Print format setting apparatus

Abstract

To provide a printing format setting device excellent in operability.SOLUTION: The print format setting device includes a designating unit that designates a predetermined print item G21 arranged in the print image, a print position adjustment tool G21 that adjusts an arrangement of the predetermined print item G115 designated by the designating unit, and a print position adjustment tool G115 that adjusts the arrangement of the predetermined print item G21 designated by the designating unit in a mode different from the print position adjustment tool G117.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a print formatter. [Background technology]

[0002] Label printers and packaging pricing devices have the ability to set formats not only online or on a PC screen, but also on the device screen, allowing adjustment of the position of printed items on-site. For example, prior art document 1 discloses a print format setting device for a printer that has a table in memory where print blocks in which indexes for reading out each piece of print information are registered are arranged in the order in which each piece of print information is arranged, and an input means is provided for setting the order in which the print information is arranged by selectively inputting an index into each print block of the table, and the printing means is configured to read out and print the corresponding print information in the order of the array number or in reverse order of the array number based on the index of each print block. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2558242 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of operability, screen display, etc., when setting the print format on a device that performs pricing and packaging.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a print format setting device that is easy to operate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the print format setting device of the present invention is a print format setting device that displays a print image and sets a print format, and is equipped with a designation means that designates specified print items that are arranged in the print image, a first print position adjustment means that adjusts the arrangement of the specified print items designated by the designation means, and a second print position adjustment means that adjusts the arrangement of the specified print items designated by the designation means in a manner different from that of the first print position adjustment means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is an external perspective view showing an example of a label printer to which a print format setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions of the label printer. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 5] This figure explains the operation of moving a printed item, and shows (a) the initial position, (b) the state in which the printed item has been moved from the initial position by one operation, (c) the state in which the printed item has been moved from the initial position by two operations, (d) the state in which the printed item has been moved from the initial position by three operations, (e) the state in which the printed item has been moved from the initial position by four operations, and (f) the state in which the printed item has been moved from the initial position by five operations. [Figure 6] This figure, following Figure 5, explains the operation of moving a print item, and shows (a) the state in which the print item has been moved from its initial position by six operations, (b) the state in which the print item has been moved from its initial position by seven operations, and (c) the state in which the print item has been moved from its initial position by eight operations. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 8] 5A and 5B are partial enlarged views showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer, in which (a) is a view before a print item is moved, and (b) is a view after the print item is moved. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the label printer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Overview and functions of the print formatting device A print format setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The print format setting device according to this embodiment is a device for displaying a print image and setting a print format, and is primarily applied to label printers, particularly label printers with weighing functions and packaging pricing machines. Label printers and other devices operating in the backrooms of supermarkets, for example, cannot use mice or mouse pads due to hygiene considerations, and efforts are made to minimize the number of touches required on touch panel screens. Furthermore, it is preferable for the touch panel screen to be protected with plastic wrap or similar, and for an operating system that does not require frequent touch operations such as drag-and-drop. The print format setting device according to this embodiment offers operability well suited to such environments.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows a label printer 1 that constitutes a print format setting device according to this embodiment. The control device of the label printer 1 has an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and memory devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and is connected to a display and operation unit 11, a key operation unit 12, a weighing unit 13, and an issuing unit 14 via an interface circuit.

[0010] The display and operation unit 11 serves both as an input means for accepting input operations for various types of information and as a display means for displaying various types of information. In this embodiment, it is configured, for example, with a touch panel display. The user can display the label print format and print data on this display and operation unit 11, edit the print format and print data, and perform label printing operations. The display / operation unit 11 may be configured with independent input means and display means, such as a liquid crystal display and a pointing device.

[0011] The key operation unit 12 is composed of various mechanical keys (hardware keys, buttons) and accepts various inputs from the user. For example, a preset key is assigned to each key of the key operation unit 12 and accepts the selection of a product to be read. This key operation unit 12, together with the display / operation unit 11 described above, constitutes an input means.

[0012] The weighing unit 13 measures the weight of an object to be weighed, such as a product (a product sold by weight) or a container, placed on a predetermined placement surface. This weighing unit 13 weighs the object to be weighed placed on the placement surface, for example, by weight detection using a load cell. More specifically, the weighing unit 13 is composed of a weight detection unit and an AD converter, and the AD converter converts the analog signal input from the weight detection unit into a digital signal. This allows the product placed in the container to be tare-deducted from the weighing result by referring to the tare weight reference value, and the weight of the product contents can be displayed on the display / operation unit 11.

[0013] The issuing unit 14 issues labels to be affixed to products, etc. That is, the issuing unit 14 creates labels by printing predetermined print content on a recording medium such as paper or a sticker, and ejects the labels from the issuing port 14a. As will be described later, labels are printed based on the print format and print data stored in information storage means such as information storage unit 101. If the print format and print data are edited at the store, labels are printed based on the edited settings and data.

[0014] In addition, the label printer 1 may appropriately have a handy scanner, CCD camera, or the like as a reading unit for reading various data from identifiers coded in symbol codes such as bar codes or two-dimensional codes. Also, the label printer 1 is an example of a print format setting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and when the print format setting device is applied to a packaging pricing machine, it has appropriate functional units such as packaging means for packaging products.

[0015] The label printer 1 comprises, as software resources, functional blocks consisting of an information storage unit 101, a weight information acquisition unit 102, an editing unit 103, a display and operation control unit 104, an issuance control unit 105, and a communication processing unit 106.

[0016] The information storage unit 101 is a storage unit that stores various types of information. This information storage unit 101 stores at least print data and print formats as information necessary for issuing labels to be attached to products and the like.

[0017] The print data is composed of, for example, product identification information that identifies the product and data for each print item related to the pricing of the product. The print items include, for example, PLU, product name, selling price, ingredients, additives, nutritional information, place of origin, person in charge of issuing, serial number, department, etc. This print data can also be edited for each print item by the editing unit 103, which will be described later. The print data is downloaded from a higher-level cloud server that manages information at a predetermined timing, such as when a predetermined operation is performed or when the power is turned on. The print data is not limited to the content to be printed on the label, but may also include information on packaging conditions and packaging settings.

[0018] The print format is information that defines the format of the label, such as the print items to be printed on the label, the position and size of the print items on the label, etc. This print format can be edited by the editing unit 103, which will be described later, and the label printer 1 can issue labels that conform to the edited print format.

[0019] Additionally, the information storage unit 101 may be configured to store label issuance records and the like. The label issuance records are information about labels issued in a store and are composed of product identification information for the product and information about the labels issued for that product. These label issuance records are sent from the label printer 1 to a cloud server or the like that manages information at predetermined times, such as when the label printer 1 is turned off or when a predetermined operation is performed. Administrators and the like can use these label issuance records to understand the contents and quantity of products for which labels have been issued, as well as the printed content. These label issuance records can also be used for traceability management.

[0020] The weight information acquisition unit 102 acquires the product weight as the product weight information. Depending on the sales mode of the product, weight information may be acquired by, for example, acquiring a weighed value by the weighing unit 13 or by inputting a quantity. When weight information is obtained by weighing a product, the weight value can be obtained not only from the weighing unit 13 provided in the label printer 1 itself, but also from a weighing unit (weighing device) externally connected to the label printer 1 via a network or the like. When weight information is obtained by inputting a quantity, the display / operation unit 11, key operation unit 12, etc., which constitute the data input means, accepts input of the product weight as the quantity to be input, and thereby obtains the product weight.

[0021] The editing unit 103 edits the print data and print format based on user operations. As will be described later, this editing unit 103 provides the user with an editing tool on a screen where the print items and print format can be edited, and performs editing in accordance with the operation of the editing tool. Once the print data and print format have been edited by the user of the label printer 1, labels can be printed using the edited content. The edited content may be reflected in the print data and print format stored in the information storage unit 101, or may be stored separately from the print data and print format before editing, and when the label is printed, the edited print data and print format may be referenced according to the operator's selection.

[0022] The display / operation control unit 104 controls the display / operation unit 11 and key operation unit 12 to display print data, print formats, label printing images, etc., and to accept editing operations for the print data and print formats.

[0023] The printing control unit 105 controls the printing unit 14 to print labels to be attached to products or the like.

[0024] The communication processing unit 106 is a functional unit that enables data communication based on a predetermined communication protocol, and transmits and receives data to and from higher-level devices or cloud servers via a predetermined communication network such as a public line such as the Internet, a LAN, or a dedicated line.

[0025] ●Example of editing the print format The editing of the print format executed by the editing unit 103 will be described below with reference to an example of a screen displayed on the label printer 1 according to this embodiment. 3 shows an editing screen for editing the print format. In addition to an editing menu G10 and a print image display area G20, the screen also includes a switching button G301, a product number input field G302, a skip button G303, a preview instruction button G304, a test print button G305, and a zoom in / out operation button G306. Note that on this editing screen, the tools for editing the print format and print data implement specific functions of the editing unit 103. The print items G21-1 to G21-15 in the print image display area G20 will be referred to as "print items G21" unless otherwise specified.

[0026] The switch button G301 is an operator that switches the print image of the label depending on whether it is a variable weight product or a fixed price product. Because the basic print items differ between variable weight products and fixed price products, the print formats for each are stored, and the print format appropriate for variable weight products or fixed price products can be loaded by pressing the button.

[0027] The product number input field G302 is a functional unit that instructs the acquisition of print data to be printed on the label by inputting a product product number, and constitutes an example of a print data acquisition means according to the present invention. When a specific product product number is input, the print data for the product corresponding to the specific product number is acquired from the information storage unit 101, and a print image in which the print data is reflected in a specific print format is displayed in the print image display area G20. If the print format has been edited on the editing screen, the print data is displayed according to the edited print format.

[0028] The skip button G303, like the product number input field G302, is an example of a print data acquisition means according to the present invention. When the skip button G303 is pressed, a product number list screen is displayed, allowing the user to specify the product number of the product they wish to call up.

[0029] The product number input field G302 and skip button G303 are examples of print data acquisition means, and in other examples, the print data may be acquired by specifying a product by searching for the product name or by reading a symbol code in which the product information is encoded. Also, multiple means for specifying a product may be provided. Furthermore, the print data may be stored in a higher-level cloud server or the like, in which case it is acquired from the cloud server or the like.

[0030] The preview instruction button G304 is an operator that commands the display of a preview of a label that matches the print data acquired by operating the product number input field G302 and the skip button G303. When the preview instruction button G304 is pressed, an image of the label that will appear when actually printed is displayed on the screen.

[0031] The test print button G305 is an operator for performing test printing of a label before actually printing the label. When the test print button G305 is pressed, a label (test label) conforming to the print data is printed by the printing unit 14, and the contents and state of the label when actually printed can be checked.

[0032] The zoom button G306 is an operator that zooms in or out on the print image displayed in the print image display area G20. In the example shown, a plus button and a minus button are provided, and pressing each button will zoom in or out on the print image. The display magnification of the print image is also displayed so that it can be directly entered. There is also a button that can zoom in or out to match the display size of the print image to the print image display area G20 with a single operation.

[0033] Additionally, in the print image displayed in the print image display area G20, a print item name indicating the type of print item (price, base price, product number, etc.) may be displayed for each print item G21. By displaying the print item name for each print item G21 included in the print image, it becomes easier to understand which print item G21 on the print image a specific print item G21 is.

[0034] The edit menu G10 provides editing tools for specifically editing the print format. The edit menu G10 allows the type of editing tool to be switched using tabs. In the illustrated example, an "Edit by Item" tab G11 for editing print items G21 individually and a "Bulk Edit" tab G12 for editing multiple print items G21 collectively are provided. Note that the selected tab may be given a distinguishing effect, such as being displayed in a specific color, so that it is easy to identify which tab is currently selected.

[0035] <"Edit by Item" tab G11> The example in Fig. 3 shows a state in which the "Edit by Item" tab G11 is selected, and print items G21 that make up the print format and are arranged in the print image display area G20 are displayed in a list in the print item designation area G111. The listed print items can be specified individually, and the operator can specify any print item from the print item designation area G111 to specify and edit the print item G21 arranged in the print image display area G20. This print item designation area G111 and the function of accepting designation of the print item to be edited in the print item designation area G111 constitute designation means according to the present invention.

[0036] In the illustrated example, in the print item designation area G111, the print items G21 can be designated using the radio buttons G1111 provided for each print item G21. The example in Fig. 3 shows a state in which no print items are designated, but when a specific print item G21 is designated in the print item designation area G111, a check mark is placed in the radio button G1111 corresponding to that specific print item G21. Note that in the print item designation area G111, the designated print item may be displayed in a different manner from the other undesignated print items, for example, in a different color. In the drawing, when the radio button G1111 is checked, the radio button G1111 constitutes the designation means, but in a modified example, when the print item G21 is laid out, the radio button G1111 is checked, and while the print position of the print item G21 is being adjusted, the display mode of the border and background color of the item corresponding to the print item G21 designated by the designation means may change in the print item designation area G1111. That is, in response to a touch operation on the print item G21, the item may be displayed in inverse video, or the like, to indicate that it has been designated.

[0037] Each print item G21 is also provided with a tool selection button G1112. The tool selection button G1112 is an operator that switches the display of each print item G21 to a print position adjustment tool G115 or a print position adjustment tool G117, which will be described later, and the operator can select the print position adjustment tool G115 or the print position adjustment tool G117 for a specific print item G21 using the tool selection button G112 to adjust the position of the print item G21.

[0038] Below the edit menu G10, there is provided an "Add / Delete Item" button G131 for adding or deleting print items. For example, by specifying a specific print item from the print items listed in the print item designation area G111 and pressing the "Add / Delete Item" button G131, the specific print item can be deleted from the print item designation area G111. Also, if the "Add / Delete Item" button G131 is pressed when none of the print items listed in the print item designation area G111 have been designated, print items that are not displayed in the list will be listed, and by specifying a specific print item from there, the specific print item can be added to the print item designation area G111 as an editable print item.

[0039] The print image display area G20 displays a print image of the label. In the print image, print items G21 are arranged in predetermined positions. Print data for a predetermined product can be reflected in each print item G21 by operating the preview instruction button G303 described above. When the print items G21 are edited using the editing tools provided by the edit menu G10, the edited content is reflected in the print image displayed in this print image display area G20.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows the screen when "price" is specified as the print item to be edited in the print item specification area G111 in FIG. In the print image display area G20, the print item G21-2 corresponding to the specified "price" is displayed in a manner that allows it to be distinguished from the other print items G21. In the illustrated example, only the specified print item G21-2 is displayed with a frame of a predetermined color. However, regardless of the illustrated example, the specified print item G21 may be distinguished in other ways as long as it can be distinguished.

[0041] Furthermore, based on the current position of the specified print item G21-2, the areas up, down, left, and right to which the print item G21-2 can be moved using the print position adjustment tool G115 or print position adjustment tool G117 (described later) are displayed as a band-like area G22 in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other areas. In the illustrated example, the movable area G22 displayed as a band is displayed in a predetermined color that differs from the other areas and the background color, while other overlapping print items G21 are displayed transparently. This allows the operator to recognize the positions to which the print item G21-2 can be moved, and also makes it easy to recognize whether the print item G21-2 will overlap other print items G21 when moved. In the illustrated example, the areas above, below, left, and right centered on the printed item G21-2 are displayed as the movable area G22, but if the area includes an area that cannot be moved, the area may be displayed in a specified color that can be distinguished from other areas.

[0042] Below the "Edit by Item" tab G11, editing tools (G112 to G118) for editing the specified print item G21 are displayed, and further below that are a reset button G132 and an OK button G133. If the reset button G132 is pressed after editing the print format, the edited content is discarded and the print format returns to its pre-edit state. Furthermore, if the OK button G133 is pressed after editing the print format, the edited content is confirmed. Note that before editing, only the OK button G133 is enabled, and after editing, the reset button G132 becomes enabled.

[0043] The print item name edit button G112 is an operator for changing the name indicating the type of the specified print item G21, i.e., in the illustrated example, the name "Price" indicating the type of print item G21-2. When this print item name edit button G112 is pressed, for example, a dialog box in which the name of the print item can be edited opens, allowing the user to input any print item. When the operator confirms the input content, the name of the print item G21 is displayed with the edited content.

[0044] <"Edit by Item" tab G11_"Layout" tab G113> The "Layout" tab G113 is a tab that displays specific tools for editing the print item G21. In the "Layout" tab G113, a print position adjustment tool G115, a unit conversion button G116, a print position adjustment tool G117, and a size adjustment tool G118 are provided as tools for editing the print item G21.

[0045] The print position adjustment tool G115 is a tool for adjusting the position of the specified print item G21, and can move the specified print item G21 by a predetermined distance in response to an operation. This print position adjustment tool G115 constitutes a first print position adjustment means according to the present invention.

[0046] In the print position adjustment tool G115, the position of the specified print item G21-2 on the print image is expressed by the size of the margin. That is, the numbers displayed at the top, bottom, left, and right indicate the current margins from the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the specified print item G21-2 to the edges of the print image. This margin matches the size of the movable area G22 displayed in the print image display area G20. Arrow-shaped buttons are provided on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the print adjustment tool G115 for moving the print item G21 by a specified distance (e.g., 0.5 mm). Pressing these buttons moves the print item G21-2 by the specified distance up, down, left, or right. When the print position adjustment tool G115 is operated, the print item G21-2 displayed in the print image display area G20 moves up, down, left, or right in response to the operation. When the print item G21-2 moves in the print image display area G20, the movable area G22 also changes to reflect the position of the print item G21-2 after the movement. The arrow-shaped buttons provided on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the print adjustment tool G115 constitute a designation means for designating the movement direction, and also constitute a movement operation means for moving the print item G21. However, the designation means and the movement operation means may be provided separately.

[0047] The predetermined distance by which the print item G21 is moved with one button operation may be set to any amount. The unit used to indicate the length of the margin can be converted using the unit conversion button G116, for example, to millimeters or dots. In addition, the movement speed of the specified print item G21 may be adjustable according to the operation of the print item G21, and the movement speed may be increased when a continuous touch operation or an operation of continuously pressing a button is performed. Furthermore, when a button operation is accepted, a selection screen may be displayed in which the movement distance can be selected from multiple options, and the print item G21 may be moved by the movement distance corresponding to the selection, or a specific movement distance or margin size may be input, and the print item G21 may be moved to a position corresponding to the input content.

[0048] The print position adjustment tool G117 is a tool that adjusts the placement of a specified print item G21 in a manner different from the print position adjustment tool G115, and can move the specified print item G21 to a position where a predetermined edge in the movement direction of the specified print item G21 and the edge of the nearest print item G21 in the movement direction that is approximately parallel to the edge in the movement direction of the specified print item G21 and is located closest to the predetermined edge are aligned in a straight line. This print position adjustment tool G117 constitutes a second print position adjustment means according to the present invention.

[0049] In the print position adjustment tool G117, arrow-shaped buttons for moving the print item G21 are provided on the top, bottom, left, and right of the rectangular shape that resembles the print item G21. Pressing these buttons moves the print item G21 so that the edge of the specified print item G21 is aligned with the edge of another print item G21 in a straight line. As with the print position adjustment tool G115, the print position adjustment tool G117 may also display the current margins from the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the specified print item G21-2 to the edges of the print image. Displaying the margins at a position related to (for example, nearby) the area where the position adjustment operation of the print item G21 is performed using at least either the print position adjustment tool G115 or the print position adjustment tool G117 is convenient because the operator can perform the operation while checking the margins.

[0050] Here, the position adjustment of the print item G21 using the print position adjustment tool G117 will be described with reference to FIGS. Figures 5 and 6 show the layout of print items 2, 3, and 4. Here, we explain an example in which print item 2 is specified and its position is sequentially moved in the (-y) direction from the initial position shown in Figure 5(a) to the position shown in Figure 6(c).

[0051] 5 and 6, upon receiving an operation to move the position of the print item 2 in the (-y) direction (pressing the arrow-shaped button pointing downward on the print adjustment tool G117 in FIG. 4), the print position adjustment tool G117 moves the print item 2 to a position where one of the edges 2a, 2b perpendicular to the movement direction (-y) of the print item 2 is aligned with one of the edges 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b of the other print items 3 and 4 (the top, bottom, left, and right edges in the figure, including the edges 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b) that is substantially parallel to the edges 2a and 2b. The arrow-shaped buttons provided on the top, bottom, left, and right of the print adjustment tool G117 constitute a designation means for designating the movement direction and also constitute a movement operation means for moving the print item 2. However, the designation means and the movement operation means may be provided separately.

[0052] Furthermore, regarding the order of movement of the printing item 2, based on the distance between one of the end edges 2a, 2b of the printing item 2 and the imaginary straight lines 31, 32, 41, 42 extending in the x direction from the end edges 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b that are located on the movement direction side of each end edge 2a, 2b, the printing item 2 is moved to the position where the distance is smallest by performing a single operation to move the position of the printing item 2 in the (-y) direction.

[0053] Next, such movement of the print item 2 will be specifically explained using the examples of FIGS. First, the print item 2 is moved in the (-y) direction from the initial position shown in FIG. 5A by one operation of the print position adjustment tool G117. At this time, when viewed from either of the end sides 2a and 2b of the print item 2 that is perpendicular to the movement direction, the end sides 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b of the print items 3 and 4 exist in the movement direction ((-y) direction) as end sides that are approximately parallel to the end sides 2a and 2b. Here, when the distances between the end sides 2a and 2b and the straight lines 31, 32, 41, and 42 extending from each of the end sides 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b in the x direction are referenced, the distance between the end side 2b and the straight line 31 is the smallest. As a result, the print position adjustment tool G117 moves the print item 2 to a position where the end side 2b of the print item 2 and the end side 3a of the print item 31 are aligned in a straight line in the x direction, as shown in FIG. 5B.

[0054] FIG. 5(c) shows the state when the print position adjustment tool G117 is further operated to move the print item 2 in the (-y) direction from the state shown in FIG. 6(b). That is, in the state shown in FIG. 6(b), when viewed from either of the end edges 2a and 2b perpendicular to the movement direction, the end edges 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b of the print items 3 and 4 exist in the movement direction ((-y) direction) as end edges that are approximately parallel to the end edges 2a and 2b. Here, when the distances between the end edges 2a and 2b and the straight lines 31, 32, 41, and 42 extending from each end edge 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b in the x direction are referenced, the distance between the end edge 2a and the straight line 31 is the smallest. As a result, the print position adjustment tool G117 moves the print item 2 to a position where the end edge 2a of the print item 2 and the end edge 3a of the print item 31 are aligned in a straight line, as shown in FIG. 5(c).

[0055] Similarly, when the print position adjustment tool G117 is operated to move print item 2 in the (-y) direction from Fig. 5(c), print item 2 moves to a position where the edge 2b of print item 2 and the edge 3b of print item 3 are aligned in a straight line, as shown in Fig. 5(d). From here, print item 2 can be moved sequentially to a position where the edge 2b of print item 2 and the edge 4b ​​of print item 4 are aligned in a straight line (Fig. 5(e)), a position where the edge 2a of print item 2 and the edge 3b of print item 3 are aligned in a straight line (Fig. 5(f)), a position where the edge 2a of print item 2 and the edge 4a of print item 4 are aligned in a straight line (Fig. 6(a)), a position where the edge 2b of print item 2 and the edge 4b ​​of print item 4 are aligned in a straight line (Fig. 6(b)), and a position where the edge 2a of print item 2 and the edge 4b ​​of print item 4 are aligned in a straight line (Fig. 6(c)).

[0056] Based on the above-described operation of moving the print item G21, we will now explain how the print item G21-2 is moved by operating the print position adjustment tool G117, using an example screen actually displayed on the display and operation unit 11 of the label printer 1. Figure 7 shows an example of the state in which the print item G21-2 has been moved using the print position adjustment tool G117. When the button to move print item G21-2 to the left in the print position adjustment tool G117 is pressed from the state shown in Figure 4, print item G21-2 moves to a position where the left edge G21d of the edges G21b and G21d of print item G21-2 is aligned in a straight line with the edge G21h of the nearest print item G21-4 on the left side (movement direction) that is approximately parallel to the edge G21d on the left side (movement direction) of print item G21-2 and is located closest to edge G21d, as shown in Figure 8 ((a) shows before movement and (b) shows after movement). In the example shown, the right edge of printed item G21-1 is also aligned with edge 21h of printed item G21-4, and printed item 21-2 is positioned so that its right edge and edge G21d are aligned in a straight line when moved.

[0057] As a result, when print item G21-2 is moved, the edge G21d of print item G21-2 and the edge G21h of print item G21-4 are aligned in a straight line, resulting in a print image with a good appearance in which the print item G21 is positioned neatly. This is particularly convenient because the operator can move print item G21 so that the edges of print item G21 are aligned in a straight line without having to perform detailed operations. In addition, when editing with this print position adjustment tool G117, if the print item G21-2 is moved in the print image display area G20, the movable area G22 also changes to correspond to the position of the print item G21-2 after the movement.

[0058] Moreover, Fig. 9 shows the state in which print item G21-2 has been moved further to the left from the state in Fig. 7. In the state in Fig. 7, the edge of print item G21 closest to the left (movement direction) of either edge G21b, G21d of print item G21-2 is the right edge of print items G21-3 and G21-5 in the drawing, and print item G21-2 has been moved to a position where edge G21d of print item G21-2 and edge G21i, G21j of print items G21-3 and G21-5 are aligned on a straight line.

[0059] In the state shown in Figure 9, as the print item G21-2 moves, a portion of it (overlapping portion G23) overlaps with print item G21-1. In this case, the overlapping portion G23 where the print items G21 overlap may be given a distinguishing effect that makes it distinguishable from the other portions. For example, only the overlapping portion G23 may be displayed in a predetermined color that is different from the other areas. As will be described in detail later, it may be possible to set whether or not to allow the print items G21 to overlap in this way.

[0060] Note that, as print item G21-2 has moved from the state in Fig. 4 to the states in Fig. 7 and Fig. 9, the margins displayed in the print position adjustment tool G115 are based on the position of print item G21-2 after it has been moved. That is, in the example in Fig. 7, print item G21-2 has moved 9 mm to the left from the state in Fig. 4, so the left margin is displayed as 50 mm and the right margin is displayed as 14 mm. Also, in the example in Fig. 9, print item G21-2 has moved 26 mm to the left from the state in Fig. 4, so the left margin is displayed as 33 mm and the right margin is displayed as 31 mm.

[0061] The size adjustment tool G118 is a means for adjusting the size of the specified print item G21. In this example, the width and height of the print item G21, as well as the character size displayed as the print item G21, can be individually changed. When the size of the specified print item G21 is adjusted using the size adjustment tool G118, this adjustment is also reflected in the print image.

[0062] FIG. 10 shows the state in which the print format has been edited as shown in FIG. 9 and the OK button G133 has been pressed to confirm the edit of the print format. Once the print format editing has been confirmed, the movable area G22 is hidden, and the print image of the actual label printing is displayed in the print image display area G20. In the illustrated example, because the format settings have been edited, a cancel button G134 is displayed to cancel the editing.

[0063] <"Edit by Item" tab G11_"Text" tab G114> The "Character" tab G114 is a tab for editing the characters displayed in the print item G21 and the settings of the print item G21. The tools provided in this "Character" tab G114 allow you to edit the angle of the characters displayed in the specified print item G21, whether they are written vertically or horizontally, the font type, etc., as well as set the print item G21 as a variable-length print item and enable or disable overlapping printing. When the print item G21 is edited in the "Character" tab G114, the edited contents are also reflected in the print data.

[0064] A variable-length print item is a type of print item where the length (height or width) of the print item G21 itself can be changed. If the labels to be printed are so-called tack labels, the label size is fixed, but if the labels are linerless labels (labels without a liner), the label size is variable because the label paper is cut to a length according to the settings. Therefore, in the case of linerless labels, even if the size of the printed label becomes larger or smaller by changing the size of the print item G21, the appropriate label can be printed by adjusting the cutting position of the label paper.

[0065] The setting for allowing or prohibiting overlapping printing refers to whether or not to allow a print item G21 to overlap with another print item G21 when moved. The print item G21 displays characters, etc., but depending on the length and size of the characters, there may be margins. Therefore, even if the print item G21 overlaps, the characters displayed in the print item G21 may be printed without overlapping. For example, if the price print item G21 has space to display six digits and the displayed price is four digits, there is no problem even if two digits of another print item G21 overlap. Taking such cases into consideration, it may be possible to set whether or not overlapping printing is permitted for the print item G21. In addition, duplicate printing is not appropriate for certain print items G21, such as variable-length print items (e.g., origin indication), and duplicate printing may be prohibited for such print items G21, or the operator may not be able to perform setting operations in the first place.

[0066] Regarding the permission or prohibition of overlapping printing, when a specified print item G21 is moved so that it overlaps with another print item G21, the overlapping portion G23 may be displayed in a predetermined color, as shown in FIG. 9 . Here, for two overlapping print items G21, if overlapping printing is permitted for both print items G21, editing confirmation may be permitted. However, if overlapping printing is prohibited for at least one print item G21 or the print item G21 to be moved, editing confirmation may not be permitted. When overlapping printing is prohibited, for example, pressing the OK button G133 may be disabled, and the system may wait to accept an operation to move the print item G21 to eliminate the overlapping printing or to reset the edited content. Furthermore, when the OK button G133 is pressed, a voice output or text display may be generated to notify that the print items G21 are overlapping. Furthermore, the color of the overlapping portion G23 may be changed depending on whether overlapping printing is permitted or prohibited, allowing the user to distinguish whether overlapping printing is permitted or prohibited by color.

[0067] 11 shows another example of an overlapping state of print items G21, in which moving print item G21-4 causes print item G21-5 to overlap print item G21-4. In this example, a notification field G135 is provided to notify the user that print item G21-5 and print item G21-4 overlap. In the illustrated example, the notification field G135 displays the text "Items are overlapping!" This notification field G135 is provided near the reset button G132 and OK button G133, so the operator can at least become aware of the situation when resetting or confirming the edited content.

[0068] In this "Character" tab G114, the editable items vary depending on the specified print item G21. For example, the font of "Recycling Mark" print items G21-3 and G21-5 cannot be edited (the illustration shows "Paper," but the same applies to "Plastic" and "PET"). The "Barcode" print item G21-1 does not allow font editing, does not allow vertical or horizontal writing, and does not allow variable-length character settings. The print angle can only be selected as either 0 or 180 degrees, taking into account the conveyance direction of the labeled product. However, in the case of the "Barcode" print item G21-2, as long as it is readable, it may be possible to edit the height independently, or it may be possible to edit the width or height so that the other expands or contracts in conjunction with the expansion or contraction of either.

[0069] <"Bulk Edit" tab G12> 12 shows the state when the "Bulk Edit" tab G12 is selected. The "Bulk Edit" tab G12 allows multiple print items G21 to be edited at once. This "Bulk Edit" tab G12 is provided with a range selection button G121, a movement button G122, a print position adjustment tool G123, and a unit conversion button G124.

[0070] The range selection button G121 is an operator for specifying multiple print items G21 as the editing target. Figure 12 shows the range selection button G121 pressed. In this state, multiple print items G21 can be specified by touching multiple arbitrary print items G21 in the print image display area G20 or by using a range specification operation to fit arbitrary multiple print items G21 within a specified range. In the example shown, print items G21-1 and G21-2 are specified together, and print items G21-1 and G21-2 are given a color different from the other areas. This makes it possible to recognize the specified print items G21.

[0071] Note that the method of specifying multiple print items G21 is not limited to this; a list of print items G21 may be displayed in a window separate from the print image display area G20, and multiple print items G21 of your choice may be specified from the list. Furthermore, the manner in which the specified print item G21 can be distinguished from other areas does not have to be by color coding, and various other manners can be used, such as displaying it with a predetermined frame line. Also, on the screen shown in the figure, the print position adjustment tool G123 for moving the specified print item G21 is grayed out, and no operation is accepted.

[0072] The move button G122 moves multiple designated print items G21 together. 13 shows the state in which the move button G122 is pressed, and in this state, the specified print items G21-1 and G21-2 can be moved. Furthermore, based on the current positions of the specified print items G21-1 and G21-2, the area (movable area G24) in which the print items G21-1 and G21-2 can be moved using the print position adjustment tool G123 is displayed as a strip in a manner that makes it distinguishable from other areas. Like the movable area G22 described above, this movable area G24 displays the area in which the specified print items G21-1 and G21-2 can be moved in a specific color that is different from the other areas and the background color, while displaying other superimposed print items G21 transparently.

[0073] In the print position adjustment tool G123, the positions of the specified print items G21-1 and G21-2 on the print image are represented by the size of the margins. That is, the numbers displayed at the top, bottom, left, and right indicate the current margins from the top, bottom, left, and right edges of the specified print items G21-1 and G21-2 to the edges of the print image, assuming that the specified print items G21-1 and G21-2 are treated as a single unit. This margin matches the size of the movable area G22 displayed in the print image display area G20. Arrow-shaped buttons are provided on the top, bottom, left, and right sides for moving the print items G21-1 and G21-2 together by a specified distance (e.g., 0.5 mm). Pressing these buttons moves the print items G21-1 and G21-2 together by a specified distance up, down, left, or right. Operating the print position adjustment tool G123 moves the print items G21-1 and G21-2 displayed in the print image display area G20 together up, down, left, or right. As shown in FIG. 14, when the print position adjustment tool G123 is operated to move the print items G21-1 and G21-2 in the print image display area G20, the movable area G22 also changes to reflect the positions of the print items G21-1 and G21-2 after movement. In the example of FIG. 14, the print items G21-1 and G21-2 have moved 44.5 mm downward and 1.2 mm to the right from the state shown in FIG. 13.

[0074] In addition, in this print position adjustment tool G123, the predetermined distance by which the print item G21 is moved may also be set to any amount. The unit used to indicate the length of the margin can be converted using the unit conversion button G124, for example, to millimeters or dots. In addition, in the batch editing of the print items G21, it is possible to restrict the ability to specify the print items G21 together only when they are abutting each other. Also, even if they are not abutting each other, they can be specified together if the distance between them is within a predetermined range, and at least print items G21 that are too far from each other can be prevented from being moved together. Furthermore, unlike the "Edit by Item" tab G11, the "Bulk Edit Tab" G12 does not have a tool corresponding to the print position adjustment tool G117, and editing that moves multiple print items G21 together based on the edge of the print item G21 is restricted.

[0075] The print format setting device according to the present embodiment described above provides a print format setting device with excellent operability. Because print format setting can be completed through simple and intuitive operations on the screen, it is particularly useful in environments where sanitary conditions and other factors make time-consuming operations difficult, such as the back of a supermarket. Furthermore, because the image after editing operations is displayed realistically, even inexperienced operators find it easy to use.

[0076] <Modification> As explained in Figures 5 and 6, the above-mentioned print position adjustment tool G117, in response to an operation to move the position of the print item 2 in the (-y) direction, moves the print item 2 to a position where one of the edges 2a, 2b perpendicular to the movement direction (-y) of the print item 2 is aligned in a straight line with the edges 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b of the other print items 3 and 4 (the edges on the top, bottom, left and right in the figure, including the edges 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) that are approximately parallel to the edges 2a, 2b. On the other hand, a print position adjustment tool relating to a modified example (hereinafter referred to as "print position adjustment tool G117-2") moves a specified print item G21 to a position where a specified first end edge specified by the user, out of a pair of first end edges perpendicular to the movement direction of the specified print item G21, and a second end edge of another print item G21 existing in the movement direction that is approximately parallel to the specified first end edge and is located closest to the specified first end edge, are aligned in a straight line.

[0077] That is, based on the examples of Figures 5 and 6, the print position adjustment tool G117-2 moves the print item 2 to a position where one of the end edges 2a (or 2b) specified by the user, which is perpendicular to the movement direction (-y) of the print item 2, and the end edges 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b of the other print items 3 and 4 (the end edges on the top, bottom, left and right sides shown in the figure, including the end edges 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) that are approximately parallel to the end edge 2a (or 2b) are aligned in a straight line. In the examples of Figures 5 and 6, assuming that edge 2a is the edge specified by the user, print item 2 is moved from the position shown in Figure 5(a) to a position where edge 2a of print item 2 and edge 3a of print item 3 are aligned in a straight line (Figure 5(c)), a position where edge 2a of print item 2 and edge 3b of print item 3 are aligned in a straight line (Figure 5(f)), a position where edge 2a of print item 2 and edge 4a of print item 4 are aligned in a straight line (Figure 6(a)), and a position where edge 2a of print item 2 and edge 4b ​​of print item 4 are aligned in a straight line (Figure 6(c)).

[0078] Note that, among the edges perpendicular to the movement direction of a specified print item, the edge that serves as the reference for aligning the edges of other print items in a straight line can be specified in various ways. For example, the edge of a specified print item G21 may be specified by accepting an operation such as touching the edge of the specified print item G21 in the print image display area G20, or a field for selecting the edge may be provided in the area displaying the print position adjustment tool G117-2. This means that if you have already decided which edge of the print item G21 you want to align in relation to the edges of other print items G21, you can reduce the number of operations by first specifying the reference edge.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the functional units or means may be combined as appropriate within the scope of not causing inconsistencies, or may be provided in a terminal or device different from that of the present example. Furthermore, the order of processing executed by the functional units or means may also be changed within the scope of not causing inconsistencies.

[0080] ● Overview of implementation The present invention relates to a print formatter.

[0081] Label printers and packaging pricing devices have the ability to set formats not only online or on a PC screen, but also on the device screen, allowing adjustment of the position of printed items on-site. For example, Japanese Patent No. 2558242 discloses a print format setting device for a printer that has a table in memory where print blocks in which indexes for reading out each piece of print information are registered are arranged in the order in which each piece of print information is arranged, and an input means is provided for setting the order in which the print information is arranged by selectively inputting an index into each print block of the table, and the printing means is configured to read out and print the corresponding print information in the order of the array number or in reverse order of the array number based on the index of each print block.

[0082] However, the device described in Patent Document 1 leaves room for improvement in terms of operability, screen display, etc., when setting the print format on a device that performs pricing and packaging.

[0083] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a print format setting device that is easy to operate.

[0084] In order to achieve the above object, a print format setting device according to one aspect of the present invention is a print format setting device that displays a print image and sets a print format, and is equipped with a designation means that designates specified print items that are arranged in the print image, a first print position adjustment means that adjusts the arrangement of the specified print items designated by the designation means, and a second print position adjustment means that adjusts the arrangement of the specified print items designated by the designation means in a manner different from that of the first print position adjustment means.

[0085] The first printing position adjustment means may move the specified printing item by a specified distance in response to operation, and the second printing position adjustment means may move the specified printing item specified by the designation means to a position where a first end edge perpendicular to the movement direction of the specified printing item and a second end edge of another printing item in the movement direction that is approximately parallel to the first end edge and is located closest to the first end edge are aligned in a straight line.

[0086] The device may further include a first display means for displaying the current margin from the edge of a specified print item specified by the designation means to the edge of the print image at a position related to the area where the position adjustment operation of the print item is performed by at least either the first print position adjustment means or the second print position adjustment means.

[0087] The printing apparatus may further comprise a print data acquisition means for acquiring print data to be printed in accordance with the print format, and a second display means for displaying the print image based on the data acquired by the print data acquisition means.

[0088] The device may further include a third display means for displaying, in different ways, the area that can be moved up, down, left, and right from the current position by the first print position adjustment means and other areas for the print item specified by the specification means.

[0089] When one printing item is specified by the designation means, the first printing position adjustment means and the second printing position adjustment means can be used to adjust the movement of the printing item, and when multiple printing items are specified by the designation means and the multiple printing items are moved simultaneously, the second printing position adjustment means can be restricted.

[0090] A print format setting device according to another aspect of the present invention is a print format setting device that displays a print image and sets a print format, and is equipped with a designation means for designating specified print items that are arranged in the print image, and a print position adjustment means for adjusting the arrangement of the specified print items designated by the designation means, and the print position adjustment means moves the specified print item designated by the designation means to a position where a first end edge that is perpendicular to the movement direction of the specified print item and a second end edge that is approximately parallel to the first end edge and is located closest to the first end edge among the end edges of other print items that are in the movement direction are aligned in a straight line.

[0091] In addition, the computer program that causes the above-mentioned print format setting device to execute a specified process can be provided by downloading via a network such as the Internet, or by recording it on various computer-readable recording media such as a CD-ROM.

[0092] According to the print format setting device of the present embodiment described above, it is possible to provide a print format setting device that is easy to operate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1: Label printer 11:Display / operation section 12: Key operation section 13:Measuring part 14: Publishing Department 101: Information storage section 102: Weight information acquisition section 103: Editorial Department 104: Display and operation control unit 105: Issuance control unit 106: Communication processing unit G111: Print item specification area G115: Print position adjustment tool G117: Print position adjustment tool G123: Print position adjustment tool G20: Print image display area G21:Printed item G22: Movable area G24: Movable area G303: Preview button

Claims

1. A print format setting device that displays a print image and sets a print format, a designation means for designating predetermined print items arranged in the print image; a first print position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the predetermined print item designated by the designating means; a second print position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the predetermined print item designated by the designating means in a manner different from that of the first print position adjusting means; Print formatting device.

2. the first print position adjustment means moves the predetermined print item by a predetermined distance in response to an operation; The second print position adjustment means moves the specified print item designated by the designation means to a position where a first end edge perpendicular to the movement direction of the specified print item and a second end edge of another print item existing in the movement direction that is approximately parallel to the first end edge and located closest to the first end edge are aligned on a straight line.

2. The print formatting device of claim 1.

3. The apparatus further comprises a first display means for displaying a current margin from an edge of a predetermined print item designated by the designation means to an edge of the print image at a position related to an area where an operation for adjusting the position of the print item is performed by at least one of the first print position adjustment means or the second print position adjustment means.

3. A print format setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a print data acquisition means for acquiring print data to be printed in accordance with the print format; and a second display means for displaying the print image based on the data acquired by the print data acquisition means.

3. A print format setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a third display means for displaying, in different ways, an area that can be moved up, down, left, and right from the current position by the first print position adjustment means and an area other than that, for the print item designated by the designation means; 3. A print format setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. When one print item is designated by the designation means, the first print position adjustment means and the second print position adjustment means are capable of moving and adjusting the print item, and when multiple print items are designated by the designation means and the multiple print items are moved simultaneously, the second print position adjustment means is restricted.

3. A print format setting device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A print format setting device that displays a print image and sets a print format, a designation means for designating predetermined print items arranged in the print image; a print position adjusting means for adjusting the position of the predetermined print item designated by the designating means, The printing position adjusting means The specified print item designated by the designation means is moved to a position where a first edge perpendicular to the movement direction of the specified print item and a second edge of another print item existing in the movement direction that is approximately parallel to the first edge and located closest to the first edge are aligned on a straight line. Print formatting device.

Images