for each label printer P.

[0019] The cassette C is inserted into the label printer P for use. The cassette C contains an ink ribbon and tape. The tape has a laminated structure of a substrate, an adhesive, and a release paper. The release paper is attached to one side of the substrate by the adhesive applied to one side of the substrate. When the release paper is peeled off from the substrate, the adhesive is exposed. By peeling off the release paper from the label created by the label printer P, the user can attach the substrate to an object using the adhesive.

[0020] Cassettes C are available in laminate type and receptor type. Laminate type cassettes C also contain a transparent film. In laminate type cassettes C, an adhesive is applied to the other side of the substrate. On the other hand, receptor type cassettes C do not contain a transparent film. In receptor type cassettes C, an adhesive is not applied to the other side of the substrate.

[0021] When a laminate-type cassette C is used, an image is printed on one side of a transparent film by a label printer P. The film with the printed image is then attached to the tape using an adhesive applied to the other side of the substrate. At this time, the printed side of the film comes into contact with the substrate. The tape is ejected from the cassette C with the film attached to the substrate.

[0022] When a receptor type cassette C is used, an image is printed on the other side of the substrate by a label printer P. The tape on which the substrate has been printed by the label printer P is discharged from the cassette C as is.

[0023] The width of the tape, the color of the base material, and the color of the ink ribbon contained in the cassette C are specified for each cassette C. The image of the label created using the cassette C is expressed in the colors that can be expressed by the base material and the ink ribbon contained in the cassette C, and is expressed in a size that corresponds to the width of the tape contained in the cassette C.

[0024] Hereinafter, the state in which a label printer P and cassette C that are subject to the rental service are stored in the system 1 will be referred to as "in stock." The state in which a label printer P and cassette C that are not subject to the rental service are not stored in the system 1 will be referred to as "out of stock."

[0025] With the rental service, a label printer P and cassette C that are in stock and not being rented out by another user can be immediately rented out to a user. On the other hand, with the rental service, even if a label printer P and cassette C are in stock, they cannot be rented out to a user if they are rented out (on loan) by another user. In contrast, a user can reserve a label printer P and cassette C that are on loan. When a label printer P and cassette C are reserved, the rental service will rent the label printer P and cassette C to the user once the reserved label printer P and cassette C are returned and become available for rental.

[0026] On the other hand, in the rental service, a label printer P and a cassette C that are out of stock in the system 1 cannot be rented to a user.

[0027] <Electrical configuration> The electrical configuration of the management server 2 and the display device 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0028] The management server 2 includes a control unit 20, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 23, a keyboard 24, and a communication interface (I / F) 25. The control unit 20 controls the management server 2. The control unit 20 includes a processor 21 and a memory 22. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU, FPGA, ASIC, MPU, NPU, SoC, etc. The processor 21 may include a plurality of these. The memory 22 includes various volatile or non-volatile storage elements. For example, the memory 22 includes a ROM, an EEPROM, a RAM, a flash memory, etc. The memory 22 stores at least a program for the processor 21 to execute various processes, a cassette database, and a printer database. The LCD 23 displays various images. The keyboard 24 accepts various data input by the user. The communication I / F 25 is a communication device for wirelessly communicating with the display device 3 and a portable terminal Q held by the user, and for communicating with an external server 9 via a network X.

[0029] The display device 3 includes a control unit 30, an LCD 33, a touch panel 34, and a communication I / F 35. The control unit 30 controls the display device 3. The control unit 30 includes a processor 31 and a memory 32. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU, FPGA, ASIC, MPU, NPU, SoC, etc. The processor 31 may include a plurality of these. The memory 32 includes various volatile or non-volatile storage elements. For example, the memory 32 is a ROM, EEPROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. The memory 32 stores at least programs for the processor 31 to execute various processes, a cassette database acquired from the management server 2, and a printer database. The LCD 33 displays various images. The touch panel 34 is provided on the surface of the LCD 33. The touch panel 34 detects a position touched by a user. The communication I / F 35 is a communication device for wirelessly communicating with the management server 2 and a portable terminal Q carried by the user.

[0030] <Display screen D> The following describes specific examples (first display screen D1 to fifth display screen D5) of the display screen D displayed on the LCD 33 of the display device 3. The display screen D is a screen that allows the user to select an image of a label to be created using the cassette C and label printer P. For example, when the processor 31 of the display device 3 detects, via the touch panel 34, an operation to start an application for selecting an image, the processor 31 causes the LCD 33 to display the display screen D.

[0031] Note that the LCD 33 may display any one of the first display screen D1 to the fifth display screen D5 that is specified in advance, or may display a display screen D selected by the user from the first display screen D1 to the fifth display screen D5. The user may further perform an operation to specify any one of the first display screen D1 to the fifth display screen D5, thereby causing the LCD 33 of the display device 3 to display the desired display screen D.

[0032] <First embodiment (first display screen D1)> A first display screen D1 (D1(1) to D1(9)), which is an example of the display screen D, will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0033] In the first display screen D1, the first sheet T11 and the second sheet T12 are displayed overlapping each other. The tab of the first sheet T11 is marked with the character string "In stock / Available for loan." The tab of the second sheet T12 is marked with the character string "In stock / On loan." In the first display screen D1(1) shown in FIG. 3, the first sheet T11 is placed in the front, and the second sheet T12 is hidden behind the first sheet T11. In the first display screen D1(2) shown in FIG. 4, the second sheet T12 is placed in the front, and the first sheet T11 is hidden behind the second sheet T12. The user can switch between a state in which the first sheet T11 is placed in the front and a state in which the second sheet T12 is placed in the front by performing an operation of selecting a tab.

[0034] The first sheet T11 includes a first image that is expressed in colors that can be represented by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for lending. Meanwhile, the second sheet T12 includes a second image that is expressed in colors that can be represented by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for lending. The colors of the first image and the second image are represented by the color of the substrate and the color of the ink ribbon contained in the cassette C, respectively.

[0035] On the first display screen D1, the first image and the second image are distinguished by being included on separate sheets. Note that on the first display screen D1, images shown in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are out of stock are not displayed.

[0036] The first sheet T11 of the first display screen D1(1) shown in FIG. 3 includes first images G11 and G12. The first images G11 and G12 have the same design but different colors. The second sheet T12 of the first display screen D1(2) shown in FIG. 4 includes second images G13 and G14. The second images G13 and G14 have the same design but different colors. Note that the images included in the first sheet T11 and the second sheet T12 are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0037] For example, suppose the user performs an operation to select the first image G12 on the first display screen D1(1) shown in FIG. 3. In this case, the display on the LCD 33 is switched to the first display screen D1(3) (see FIG. 5), in which a speech bubble F11 is added to the first display screen D1(1). As shown in FIG. 5, the speech bubble F11 includes first images G121, G122, and G123, which have the same design and color as the selected first image G12 but are different in size. The first images G121 to G123 represent images to be printed using three types of cassettes C, each with a different tape width. The speech bubble F11 is associated with the selected first image G12 by overlapping its tail portion with the selected first image G12.

[0038] For example, suppose the user next performs an operation to select first image G122 on first display screen D1(3). In this case, the display on LCD 33 switches to first display screen D1(4) (see FIG. 6), which is first display screen D1(3) with a speech bubble F12 added. As shown in FIG. 6, speech bubble F12 includes text prompting the user to input the type of adhesive to be applied to the substrate and the type of cassette C (laminate type or receptor type).

[0039] For example, suppose the user next performs an operation to input the type of adhesive and cassette C via an input screen (not shown). In this case, the display on the LCD 33 is switched to a first display screen D1(5) (see FIG. 7) in which a speech bubble F13 is further added to the first display screen D1(3). As shown in FIG. 7, the speech bubble F13 is associated with the selected first image G122 by having its tail portion overlap the first image G122.

[0040] Speech bubble F13 includes first medium information and first printer information. The first medium information indicates the model number of a cassette C that is capable of printing the first image G122 selected in speech bubble F11 and that satisfies the adhesive type and cassette C type input in accordance with speech bubble F12. Note that cassettes C with the model number indicated by the first medium information are currently available for loan. The first printer information indicates the model numbers of label printers P that are in stock and available for loan, among label printers P that can print using cassettes C with the model number indicated by the first medium information.

[0041] For example, suppose the user then selects balloon F13. In this case, the rental service rents out to the user a cassette C with the model number indicated by the first medium information and a label printer P with the model number indicated by the first printer information.

[0042] Meanwhile, for example, suppose the user performs an operation to select second image G14 on first display screen D1(2) shown in Fig. 4. In this case, the display on LCD 33 is switched to first display screen D1(6) (see Fig. 8) in which speech bubble F14 is added to first display screen D1(2). As shown in Fig. 8, speech bubble F14 includes second images G141, G142, and G143 that have the same design and color as the selected second image G14 but are different in size.

[0043] For example, suppose the user next performs an operation to select the second image G143 on the first display screen D1(6). In this case, the display on the LCD 33 is switched to a first display screen D1(7) (see FIG. 9) in which a speech bubble F15 is further added to the first display screen D1(6). As shown in FIG. 9, the speech bubble F15 includes text prompting the user to select the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C.

[0044] For example, suppose the user next performs an operation to input the type of adhesive and cassette C via an input screen (not shown). In this case, the display on the LCD 33 is switched to a first display screen D1(8) (see FIG. 10), which is the first display screen D1(6) to which a speech bubble F16 has been added. As shown in FIG. 10, the speech bubble F16 is associated with the selected second image G143 by having its tail portion overlap the second image G143. The speech bubble F16 includes second medium information, second predetermined conditions, and second printer information.

[0045] The second medium information indicates the model number of a cassette C that is capable of printing the second image G143 selected in the speech bubble F14 and that satisfies the adhesive type and cassette C type entered in accordance with the speech bubble F15 on the first display screen D1(7). The cassette C indicated by the second medium information is currently on loan and is not available for loan at this time. The cassette C with the model number indicated by the second medium information will be available for loan if certain conditions are met. The certain conditions indicate, for example, the period until the cassette C indicated by the second medium information is returned and becomes available for loan. The second certain conditions indicate the conditions under which the cassette C with the model number indicated by the second medium information becomes available for loan. The second printer information indicates the model numbers of label printers P that are in stock and available for loan, among label printers P that can print using the cassette C indicated by the second medium information.

[0046] For example, suppose the user next performs an operation to select speech bubble F16. In this case, the display on the LCD 33 switches to a first display screen D1(9) (see FIG. 11) in which a message box M11 is further added to the first display screen D1(8). As shown in FIG. 11, the message box M11 includes a character string inquiring whether or not to reserve the currently lent cassette C, and respective selection buttons for "Yes" and "No." For example, if the user performs an operation to select the "Yes" selection button in the message box M11, a reservation process is performed for the cassette C with the model number indicated by the second medium information, i.e., the currently lent cassette C.

[0047] After the reservation process is completed, the second predetermined condition is satisfied, and the reserved label printer P and cassette C are returned and available for rental. In this case, the reserved label printer P and cassette C are rented out to the user by the rental service.

[0048] <Second embodiment (second display screen D2)> 12 to 19, a second display screen D2 (D2(1) to D2(8)), which is another example of the display screen D, will be described. Description of content common to the first display screen D1 will be omitted or simplified.

[0049] On the second display screen D2, the first sheet T21 and the second sheet T22 are displayed overlapping each other. The text "In stock" is added to the tab of the first sheet T21. The text "Out of stock" is added to the tab of the second sheet T22.

[0050] The first sheet T21 includes a first image and a second image that are displayed in colors that can be displayed by cassettes C that are in stock. The first image is displayed in colors that can be displayed by cassettes C that are currently available for loan. The second image is displayed in colors that can be displayed by cassettes C that are currently on loan. Thus, on the second display screen D2, unlike the first display screen D1, the first image and the second image are included on a common first sheet T21.

[0051] The second sheet T22 includes a third image that is displayed in a color that can be expressed by an out-of-stock cassette C. In this way, on the second display screen D2, the first image and the second image that are displayed in a color that can be expressed by an in-stock cassette C and the third image that is displayed in a color that can be expressed by an out-of-stock cassette C are distinguished by being included on separate sheets.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 12, the first sheet T21 of the second display screen D2(1) includes first images G21 and G22 and second images G23 and G24. As shown in Fig. 13, the second sheet T22 of the second display screen D2(2) includes third images G25 and G26. Note that the images included in the first sheet T21 and the second sheet T22 are not limited to the examples shown in Figs. 12 and 13.

[0053] When an operation to select the first image G22 is performed on the second display screen D2(1), a speech bubble F21 is added, as shown in the second display screen D2(3) of FIG. 14. Furthermore, when an operation to select the first image G222 from among the first images G221, G222, and G223 in the speech bubble F21 is performed on the second display screen D2(3), a speech bubble F22 is further added, as shown in the second display screen D2(4) of FIG. 15. Furthermore, when an operation to input the type of adhesive and cassette C is performed, a speech bubble F23 is further added, as shown in the second display screen D2(5) of FIG. 16. The speech bubble F23 includes first medium information and first printer information. These displays are similar to those on the first display screens D1(3), D1(4), and D1(5). Also, although not shown, when an operation to select either the second image G23 or G24 is performed on the second display screen D2(1), the display is the same as that of the first display screens D1(6), D1(7), D1(8), and D1(9).

[0054] On the other hand, when an operation to select the third image G26 is performed on the second display screen D2(2) shown in Fig. 13, a speech bubble F24 is added, as shown on the second display screen D2(6) in Fig. 17. The speech bubble F24 includes third images G261, G262, and G263 that have the same design and color as the selected third image G26 but are different in size.

[0055] Furthermore, when an operation to select the third image G262 in the speech bubble F24 is performed, a speech bubble F25 is further added, as shown in the second display screen D2(7) of Fig. 18. The speech bubble F25 includes text prompting the user to select the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C.

[0056] Furthermore, when an operation to input the type of adhesive and cassette C is performed, a speech bubble F26 is further added, as shown in the second display screen D2(8) of FIG. 19. The speech bubble F26 includes third medium information and third printer information. The third medium information indicates the model number of a cassette C that is capable of printing the third image G262 selected in speech bubble F24 and that satisfies the adhesive type and cassette C type input in accordance with speech bubble F25. Note that the cassette C with the model number indicated by the third medium information is currently out of stock. The third printer information indicates the model numbers of label printers P that are in stock and available for rental, among label printers P that can print using the cassette C with the model number indicated by the third medium information.

[0057] <First Modification of Second Display Screen D2> The first sheet T21 of the second display screen D2 may include first images G21, G22 and second images G23, G24 as images to be printed when a cassette C that is in stock is installed in a label printer P that is in stock. The first images G21, G22 are represented in colors that can be expressed by a lendable cassette C, and the second images G23, G24 are represented in colors that can be expressed by a lendable cassette C.

[0058] On the other hand, the second sheet T22 of the second display screen D2 may include third images G25 and G26 as images that will be printed when a cassette C that is out of stock is installed in a label printer P that is out of stock.

[0059] In this case, the user can distinguish between an image printed using a label printer P that is in stock and an image printed using a label printer P that is out of stock.

[0060] In the above, the second sheet T22 may include an image of printing when a cassette C that is in stock is installed in a label printer P that is out of stock. Also, in the above, the second sheet T22 may include an image of printing when a cassette C that is out of stock is installed in a label printer P that is in stock.

[0061] <Second Modification of Second Display Screen D2> On the second display screen D2, for example, as in the second display screen D2(9) shown in Fig. 20, first images G271, G272, G273, G274 and second images G281, G282 may be included on the first sheet T21. The first images G271 to G274 are expressed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and available for lending. The second images G281 and G282 are expressed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and currently on lending. The first images G271 to G274 and the second images G281 and G282 are images of the same design.

[0062] The first images G271, G273 and the second image G281 have a common color. The first images G272, G274 and the second image G282 have a common color. The first images G271, G273 and the second image G281 and the first images G272, G274 and the second image G282 have different colors.

[0063] On the second display screen D2(9), the first sheet T21 includes a frame M22 that surrounds the first images G271, G273, and the second image G281, and a frame M23 that surrounds the first images G272, G274, and the second image G282. The frame lines M22 and M23 separate the first images G271, G272, G273, and G274, and the second images G281 and G282 by color.

[0064] In this case, the user can recognize the multiple images included on the first sheet T21 by distinguishing between each color.

[0065] <Third Modification of Second Display Screen D2> On the second display screen D2, for example, as in the second display screen D2(10) shown in Fig. 21, first images G291, G292, G293, G294 and second images G201, G202, G203, G204 are included in the first sheet T21. The first images G291 to G294 are expressed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and available for lending. The second images G201 to G204 are expressed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and currently on lending. The first images G291 to G294 and the second images G201 to G204 are images of the same design.

[0066] The first images G291, G293 and the second images G201, G203 have the same size. That is, the first images G291, G293 and the second images G201, G203 have the same width of tape stored in the cassette C used to print them. The first images G292, G294 and the second images G202, G204 have the same size. That is, the first images G292, G294 and the second images G202, G204 have the same width of tape stored in the cassette C used to print them. Note that the width of tape stored in the cassette C used to print the first images G291, G293 and the second images G201, G203 is different from the width of tape stored in the cassette C used to print the first images G292, G294 and the second images G202, G204.

[0067] On the second display screen D2(10), the first sheet T21 includes a frame line M24 that surrounds the first images G291, G293 and the second images G201, G203, and a frame line M25 that surrounds the first images G292, G294 and the second images G202, G204. The frame lines M24 and M25 divide the first images G291, G292, G293, G294 and the second images G201, G202, G203, G204 into sections based on the width of the tape contained in the cassette C that will be used when printing each of the images.

[0068] The frame line M24 is associated with the character string "9mm", which indicates the width of the tape contained in the cassette C used when printing the first images G291, G293 and the second images G201, G203. The frame line M25 is associated with the character string "12mm", which indicates the width of the tape contained in the cassette C used when printing the first images G292, G294 and the second images G202, G204.

[0069] The first images G291, G292, G293, G294 and the second images G201, G202, G203, G204 may be classified by the color of the tape or the color of the ink ribbon contained in the cassette C used when printing each of them. Hereinafter, the tape width, tape color, and ink ribbon color will be referred to as the "attributes of cassette C."

[0070] In these cases, the user can recognize the multiple images included in the first sheet T21 by distinguishing them according to the attributes of the cassettes C used when printing each of them.

[0071] <Fourth Modification of Second Display Screen D2> On the second display screen D2, for example, as shown in the second display screen D2(11) in FIG. 22, first images G611, G612, G613, G614, G615, G616, and G617 are included on the first sheet T21. The first images G611-G617 are expressed in colors that can be expressed by the cassette C that is in stock and available for lending. The first images G611-G617 are images of the same design. Note that the label printers P that can accommodate the cassette C used when printing the first images G611-G614 are the same, and the label printers P that can accommodate the cassette C used when printing the first images G615-G617 are the same. Furthermore, the label printers P that can accommodate the cassette C used when printing the first images G611-G614 are different from the label printers P that can accommodate the cassette C used when printing the first images G615-G617.

[0072] The first sheet T21 also includes a frame M26 that surrounds the first images G611-G614 and a frame M27 that surrounds the first images G615-G617. The frame lines M26 and M27 separate the first images G611-G617 into groups corresponding to the label printers P that can be used to print each of the first images.

[0073] The frame line M26 is associated with a character string "P(1)" that indicates the model number of a label printer P that can be used to print the first images G611 to G614. The frame line M27 is associated with a character string "P(2)" that indicates the model number of a label printer P that can be used to print the first images G615 to G617.

[0074] <Fifth Modification of Second Display Screen D2> Suppose that while the second display screen D2(1) (see FIG. 12) is displayed, the user performs an input operation to start an image search. In this case, a sub-window M21 is added, as shown in the second display screen D2(12) of FIG. 23. The sub-window M21 includes an input box for inputting search keywords. In the input box, at least one of the following search conditions can be input: the width of the tape contained in the cassette C, the color of the base material, the color of the ink ribbon contained in the cassette C, and the model number of the label printer P.

[0075] Suppose the user inputs search criteria into the input box of sub-window M21 and selects the search button displayed at the end of the input box. In this case, the display on LCD 33 is switched from second display screen D2(12) to second display screen D2(13) (see FIG. 24). As shown in FIG. 24, the first sheet T21 of second display screen D2(13) includes a first image G22 and a second image G23. The first image G22 and the second image G23 correspond to the images, among the first images G21, G22 and the second images G23, G24, that match the search criteria input in the input box of sub-window M21.

[0076] More specifically, for example, if the color of the ink ribbon is input as a search condition, the first image G22 and the second image G23 correspond to images expressed in colors that can be expressed by a cassette C containing an ink ribbon of the input color. Also, if the color and width of the ink ribbon are input as search conditions, the first image G22 and the second image G23 correspond to images expressed in colors that can be expressed by a cassette C containing tape of the input color and width. Also, if the model number of the label printer P is input as a search condition, the first image G22 and the second image G23 correspond to images printed using a label printer P with the input model number.

[0077] In addition, two or more of the ink ribbon color, tape width, substrate color, and model number of the label printer P may be entered in the input box of the sub-window M21. In this case, images that match multiple search conditions are displayed on the first sheet T21 of the second display screen D2(13).

[0078] <Third display screen D3> 25 to 27, a description will be given of a third display screen D3 (D3(1) to D3(3)), which is another example of the display screen D. Descriptions of content common to the first display screen D1 and the second display screen D2 will be omitted or simplified.

[0079] The third display screen D3 displays a first sheet T31, a second sheet T32, and a third sheet T33 stacked on top of each other. The tab of the first sheet T31 is marked with the text "In stock / Available for loan." The tab of the second sheet T32 is marked with the text "In stock / On loan." The tab of the third sheet T33 is marked with the text "Out of stock."

[0080] The first sheet T11 includes a first image that is displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for loan. The second sheet T32 includes a second image that is displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for loan. The third sheet T33 includes a third image that is displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is out of stock. In this way, on the third display screen D3, the first image, second image, and third image are distinguished by being included on different sheets.

[0081] In the third display screen D3(1) shown in Fig. 25, the first sheet T31, which is arranged in the forefront, contains first images G31 and G32. In the third display screen D3(2) shown in Fig. 26, the second sheet T32, which is arranged in the forefront, contains second images G33 and G34. In the third display screen D3(3) shown in Fig. 27, the third sheet T33, which is arranged in the forefront, contains third images G35 and G36.

[0082] The user can distinguish between the first images G31, G32, which are displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for lending, the second images G33, G34, which are displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for lending, and the third images G35, G36, which are displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is out of stock.

[0083] <Fourth display screen D4> 28 to 31, a fourth display screen D4 (D4(1) to D4(4)), which is another example of the display screen D, will be described. Descriptions of content common to the first display screen D1, the second display screen D2, and the third display screen D3 will be omitted or simplified.

[0084] On the fourth display screen D4, the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 are displayed one on top of the other. Each of the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 has two tabs (a first tab and a second tab). The first tab is provided with the model number of the label printer P that is in stock. In FIGS. 28 to 31, the first tab of the first sheet T41 has the character string "P(1)" indicating the model number of the label printer P. The first tab of the second sheet T42 has the character string "P(2)" indicating the model number of the label printer P. Hereinafter, the label printer P with the model number indicated on the first tab will be referred to as the "target printer." The second tab of each of the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 has the character string "cassette / in stock" indicating that the cassette C is in stock.

[0085] If the target printer with the model number assigned to the first tab is currently on loan, a speech bubble F41 is associated with the first tab. The speech bubble F41 contains the text "on loan" and a specified condition. The specified condition indicates the condition under which the target printer with the corresponding model number will be returned and available for loan. The specified condition indicates, for example, the period until the target printer with the corresponding model number will be available for loan. In other words, the target printer with the model number associated with speech bubble F41 is currently unavailable for loan, but will become available for loan once the specified condition is met. On the other hand, the target printer with a model number not associated with speech bubble F41 indicates that it is currently available for loan.

[0086] The first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 each include a first image and a second image. The first image and the second image are each represented in a color that can be represented by a cassette C that is in stock and can be used in the target printer having the model number assigned to the first tab. In other words, the first image and the second image are images that are printed by the target printer having the model number assigned to the first tab using a cassette C that is in stock. The colors of the first image and the second image are represented by the color of the substrate and the color of the ink ribbon contained in the corresponding cassette C, respectively.

[0087] The first image is displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is available for loan, while the second image is displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is currently on loan.

[0088] A speech bubble F42 is associated with the second image. The speech bubble F42 includes the character string "On loan" and a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition indicates the condition under which the cassette C used to print the corresponding second image is returned and becomes available for loan. The predetermined condition indicates, for example, the period of time until the corresponding cassette C becomes available for loan.

[0089] In this way, on the fourth display screen D4, the first and second images to be printed by the target printer that is currently available for loan and the first and second images to be printed by the target printer that is currently being loaned are displayed separately on different sheets. Note that images that are expressed in colors that can be expressed by cassette C that is out of stock, i.e., images that cannot be printed by label printer P because cassette C is out of stock, are not displayed.

[0090] In the fourth display screen D4(1) shown in Fig. 28, the first sheet T41 is placed in the front, and the second sheet T42 is hidden behind the first sheet T41. In the fourth display screen D4(2) shown in Fig. 29, the second sheet T42 is placed in the front, and the first sheet T41 is hidden behind the second sheet T42. The user can switch between a state in which the first sheet T41 is placed in the front and a state in which the second sheet T42 is placed in the front by performing an operation of selecting a tab.

[0091] In the fourth display screens D4(1) and D4(2), a speech bubble F41 is associated with the first tab of the second sheet T42. Therefore, the target printer with the model number assigned to the first tab of the first sheet T41 is currently available for rental, and the target printer with the model number assigned to the first tab of the second sheet T42 is currently unavailable for rental.

[0092] The first sheet T41 of the fourth display screen D4(1) shown in Fig. 28 includes a first image G41 and a second image G42. The first image G41 and the second image G42 have the same design but different colors. The second sheet T42 of the fourth display screen D4(2) shown in Fig. 29 includes a first image G43 and a second image G44. The first image G43 and the second image G44 have the same design but different colors.

[0093] A speech bubble F42 indicating that the second image G42 on the first sheet T41 and the second image G44 on the second sheet T42 are associated with each other is displayed in a color that can be expressed by the loaned cassette C. On the other hand, a speech bubble F42 is not associated with the first image G41 on the first sheet T41 and the first image G43 on the second sheet T42.

[0094] When an operation to select the first image G41 is performed on the fourth display screen D4(1), a speech bubble F43 is added, as shown on the fourth display screen D4(3) of Fig. 30. Furthermore, when the first image G413 is selected from the first images G411, G412, and G413 in the speech bubble F43, a speech bubble (see Figs. 6 and 9) containing text prompting the user to select the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C is further added. Furthermore, when an operation to input the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C is performed, a speech bubble F44 is further added. The speech bubble F44 includes first medium information.

[0095] The first medium information indicates the model number of a cassette C that is capable of printing the first image G413 selected in the speech bubble F43 and that satisfies the input type of adhesive and type of cassette C. Note that the cassette C with the model number indicated by the first medium information is currently available for loan.

[0096] When an operation to select speech bubble F44 is performed, cassette C with the model number indicated by the first media information and the target printer with the model number attached to the first tab of first sheet 41 are loaned to the user through the rental service.

[0097] On the other hand, when an operation to select the second image G44 is performed on the fourth display screen D4(2), a speech bubble F45 is added, as shown in the fourth display screen D4(4) of Fig. 31. Furthermore, when the second image G441 is selected from the second images G441, G442, and G443 in the speech bubble F45, a speech bubble (see Figs. 6 and 9) containing text prompting the user to select the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C is further added. Furthermore, when an operation to input the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C is performed, a speech bubble F46 is further added. The speech bubble F46 includes second medium information and a second predetermined condition.

[0098] The second medium information indicates the model number of a cassette C that is capable of printing the second image G441 selected in speech bubble F45 and that satisfies the input adhesive type and type of cassette C. The cassette C indicated by the second medium information is currently on loan and is not available for loan. The second specified condition indicates the specified condition for allowing the loan of a cassette C with the model number indicated by the second medium information.

[0099] When an operation to select speech bubble F46 is performed, a message box M41 is further added for reserving the target printer and cassette C that are currently on loan. When an operation to select the "Yes" selection button in message box M41 is performed, a reservation process is performed for the target printer with the model number assigned to the first tab of second sheet T42 and cassette C with the model number indicated by the second medium information included in speech bubble F45.

[0100] After the reservation process is completed, it is assumed that the reserved target printer and cassette C are returned and become available for rental. In this case, the reserved target printer and cassette C are rented out to the user by the rental service.

[0101] <Actions and effects of the fourth display screen D4> The fourth display screen D4 displays first images G41, G43 and second images G42, G44 that are expressed in colors that can be expressed when a cassette C that is in stock is installed in the target printer and used, but does not display images that are expressed in colors that can be expressed when a cassette C that is out of stock is installed in the target printer and used. This allows the user to easily recognize only images that are expressed in colors that can be expressed when a cassette C that is in stock is installed in the target printer and used.

[0102] On the fourth display screen D4, a speech bubble F44 including first medium information is displayed in association with a first image G413 selected by the user. Also, on the fourth display screen D4, a speech bubble F46 including second medium information is displayed in association with a second image G441 selected by the user. In this case, the user can recognize the cassette C to be used when the first image G413 and second image G441 selected by the user are printed based on the first medium information and the second medium information.

[0103] On the fourth display screen D4, when the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C are input, the model number that satisfies the input type of adhesive and the type of cassette C is displayed as the first medium information or the second medium information. Therefore, the user can easily identify the desired type of cassette C.

[0104] On the fourth display screen D4, a model number identifying the target printer is assigned to the first tab of each of the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42. In this case, the user can recognize the target printer to be used when printing the image. Also, the user can recognize the target printer to be used when printing the image included in each of the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 by associating the image with the target printer.

[0105] On the fourth display screen D4, if the target printer with the model number assigned to the first tab is currently on loan, a balloon F41 indicating that the target printer is currently on loan is associated, allowing the user to recognize that the target printer is currently on loan.

[0106] The balloon F41 also includes the predetermined conditions under which the currently lent target printer becomes available for loan, allowing the user to easily recognize the conditions under which the target printer becomes available for loan.

[0107] In the rental service, a reservation process allows a user to reserve a target printer and cassette C that are currently on loan. This allows a user who has reserved a target printer to print an image using the returned target printer after the currently loaned target printer is returned. Also, a user who has reserved cassette C can print an image using the returned cassette C after the currently loaned cassette C is returned.

[0108] The fourth display screen D4 displays images on a first sheet T41 with the model numbers of available printers and a second sheet T42 with the model numbers of currently lent printers. The user can distinguish between images that will be printed using available printers and images that will be printed using currently lent printers.

[0109] The target printers with the model numbers assigned to the first tabs of the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 are both in stock, so the user can distinguish and recognize the images printed by the target printers that are in stock.

[0110] In the fourth display screen D4, the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 each contain an image, each of which has a first tab with the model number of the target printer. This allows the user to distinguish and recognize the images for each target printer that will be used when printing.

[0111] <First modified example of the fourth display screen D4> For example, as in the fourth display screen D4(5) shown in Fig. 32, first images G451, G452, G453, G461, G462 and second images G454, G463 may be included in the first sheet T41. The first images G451 to G453, G461, G462 are expressed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and available for lending. The second images G454, G463 are expressed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and currently on lending. The first images G451, G452, G453, G461, G462 and the second images G454, G463 are images of the same design.

[0112] The first images G451 to G453 and the second image G454 have the same size. That is, the first images G451 to G453 and the second image G454 have the same width of tape stored in the cassette C used when printing them. The first images G461, G462 and the second image G463 have the same size. That is, the first images G461, G462 and the second image G463 have the same width of tape stored in the cassette C used when printing them. Note that the width of tape stored in the cassette C used when printing the first images G451 to G453 and the second image G454 is different from the width of tape stored in the cassette C used when printing the first images G461, G462 and the second image G463.

[0113] The first sheet T41 includes a frame line M43 that surrounds the first images G451 to G453 and the second image G454, and a frame line M44 that surrounds the first images G461, G462, and the second image G463. The frame lines M43 and M44 divide the first images G451 to G453 and the second image G454, and the first images G461, G462, and the second image G463 into sections based on the width of the tape contained in the cassette C that will be used when printing each of the images.

[0114] The frame line M43 is associated with the character string "9mm", which indicates the width of the tape contained in the cassette C used when printing the first images G451-G453 and the second image G454. The frame line M44 is associated with the character string "12mm", which indicates the width of the tape contained in the cassette C used when printing the first images G461, G462, and the second image G463.

[0115] In this case, the user can recognize the multiple images printed by the target printer by distinguishing them according to the type of cassette C used.

[0116] <Second modified example of the fourth display screen D4> Suppose that while the fourth display screen D4(2) is displayed, the user performs an input operation to start an image search. In this case, a sub-window M42 is added, as shown in the fourth display screen D4(6) of FIG. 33. The sub-window M42 includes an input box for inputting search keywords. In the input box, at least one of the following search criteria can be input: the color of the ink ribbon contained in the cassette C, the width of the tape contained in the cassette C, and the color of the substrate contained in the cassette C. When the search criteria are input in the input box of the sub-window M42 and the search button displayed at the end of the input box is selected, only images that match the search criteria are displayed on the second sheet T42.

[0117] <Fifth display screen D5> 34 to 36, a fifth display screen D5 (D5(1) to D5(3)), which is another example of the display screen D, will be described. Descriptions common to the first display screen D1, the second display screen D2, the third display screen D3, and the fourth display screen D4 will be omitted or simplified.

[0118] The fifth display screen D5 displays a first sheet T51 and a second sheet T52 superimposed on each other. Each of the first sheet T51 and the second sheet T52 has two tabs (a first tab and a second tab). The first tab is provided with the model number of the target printer that is in stock. The first tab of each of the first sheet T41 and the second sheet T42 displays the character string "P(1)" indicating the model number of the target printer. The second tab of the first sheet T51 is provided with the character string "Cassette / In Stock" indicating that the cassette C is in stock. The first tab of the second sheet T52 is provided with the character string "Cassette / Out of Stock" indicating that the cassette C is out of stock.

[0119] In the fifth display screen D5, the first sheet T51 includes a first image and a second image. The first image and the second image are each displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and can be used by the target printer having the model number assigned to the first tab. In other words, the first image and the second image are images that will be printed by the target printer having the model number assigned to the first tab using a cassette C that is in stock. The first image is displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is available for loan. On the other hand, the second image is displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is currently on loan.

[0120] On the other hand, the second sheet T52 includes a third image. The third image is an image that is expressed in colors that can be expressed by the out-of-stock cassette C. In other words, the third image is an image that cannot be printed by the target printer because the out-of-stock cassette C exists.

[0121] The first and second images are distinguished from the third image by being included on separate sheets. In other words, the first and second images, which are expressed in colors that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock among cassettes C that can be printed by the target printer, and the third image, which cannot be printed by the target printer because cassette C is out of stock, are displayed separately.

[0122] In the fifth display screen D5(1) shown in Fig. 34, the first sheet T51 is placed in the front, and the second sheet T52 is hidden behind the first sheet T51. In the fifth display screen D5(2) shown in Fig. 35, the second sheet T52 is placed in the front, and the first sheet T51 is hidden behind the second sheet T42. The user can switch between a state in which the first sheet T51 is placed in the front and a state in which the second sheet T52 is placed in the front by performing an operation of selecting a tab.

[0123] The first sheet T51 of the fifth display screen D5(1) shown in FIG. 34 includes a first image G51 and a second image G52. The first image G51 and the second image G52 have the same design but different colors. The second image G52 is associated with a speech bubble F51 indicating that the image is displayed in a color that can be represented by the currently lent cassette C. The second sheet T52 of the fifth display screen D5(2) shown in FIG. 35 includes third images G53 and G54. The third images G53 and G54 have the same design but different colors.

[0124] On the fifth display screen D5(1), the operation when an operation to select the first image G51 or the second image G52 is performed is the same as that on the fourth display screen D4, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0125] As shown in Fig. 35, when an operation to select third image G54 on second sheet T52 is performed, speech bubble F52 is added, as shown in fifth display screen D5(3) in Fig. 36. Speech bubble F52 includes third images G541, G542, and G543 that have the same design and color as the selected third image G54, but are different sizes.

[0126] When an operation is performed to select the third image G542 in the speech bubble F52, a speech bubble (see Figures 6 and 9) containing text prompting the user to select the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C is further added. When an operation is performed to input the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C, a speech bubble F53 is further added. The speech bubble F53 includes third medium information. The third medium information indicates the model number of a cassette C that is capable of printing the third image G542 selected in the speech bubble F52 and that satisfies the input type of adhesive and type of cassette C. Note that the cassette C indicated by the third medium information is out of stock.

[0127] <Actions and effects of the fifth display screen D5> On the fifth display screen D5, the first image G51 and the second image G52 are included in the first sheet T51, and the third images G53 and G54 are included in the second sheet T52. In this case, the user can distinguish between the first image G51 and the second image G52 and the third images G53 and G54.

[0128] On the fifth display screen D5, a speech bubble F53 including third medium information is displayed in association with the third image G542 selected by the user. In this case, the user can recognize the cassette C that will be used when the third image 542 selected by the user is printed, based on the third medium information.

[0129] <Registration process> 37 and 38, the registration processes (first registration process and second registration process) executed by the processor 21 of the management server 2 will be described. In the registration process, the cassette database and the printer database are registered in the management server 2. The first registration process and the second registration process are executed alternatively.

[0130] <First registration process> The first registration process will be described with reference to Figure 37. The first registration process is initiated by the processor 21 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 22 of the management server 2. The first registration process is executed when, for example, an administrator of the system 1 or a rental service provider performs an operation via the keyboard 24 to input various information about the cassette C and the label printer P.

[0131] The processor 21 accepts, via the keyboard 24, an operation to input media information indicating the model numbers of cassettes C in stock in the system 1 and media information indicating the model numbers of cassettes C that are not in stock in the system 1. The processor 21 further accepts, via the keyboard 24, an operation to input information indicating whether a cassette C in stock in the system 1 is available for lending or is currently on loan. The processor 21 further accepts, via the keyboard 24, an operation to input predetermined conditions for a cassette C that is currently on loan to become available for lending.

[0132] The processor 21 associates the received information with each piece of medium information, and stores and registers the information in the memory 22 as a cassette database (S11).

[0133] Processor 21 accepts, via keyboard 24, an operation to input printer information indicating the model numbers of label printers P that are in stock at system 1, and printer information indicating the model numbers of label printers P that are not in stock at system 1. Processor 21 also accepts, via keyboard 24, an operation to input information indicating whether a label printer P that is in stock at system 1 is available for rental or is currently on loan. Processor 21 also accepts, via keyboard 24, an operation to input predetermined conditions for a label printer P that is currently on loan to become available for rental.

[0134] The processor 21 associates the received information with each piece of printer information, stores it in the memory 22 as a printer database, and registers it (S13). The processor 21 ends the first registration process.

[0135] <Second registration process> 38, the second registration process executed by the processor 21 of the management server 2 will be described. The second registration process is started by the processor 21 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 22. For example, the second registration process is executed when an administrator of the system 1 or a rental service provider issues an instruction via the keyboard 24 to obtain various information about the cassette C and the label printer P from the external server 9.

[0136] The processor 21 communicates with the external server 9 via the network X, and receives and acquires medium information indicating the model numbers of all cassettes C from the external server 9 (S21). The processor 21 deletes, from the received medium information, medium information indicating the model numbers of cassettes C that are not eligible for rental through the rental service (S23). Cassettes C that are not eligible for rental through the rental service are, for example, cassettes C sold in countries other than the country in which the system 1 is installed.

[0137] The processor 21 determines whether the system 1 has in stock cassettes C of the model number indicated by the medium information that was not deleted in S23. The processor 21 also determines whether the cassettes C that are in stock are available for lending or are currently on loan. For cassettes C that are currently on loan, the processor 21 determines the predetermined conditions for them to become available for lending. The processor 21 associates the medium information that was not deleted in S23 with the determined information (in stock / out of stock) (available for lending / on loan) (predetermined conditions), and stores and registers it in the memory 22 as a cassette database (S25).

[0138] The processor 21 communicates with the external server 9 via the network X and receives and acquires the printer information of all label printers P from the external server 9 (S27). From the received printer information, the processor 21 deletes printer information that indicates the model number of a label printer P that is not eligible for rental under the rental service (S29).

[0139] Processor 21 determines whether the system 1 has stock of label printers P with the model numbers indicated by the printer information that was not deleted in S29. Processor 21 also determines whether the label printers P that are in stock are available for rental or are currently on loan. For label printers P that are currently on loan, processor 21 determines the predetermined conditions under which the printer can be rented. Processor 21 associates the printer information that was not deleted in S29 with the determined information (in stock / out of stock) (available for rental / on loan) (predetermined conditions), and stores and registers this in the memory 22 as a printer database (S30). Processor 21 ends the second registration process.

[0140] <Display processing> 39 and 40, a description will be given of the display processing executed by the processor 31 of the display device 3. The display processing is started when the processor 31 reads out and executes a program stored in the memory 32.

[0141] By executing the display process, one of the first display screen D1 to the fifth display screen D5 is displayed on the LCD 33. For example, the user can select the display screen D to be displayed from among the first display screen D1 to the fifth display screen D5 by performing an operation to specify one of the first display screen D1 to the fifth display screen D5 via the touch panel 34.

[0142] The processor 31 sends a message requesting the cassette database and the printer database to the management server 2. In response to the message received from the display device 3, the processor 21 of the management server 2 sends the cassette database and the printer database stored in the memory 22 to the display device 3. As shown in Fig. 39, the processor 31 of the display device 3 acquires the cassette database and the printer database from the management server 2 and stores them in the memory 32 (S31).

[0143] The processor 31 acquires image master data (S32). The image master data is design data that can be printed using all cassettes C and tape printers P, regardless of whether they are in stock. The image master data may also be design data that can be printed using a specific cassette C and tape printer P, regardless of whether they are in stock. The image master data may be acquired from a portable terminal Q owned by a user, for example, by communicating with the portable terminal Q. Alternatively, for example, the management server 2 may receive the image master data from the portable terminal Q by communicating with the portable terminal Q in advance, and store the image master data in the memory 22. The processor 31 may acquire the image master data stored in the memory 22 of the management server 2 from the management server 2, by communicating with the management server 2.

[0144] The processor 31 determines the images to be included and displayed on each sheet of the display screen D by referring to the cassette database and the printer database stored in the memory 32 (S33).

[0145] The processor 31 displays the information attached to the tab of each sheet (S35). For example, the processor 31 displays the printer information attached to the first tab of the fourth display screen D4. When displaying the fourth display screen D4, the processor 31 displays a speech bubble F41 (see FIGS. 28 to 31) in association with the printer information (S35). Based on the master data of the image acquired by the process of S32, the processor 31 displays the display screen D on the LCD 33, including the determined image on the sheet to be arranged in the forefront of the display screen D (S35). For example, the processor 31 also displays various frame lines (frame lines M22, M23, M24, M25, M26, M27, M43, M44) that separate the images (S35). For example, the processor 31 also displays various information (label width, printer information) in association with the frame lines.

[0146] When an operation is performed on the display device 3 to switch the sheet to be placed at the forefront on the display screen D, the processor 31 switches the sheet to be placed at the forefront based on the cassette database and the printer database stored in the memory 32. The processor 31 also displays a corresponding image on the sheet placed at the forefront.

[0147] The processor 31 determines whether an operation to select one of the images included in the sheet arranged at the front has been detected (S37). If the processor 31 determines that an operation to select one of the images has been detected (S37: YES), the processor 31 identifies a cassette C capable of printing an image with the same design and color as the selected image based on the cassette database. The processor 31 displays various speech bubbles (speech bubbles F11, F14, F21, F24, F43, F45, F52) containing images that can be printed using the identified cassette C in association with the selected image. Note that the speech bubbles contain one or more images with the same design and color as the selected image (S39). Note that when multiple images are included, the sizes of the images may differ.

[0148] Processor 31 determines whether an operation to select any of the images included in the speech bubble has been detected (S41). When processor 31 determines that an operation to select an image has not been detected (S41: NO), the process returns to S37.

[0149] When processor 31 determines that an operation to select one of the images included in the speech bubbles has been detected (S41: YES), various speech bubbles (speech bubbles F12, F15) are displayed in association with the selected image. These speech bubbles include character strings prompting input of the type of adhesive and cassette C (S43).

[0150] The processor 31 determines whether an operation for inputting the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C has been detected (S45). If the processor 31 determines that an operation for inputting the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C has not been detected (S45: NO), the processor 31 returns the process to S37. If the processor 31 determines that an operation for inputting the type of adhesive and the type of cassette C has been detected (S45: YES), the processor 31 proceeds to S61 (see FIG. 40).

[0151] As shown in Figure 40, the processor 31 identifies, based on the printer database, a cassette C that is capable of printing the image selected in S41 (see Figure 39) and that satisfies the adhesive and type of cassette C selected in S45 (S61). The processor 31 also identifies, based on the printer database, a label printer P that can use the identified cassette C (S61).

[0152] The processor 31 determines whether at least one of the cassette C and the label printer P determined in S61 is currently on loan, based on the cassette database and the printer database (S63).

[0153] If the processor 31 determines that neither the cassette C nor the label printer P is on loan (S63: NO), the processor 31 proceeds to the process at S73. When displaying any of the first to third display screens D1 to D3, the processor 31 displays a speech bubble containing medium information indicating the model number of the cassette C identified in S61 and printer information indicating the model number of the label printer P identified in S61 in association with the image selected in S41 (see FIG. 40) (S73). On the other hand, when displaying the fourth display screen D4 or the fifth display screen D5, the processor 31 displays a speech bubble containing medium information indicating the model number of the cassette C identified in S61 in association with the image selected in S41 (see FIG. 40) (S73). The processor 31 returns the process to S37 (see FIG. 39).

[0154] On the other hand, when it is determined that cassette C is being lent out (S63: YES), for example, processor 31 identifies predetermined conditions under which cassette C can be lent out based on the cassette database (S65). When displaying any of first to third display screens D1 to D3, processor 31 displays medium information indicating the model number of cassette C identified in S61, printer information indicating the model number of label printer P identified in S61, and a speech bubble containing the predetermined conditions identified in S65 in association with the image selected in S41 (see FIG. 39) (S67). When displaying fourth display screen D4 or fifth display screen D5, processor 31 displays medium information indicating the model number of cassette C identified in S61 and a speech bubble containing the predetermined conditions identified in S65 in association with the image selected in S41 (see FIG. 39) (S67).

[0155] Furthermore, for example, if the processor 31 determines that the label printer P is being rented out (S63: YES), the processor 31 identifies the predetermined conditions under which the label printer P can be rented out based on the printer database (S65). When displaying any of the first to third display screens D1 to D3, the processor 31 displays, in association with the image selected in S41 (see FIG. 39), medium information indicating the model number of the cassette C identified in S61, printer information indicating the model number of the label printer P identified in S61, and a speech bubble containing the predetermined conditions identified in S65 (S67). On the other hand, when displaying the fourth display screen D4 or the fifth display screen D5, the processor 31 displays, in association with the image selected in S41 (see FIG. 39), medium information indicating the model number of the cassette C identified in S61 and a speech bubble containing the predetermined conditions identified in S65 (S67).

[0156] When an operation to select the speech bubble displayed in S67 is performed, the processor 31 displays a message box inquiring whether or not to reserve at least one of the cassette C and label printer P that are currently on loan. When the processor 31 determines that an operation to make a reservation has been performed (S69: YES), the processor 31 executes reservation processing to make the reserved cassette C and label printer P available for loan after predetermined conditions are met (S71). After the reservation processing is completed, the processor 31 returns the processing to S37 (see FIG. 39). The reservation processing is, for example, processing to set up a notification to be sent to the user's portable terminal Q when the cassette C and label printer P become available for loan.

[0157] On the other hand, if processor 31 determines that no operation has been performed to select the speech bubble displayed in S67 or that no operation has been performed to make a reservation while the message box was displayed (S69: NO), it returns the processing to S37 (see Figure 39).

[0158] 39, when processor 31 determines that an operation to select an image included in the sheet has not been performed (S37: NO), processor 31 determines whether an operation to end the display of display screen D has been performed (S47). When processor 31 determines that an operation to end the display of display screen D has not been performed (S47: NO), processor 31 returns the process to S37. When processor 31 determines that an operation to end the display of display screen D has been performed (S37: NO, S47: YES), processor 31 ends the display process.

[0159] <Refinement processing> 41, the narrowing down process executed by the processor 31 of the display device 3 will be described. The narrowing down process is started by the processor 31 reading and executing a program stored in the memory 32. The narrowing down process is executed, for example, when an input operation to start an image search is performed while the display screen D is displayed.

[0160] Processor 31 displays a sub-window including an input box for search keywords superimposed on display screen D (S81). Processor 31 determines whether an operation has been performed to input at least one of the color of the ink ribbon contained in cassette C, the width of the tape contained in cassette C, and the color of the base material contained in cassette C into the input box as the type of cassette C (S83).

[0161] When processor 31 determines that an operation to input the type of cassette C has been performed (S83: YES), it extracts images to be printed using a cassette C that matches the input type from the multiple images included in the sheet (S85). Processor 31 updates the display of images included in the sheet so that only the extracted images are included in the sheet (S87). Processor 31 ends the narrowing down process.

[0162] On the other hand, if the processor 31 determines that the operation of inputting the type of cassette C into the input box has not been performed (S83: NO), the processor 31 proceeds to S89.

[0163] Processor 31 determines whether an operation has been performed to input the model number of label printer P into the input box as the type of label printer P (S89). If processor 31 determines that an operation to input the type of label printer P has been performed (S89: YES), processor 31 extracts images that will be printed using a label printer P that matches the input type from the multiple images included on the sheet (S91). Processor 31 updates the display of images included on the sheet so that only the extracted images are included on the sheet (S93). Processor 31 ends the narrowing down process.

[0164] On the other hand, if the processor 31 determines that the operation to input the type of label printer P into the input box has not been performed (S89: NO), the processor 31 ends the narrowing down process.

[0165] <Modification> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. In the above, part or all of the display processing executed by the processor 31 of the display device 3 may be executed by the processor 21 of the management server 2. In this case, for example, the processor 21 of the management server 2 may generate data for a display screen D to be displayed on the LCD 33 of the display device 3 and transmit it to the display device 3. The processor 31 of the display device 3 may display the display screen D on the LCD 33 based on the data received from the management server 2.

[0166] The display device 3 may receive the cassette database and the printer database directly from the external server 9 by communicating with the external server 9, instead of receiving the cassette database and the printer database from the management server 2. In this case, the management server 2 does not need to be provided in the system 1.

[0167] The display device 3 may store data of an image that has been finally determined as an image to be printed in the memory 32. The display device 3 may also store data of images that have been referenced in the process leading up to the final determination as an image to be printed in the memory 32.

[0168] The display device 3 may transmit data of an image that has been finally determined as an image to be printed to the management server 2. The display device 3 may also transmit data of an image that has been referenced in the process of being finally determined as an image to be printed to the management server 2. The management server 2 may store the data received from the display device 3 in the memory 22.

[0169] The display device 3 may send data of the image finally determined to be printed, and data indicating the cassette C and management server 2 to be used when printing this image, to the management server 2. The management server 2 may generate print data required for the label printer P to print the image, based on the data received from the display device 3. The management server 2 may send the generated print data to the display device 3. The display device 3 may receive the print data sent from the management server 2 and store it in memory 32.

[0170] Instead of renting out cassettes C and label printers P, system 1 may provide a printing service that prints an image selected by a user. In this case, system 1's display device 3 may send data of the image finally determined to be printed and data indicating the cassette C and management server 2 to be used when printing this image to management server 2. Management server 2 may give instructions to an operator of system 1 based on the data received from display device 3. In response to instructions from management server 2, the operator may print the image using a cassette C and label printer P stored in system 1. The label created by printing may be provided to the user by the operator. Instead of renting out cassettes C and label printers P, system 1 may provide a display service that displays the image and at least one of cassettes C and label printers P on a website that sells or introduces at least one of cassettes C and label printers P.

[0171] The method of distinguishing the first, second, and third images on the display screen D is not limited to the method of dividing the images by sheet, by borders, or by associating them with speech bubbles, as in the above embodiment. For example, the first, second, and third images may be distinguished by differentiating their respective transmittances. Furthermore, when the first, second, and third images are displayed as blinking images, the first, second, and third images may be distinguished by different blinking periods. Furthermore, the first, second, and third images may be displayed on different pages of the screen. In this case, the user may be able to distinguish and recognize the first, second, and third images by turning the pages. In this case, the order of the pages containing the first, second, and third images may be the first image, the second image, and the third image, respectively, or may be any other order.

[0172] On the display screen D, when the number of images included in the sheet is large, the entire sheet may be displayed by making the displayed contents changeable by scrolling.

[0173] The printing method of the label printer P is not limited to the thermal transfer method, and various other printing methods may be used. For example, the printing method of the label printer P may be a direct thermal method.

[0174] The cassette C does not necessarily have to have an ink ribbon, and the cassette C does not necessarily have to have a housing for housing the ink ribbon and tape.

[0175] The predetermined condition is not limited to the period until the item becomes available for rental, but may be any other condition for rental availability. For example, the predetermined condition may be the time when the item becomes available for rental. The predetermined condition may also be the number of people waiting.

[0176] At least one of the speech bubbles F11, F12, F14, F15, F21, F22, F24, F25, F43, and F52 may be omitted. At least one of the speech bubbles F13, F16, F23, F26, F44, F46, and F53 may be omitted. At least one of the sub-windows M21 and M42 may be omitted. When speech bubbles or sub-windows are omitted, the medium information and printer information may be displayed near the corresponding images, thereby associating the medium information and printer information with the images.

[0177] In the first registration process, the operation of inputting the medium information indicating the model number of the cassette C that is out of stock in the system 1 can be omitted.

[0178] In the first registration process, the operation of inputting at least one of the medium information, information indicating whether the medium is available for loan or is currently being loaned, and the predetermined conditions may be performed via another input means other than the keyboard 24. For example, the medium information, information indicating whether the medium is available for loan or is currently being loaned, and the predetermined conditions may be received by a code image reading means reading a code image.

[0179] In the first registration process, the operation of inputting printer information indicating the model number of the label printer P that is out of stock in the system 1 can be omitted.

[0180] In the second registration process, the medium information indicating the model numbers of all the cassettes C does not have to be acquired.

[0181] In the second registration process, the medium information indicating the model number of the cassette C that is not available for rental through the rental service does not need to be deleted.

[0182] In the second registration process, information in which media information indicating the model numbers of cassettes C that are not eligible for rental through the rental service has been deleted from the media information indicating the respective model numbers of all cassettes C may be obtained from the management server 2.

[0183] The first images G11, G12 included in the first sheet T11 of the first display screen D1 and the second images G13, G14 included in the second sheet T12 may both be displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for loan. In this case, the string "In stock / Available for loan" may be added to the tag of each of the first sheet T11 and the second sheet T12.

[0184] Alternatively, the first images G11 and G12 included in the first sheet T11 of the first display screen D1 and the second images G13 and G14 included in the second sheet T12 may all be displayed in colors that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently on loan. In this case, the text "In stock / On loan" may be added to the tags of each of the first sheet T11 and the second sheet T12.

[0185] The first images G21, G22 and the second images G23, G24 included in the first sheet T21 of the second display screen D2 may all be displayed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and currently available for lending. Alternatively, the first images G21, G22 and the second images G23, G24 may all be displayed in colors that can be expressed by cassettes C that are in stock and currently available for lending.

[0186] The first images G31, G32 included in the first sheet T31 of the third display screen D3 and the second images G33, G34 included in the second sheet T32 may both be displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently available for loan. In this case, the text "In stock / Available for loan" may be added to the tags of each of the first sheet T31 and the second sheet T32.

[0187] Alternatively, the first images G31, G32 included in the first sheet T31 of the third display screen D3 and the second images G33, G34 included in the second sheet T32 may all be displayed in a color that can be expressed by a cassette C that is in stock and currently on loan. In this case, the string "In stock / On loan" may be added to the tag of each of the first sheet T31 and the second sheet T32.

[0188] <Other> The LCD 33 is an example of a "display unit" of the present invention. The label printer P with the model number attached to the first tab of the fourth display screen D4 and the fifth display screen D5 is an example of a "target printer" of the present invention. The printer information is an example of "printer identification information" of the present invention. The tape contained in the cassette C is an example of a "medium," "first medium," "second medium," or "third medium" of the present invention. The processing of S35 is an example of an "image display processing," "image display step," "printer display processing," "first printer display processing," "second printer display processing," or "condition display processing" of the present invention. The processing of S45 is an example of a "medium reception processing" of the present invention. The processing of S67 and S73 are examples of a "first medium display processing" and a "second medium display processing" of the present invention. The processing of S71 is an example of a "reservation processing" of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 1: System 2: Management Server 3:Display device 31: Processor 32: Memory 33: LCD

Claims

1. a processor for displaying images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit; An image display process is executed in which a first image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among a plurality of printers and a second image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a second medium that can be printed by the target printer and is different from the first medium are displayed on the display unit, and a third image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer is not displayed on the display unit. A display program characterized by:

2. a processor for displaying images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit; A display program characterized by executing an image display process that displays on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among a plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a second medium that can be printed by the target printer and is different from the first medium, and displays on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer, distinguishing it from the first image and the second image.

3. the processor, a first medium display process including at least one of a process of displaying first medium information identifying the first medium on the display unit in association with the first image displayed by the image display process, and a process of displaying second medium information identifying the second medium on the display unit in association with the second image displayed by the image display process. Run the following again:

3. The display program according to claim 1, wherein the display program is a program for displaying a plurality of images.

4. the processor, further executing a medium receiving process for receiving at least one type of each of the plurality of media; The first medium display process includes: and displaying, on the display unit, at least one of the first medium information of the first medium corresponding to the type accepted by the medium acceptance process and the second medium information of the second medium corresponding to the type accepted by the medium acceptance process.

4. The display program according to claim 3.

5. the processor, 5. The display program according to claim 4, further comprising a printer display process for displaying printer identification information for identifying the target printer on the display unit.

6. the processor, and further executing a second medium display process for displaying third medium information for identifying the third medium on the display unit in association with the third image displayed by the image display process.

3. The display program according to claim 2.

7. the processor, A first printer display process is further executed to display on the display unit on-rent printer information that identifies printers among the target printers that are unavailable for rent and that become available for rent under predetermined conditions.

3. The display program according to claim 1, wherein the display program is a program for displaying a plurality of images.

8. the processor, 8. The display program according to claim 7, further comprising a condition display process for displaying the predetermined condition on the display unit.

9. the processor, 3. The display program according to claim 1, further comprising a reservation process for reserving a printer among the target printers that has changed from an unavailable state to an available state under a predetermined condition.

10. The image display process includes: The image to be printed using a printer that is available for lending out under predetermined conditions among the target printers is displayed on the display unit in a distinguished manner from the image to be printed using a printer that is available for lending out among the target printers.

3. The display program according to claim 1, wherein the display program is a program for displaying a plurality of images.

11. 3. The display program according to claim 1, wherein the target printer is a printer that is in stock in a system that provides a rental service.

12. The image display process includes:

3. The display program according to claim 1, wherein the first image and the second image are displayed separately for each of the target printers on which the first image and the second image are printed.

13. The image display process includes:

3. The display program according to claim 1, wherein the first image and the second image are displayed separately for each of the plurality of media on which they are printed.

14. The processor: The display program according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second printer display process for displaying the first image and the second image in association with printer identification information that identifies the target printer on which each image will be printed.

15. a display unit that displays images to be printed by the plurality of printers; a processor for controlling the display to display the image; A display device comprising: The processor: A display device characterized by executing an image display process that displays on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be represented on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers out of a plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be represented on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer, and does not display on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be represented on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer.

16. a display unit that displays images to be printed by the plurality of printers; a processor for controlling the display to display the image; A display device comprising: The processor: A display device characterized by executing an image display process that displays on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers out of a plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer, and displays on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer, distinguishing it from the first image and the second image.

17. A display method for displaying images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit, comprising: A display method characterized by comprising an image display step of displaying on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among a plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer, and not displaying on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer.

18. A display method for displaying images printed by a plurality of printers on a display unit, comprising: A display method characterized by comprising an image display step of displaying on the display unit a first image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a first medium that can be printed by one or more target printers among a plurality of printers, and a second image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a second medium different from the first medium that can be printed by the target printer, and displaying on the display unit a third image expressed in colors that can be expressed on a third medium that cannot be printed by the target printer, distinguishing it from the first image and the second image.

Images