Method for setting identification information for manufacturing canned products, computer, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a method for setting identification information, a computer, and a program that facilitate and reliably associate a printer with a crimping machine. [Solution] A method for setting identification information in the device driver of a button badge manufacturing apparatus 1, comprising the steps of: displaying a connection instruction screen 107 on the display unit 15 indicating that USB cables 51 and 52 that enable communication between PC 10 and printer 30 and between PC 10 and crimping machine 40 should be connected (S19); starting the installation of the device driver on PC 10 after the connection instruction screen 107 is displayed and two systems of communication are enabled (S25); and after the installation has started, acquiring printer identification information from printer 30 and crimping machine identification information from crimping machine 40, and setting the acquired identification information in association with the device driver (S26).

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for setting identification information for manufacturing canned products, a computer, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a canned product manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a can badge by overlapping a sheet on which an image is printed on a front member and caulking the front member and a back member. Patent Document 1 describes a canned product manufacturing apparatus including a printing unit that performs printing on a printing medium, a lower mold that supports the front member, and an upper mold that separates the front member from the lower mold, and a conveying unit that conveys the printing medium above the front member in a conveying direction from the printing unit to the mold unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When configuring the canned product manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to use an existing printer as the printing unit. The printing unit has a first substrate that controls the functional components of the printer. Also, the canned product manufacturing apparatus requires a second substrate that controls the mold unit and the conveying unit. In this case, the first substrate and the second substrate are physically separate substrates.

[0005] Furthermore, a computer for controlling the first substrate and the second substrate is also required, and the first substrate and the second substrate are connected to this computer. In order to operate the printing unit, the mold unit, and the conveying unit in cooperation, it is necessary to set the identification information of the first substrate and the identification information of the second substrate in association with each other in the computer.

[0006] Computers often store identification information for other devices in addition to the identification information for the first and second circuit boards. However, the names of the first and second circuit boards are unfamiliar to users who are using the can manufacturing equipment for the first time. Furthermore, users need to select the names of the first and second circuit boards from among several names. Therefore, it is difficult for users to correctly select the names of the first and second circuit boards from among the names of multiple other devices in order to associate and set the identification information of the first and second circuit boards.

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a means for easily and reliably establishing a correspondence between a printer and a crimping machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) The identification information setting method of the present disclosure is a method for setting printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in a control program executed by a computer that controls a printer and a crimping machine, comprising the steps of: causing the computer's display unit to display a first screen indicating that connection operations should be performed to enable a first communication between the computer and the printer and a second communication between the computer and the crimping machine; starting the installation of the control program on the computer after the first screen is displayed and the first and second communications are enabled; and after the installation has started, obtaining printer identification information from the printer and obtaining crimping machine identification information from the crimping machine, and setting the obtained printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in association with the control program.

[0009] According to the above identification information setting method, a first screen indicating that a connection operation is to be performed is displayed on the display unit. After the first and second communications are enabled, the installation of the control program begins, and the acquired printer identification information and crimping machine identification information are associated and set in the control program. Therefore, by performing a connection operation, the printer identification information and crimping machine identification information can be automatically acquired and associated and set in the control program. Thus, the association between the printer and the crimping machine can be easily and reliably performed.

[0010] (2) The above identification information setting method may further include the step of displaying a second screen on the display unit before displaying the first screen, which confirms that the first communication and the second communication are unavailable.

[0011] (3) The above identification information setting method further includes a step of receiving input from the user through the computer's user interface while the second screen is being displayed, and if the input indicates that the first communication and the second communication are unavailable, the step of displaying the first screen may be performed.

[0012] (4) The above identification information setting method may further include the steps of: obtaining the model of a device that can communicate with the computer before the first communication and the second communication are made possible as the first model; obtaining the model of a device that can communicate with the computer after the first communication and the second communication are made possible as the second model; obtaining the difference between the first model and the second model; and, if the difference matches the model of the printer that is scheduled to make the first communication with the computer and the model of the crimping machine that is scheduled to make the second communication with the computer, obtaining the models included in the difference as the model of the printer that will make the first communication with the computer and the model of the crimping machine that will make the second communication with the computer.

[0013] (5) The above identification information setting method may further include the steps of receiving input from the user through the computer's user interface while the first screen is displayed, and confirming that the first communication and the second communication are possible when the input indicates that the connection operation has been performed.

[0014] (6) In the above identification information setting method, if it is confirmed that the first communication and the second communication are possible, the step of starting the installation of the control program may be performed.

[0015] (7) If, in the above identification information setting method, it is not confirmed that the first communication and the second communication are possible, the step of displaying the first screen may be performed again.

[0016] (8) In the above identification information setting method, the first communication and the second communication are communications compliant with the USB standard, the first communication is possible when the USB interface of the printer and the first USB interface of the computer are connected by a USB cable, the second communication is possible when the USB interface of the crimping machine and the second USB interface of the computer are connected by a USB cable, the printer identification information may be obtained from the printer through the first USB interface of the computer, and the crimping machine identification information may be obtained from the crimping machine through the second USB interface of the computer.

[0017] (9) The computer of the present disclosure is a computer that sets printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in control programs for a printer and a crimping machine, and comprises a display unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs the following processes: causing the display unit to display a first screen indicating that connection operations are performed to enable a first communication between the computer and the printer and a second communication between the computer and the crimping machine; after the first screen is displayed and the first and second communications are enabled, the control unit starts installing the control program on the computer; and after the installation has started, the control unit performs the following processes: obtaining the printer identification information from the printer and the crimping machine identification information from the crimping machine, and setting the obtained printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in association with the control program.

[0018] (10) The program of the present disclosure is a program for setting printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in control programs for a printer and a crimping machine, and causes a computer having a display unit to display a first screen on the display unit indicating that a connection operation is performed to enable a first communication between the computer and the printer and a second communication between the computer and the crimping machine; after the first screen is displayed and the first and second communications are enabled, to start installing the control program on the computer; after the installation has started, to obtain printer identification information from the printer and crimping machine identification information from the crimping machine, and to set the obtained printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in association with the control program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to this disclosure, the correspondence between the printer and the crimping machine can be easily and reliably established. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which the can badge manufacturing apparatus 1 and the PC 10 according to the embodiment are connected. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view of the can badge 2 manufactured by the can badge manufacturing apparatus 1, FIG. 2(B) is a perspective view of the front member 3 of the can badge 2, FIG. 2(C) is a perspective view of the back member 4 of the can badge 2, and FIG. 2(D) is a cross-sectional view of the can badge 2. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the can badge manufacturing apparatus 1 and the PC 10. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a diagram showing the state of the storage unit 13 before the control unit 11 of the PC 10 executes the setup wizard 20, and FIG. 4(B) is a diagram showing the state of the storage unit 13 after the control unit 11 executes the setup wizard 20. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the setup wizard 20. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(A) is a diagram showing the start screen 101 displayed on the display unit 15 of the PC 10, and FIG. 6(B) is a diagram showing the contract screen 102 displayed on the display unit 15. [Figure 7] FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing the first standby screen 103 displayed on the display unit 15, and FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing the power-on instruction screen 104 displayed on the display unit 15. [Figure 8] FIG. 8(A) is a diagram showing the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 displayed on the display unit 15, and FIG. 8(B) is a diagram showing the second standby screen 106 displayed on the display unit 15. [Figure 9] FIG. 9(A) is a diagram showing the connection instruction screen 107 displayed on the display unit 15, and FIG. 9(B) is a diagram showing the third standby screen 108 displayed on the display unit 15. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(A) is a diagram showing the driver installation completion screen 109 displayed on the display unit 15, and FIG. 10(B) is a diagram showing the application installation start screen 110 displayed on the display unit 15. [Figure 11]Figure 11(A) shows the fourth standby screen 111 displayed on the display unit 15, and Figure 11(B) shows the completion screen 112 displayed on the display unit 15. [Figure 12] Figure 12(A) shows the first error screen 121 displayed on the display unit 15, Figure 12(B) shows the second error screen 122 displayed on the display unit 15, Figure 12(C) shows the confirmation screen 123 displayed on the display unit 15, and Figure 12(D) shows the third error screen 124 displayed on the display unit 15. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the button badge manufacturing apparatus 9 and a modified PC60. [Figure 14] Figure 14(A) shows the call stop instruction screen 131 displayed on the display unit 15 of the PC 60, and Figure 14(B) shows the call start instruction screen 132 displayed on the display unit 15 of the PC 60. [Figure 15] Figure 15(A) shows a connection instruction screen 133 displayed on the display unit 15 of the PC 60, and Figure 15(B) shows another connection instruction screen 134 displayed on the display unit 15 of the PC 60. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] The following describes an identification information setting method and computer for manufacturing canned products according to the embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples of this disclosure, and the embodiments can be modified as appropriate without altering the gist of this disclosure. In the following description, a personal computer will be abbreviated as "PC," an interface as "I / F," and a USB interface as "USB-I / F."

[0022] [Overview of the button badge manufacturing system] The button badge manufacturing system shown in Figure 1 comprises a button badge manufacturing device 1 and a PC 10. The button badge manufacturing device 1 comprises a printer 30 and a crimping machine 40. The crimping machine 40 has a transport unit 41 and a main body 49. In the following description, the vertical direction is defined based on the state in which the button badge manufacturing device 1 is installed for use. The front-to-back direction is defined with the side where the transport unit 41 is located as the front. Furthermore, the left-to-right direction is defined when viewing the button badge manufacturing device 1 from the front.

[0023] The printer 30 and the crimping machine 40 have a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. The top surface (not shown) of the printer 30 is flat. The main body 49 is placed on the top surface of the printer 30. The transport unit 41 is formed integrally with the main body 49 and is positioned to cover the paper output slot of the printer 30 from the front.

[0024] [Composition of Can Badge 2] The button badge 2 produced by the button badge manufacturing apparatus 1 has the disc shape shown in Figure 2(A). The button badge 2 is manufactured by crimping a metal front member 3 shown in Figure 2(B) and a metal back member 4 shown in Figure 2(C). The button badge 2 has the cross-sectional structure shown in Figure 2(D). In the button badge 2, the surface of the front member 3 is covered with a transparent film 5 and a white sheet 6. The periphery of the transparent film 5 and the white sheet 6 is sandwiched between the periphery of the crimped front member 3 and back member 4.

[0025] When the button badge 2 is viewed from the front, the front component 3 is not visible, and the image printed on the transparent film 5 covering the front component 3 is visible. However, in areas where no image is printed, the white sheet 6 is visible through the transparent film 5. The back component 4 may be provided with a through hole (not shown) through which the fastener (such as a hook pin or safety pin) of the button badge 2 is inserted.

[0026] [Configuration of the button badge manufacturing device 1] As shown in Figure 3, the printer 30 includes a media storage unit 31, a printing unit 32, and a USB-I / F unit 33. The crimping machine 40 includes a transport unit 41, a cutting unit 42, a front member supply unit 43, a back member supply unit 44, a crimping unit 45, a finished product storage unit 46, a CPU 47, and a USB-I / F unit 48. The button badge manufacturing device 1 prints an image onto a transparent film 5, and then crimps the transparent film 5 with the printed image, a white sheet 6, a front member 3, and a back member 4 in order.

[0027] The printer 30 is a commercially available printer. The media storage unit 31 has a tray (not shown). Transparent film 5 and white sheets 6 are alternately stored in this tray before the image is printed. The shape of the transparent film 5 and white sheets 6 stored in the media storage unit 31 is, for example, rectangular. The media storage unit 31 may have a tray for storing the transparent film 5 and another tray for storing the white sheets 6.

[0028] The USB-I / F unit 33 is an interface circuit for communication between the printer 30 and the PC 10 in accordance with the USB standard. The USB-I / F unit 33 is connected to the USB-I / F unit 16 of the PC 10 via the USB cable 51. The PC 10 outputs the image to be printed on the transparent film 5 (hereinafter referred to as the print image) to the printer 30 via the USB-I / F unit 16. The printing unit 32 receives the print image from the PC 10 via the USB-I / F unit 33.

[0029] The printing unit 32 is supplied with a transparent film 5 stored in the media storage unit 31. The printing unit 32 prints the print image received from the PC 10 horizontally inverted onto the back of the supplied transparent film 5. The transparent film 5 with the printed image is then ejected outside the printer 30. The printing unit 32 is also supplied with a white sheet 6 stored in the media storage unit 31. The printing unit 32 ejects the supplied white sheet 6 outside the printer 30 without printing an image on it.

[0030] The transport unit 41 transports the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 discharged from the printer 30 to the main unit 49. The cutting unit 42 cuts the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 transported by the transport unit 41 to match the shape of the button badge 2. For example, the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 may have perforations pre-formed to match the shape of the button badge 2 before cutting, and the cutting unit 42 may cut the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 along the perforations. Alternatively, the cutting unit 42 may have a blade that matches the shape of the button badge 2, and cut the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 by pressing the blade against them.

[0031] The front member supply unit 43 stores the front members 3 and supplies the stored front members 3 to the crimping unit 45. For example, the front member supply unit 43 stores multiple front members 3 stacked vertically and supplies the bottommost of the stored front members 3 to the crimping unit 45. The back member supply unit 44 stores the back members 4 and supplies the stored back members 4 to the crimping unit 45. For example, the back member supply unit 44 stores multiple back members 4 stacked vertically and supplies the bottommost of the stored back members 4 to the crimping unit 45. The front member supply unit 43 and the back member supply unit 44 may supply the front members 3 and back members 4 to the crimping unit 45 in any other manner than those described above. The finished product storage unit 46 stores the manufactured can badges 2. The finished product storage unit 46 is, for example, a rectangular box with an open top that stores the can badges 2. The finished product storage section 46 may have any shape other than those described above.

[0032] The crimping section 45 is supplied with the front member 3 supplied from the front member supply section 43, the back member 4 supplied from the back member supply section 44, the transparent film 5 which has been printed with an image in the printing section 32 and then cut in the cutting section 42, and the white sheet 6 which has been cut in the cutting section 42. The crimping section 45 deforms the front member 3 and back member 4 to match the finished shape of the button badge 2, with these materials stacked from top to bottom in the order of transparent film 5, white sheet 6, front member 3, and back member 4 (crimping process). Through this crimping process, the back member 4 is fixed to the front member 3 with the peripheral portions of the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 sandwiched between the peripheral portions of the front member 3 and back member 4 (see Figure 2(D)). This completes the button badge 2 in which the printed image appears in the front area on the surface of the front member 3.

[0033] The CPU 47 controls the operation of the crimping machine 40. The CPU 47 outputs control signals for transporting the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 to the transport unit 41, control signals for cutting the transparent film 5 and white sheet 6 to the cutting unit 42, control signals for supplying the front member 3 from the front member supply unit 43, control signals for supplying the back member 4 from the back member supply unit 44, control signals for performing the crimping process to the crimping unit 45, and control signals for storing the completed can badge 2 in the finished product storage unit 46.

[0034] The USB-I / F unit 48 is an interface circuit for communication between the crimping machine 40 and the PC 10 in accordance with the USB standard. The USB-I / F unit 48 is connected to the USB-I / F unit 17 of the PC 10 via a USB cable 52. The PC 10 outputs instructions to the crimping machine 40 via the USB-I / F unit 17. The CPU 47 is connected to the USB-I / F unit 48 and receives instructions from the PC 10 via the USB-I / F unit 48. Based on the instructions received from the PC 10, the CPU 47 outputs control signals to the transport unit 41, the cutting unit 42, the front material supply unit 43, the back material supply unit 44, and the crimping unit 45.

[0035] [PC10 Configuration] PC10 comprises a CPU12, a memory unit13, an input unit14, a display unit15, and USB-I / F units16 and 17. The memory unit13 includes memory such as ROM and RAM, as well as a solid-state drive and a hard disk drive. The memory unit13 stores programs executed by the CPU12 and data used by the CPU12. The CPU12 controls the operation of PC10 by executing programs stored in the memory unit13. The CPU12 and the memory unit13 function as the control unit11 of PC10.

[0036] The input unit 14 is an input device that allows input from the user of the button badge making device 1 (hereinafter referred to as "user"), such as a mouse, keyboard, or keypad. The display unit 15 is a display device that displays a screen, such as a liquid crystal display. The control unit 11, input unit 14, display unit 15, and USB-I / F units 16 and 17 are connected to the bus 18 inside the PC 10. The configuration of the PC 10 can be arbitrary.

[0037] On PC10, OS21 runs. OS21 is a commercially available OS such as Windows (registered trademark). The CPU12 executes device drivers under OS21 in order to control the button badge making device 1 and make button badges 2. The device drivers include a printer driver 23, which is the device driver for the printer 30, and a crimping machine driver 24, which is the device driver for the crimping machine 40. In addition, to allow the user to easily control the button badge making device 1, the CPU12 runs a button badge application 22 that runs on OS21.

[0038] [Role of Setup Wizard 20] OS21 is pre-installed on PC10. The button badge application 22, printer driver 23, and crimping machine driver 24 (hereinafter referred to as "the three programs") may not be installed on PC10. To install the three programs on PC10, the user is provided with a program called a setup wizard. The setup wizard 20 shown in Figure 4(A) installs the three programs on PC10 while displaying a screen on the display unit 15 and receiving input from the user through the input unit 14. The user can install the three programs on PC10 by running the setup wizard 20 on PC10.

[0039] Figure 4(A) shows the state of the storage unit 13 before the control unit 11 executes the setup wizard 20. In the state shown in Figure 4(A), the control unit 11 can execute the setup wizard 20 on the OS 21, but it cannot execute the three programs. Figures 3 and 4(B) show the state of the storage unit 13 after the control unit 11 executes the setup wizard 20. In the state shown in Figure 4(B), the control unit 11 can execute the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 under the OS 21, and can execute the button badge application 22 on the OS 21. Normally, the setup wizard 20 is not executed again after being executed once. For this reason, the setup wizard 20 is omitted in Figures 3 and 4(B).

[0040] Setup Wizard 20 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. Non-transitory media include ROM, RAM, EEPROM, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, and recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Non-transitory media are also tangible media. On the other hand, electrical signals that carry programs downloaded from servers on the internet are a type of computer-readable medium, a computer-readable signal medium, but are not included in non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0041] In order to correctly associate and control the printer 30 and the crimping machine 40, the three programs installed on the PC 10 need to be able to associate and reference the identification information of the printer 30 and the identification information of the crimping machine 40. The setup wizard 20 has the function of obtaining the identification information of the printer 30 and the identification information of the crimping machine 40 and setting it in the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24. The identification information is, for example, the model names of the printer 30 and the crimping machine 40. Alternatively, the identification information may be the IP addresses assigned to the printer 30 and the crimping machine 40.

[0042] [How Setup Wizard 20 works] Before the control unit 11 executes the setup wizard 20, the storage unit 13 stores the setup wizard 20. The operation of the setup wizard 20 (and the operation of the control unit 11 executing the setup wizard 20) will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 through 12. Note that in Figure 5, the device driver is referred to as "driver," and the button badge application 22 is referred to as "app."

[0043] In the following explanation, the window displayed on the display unit 15 when the setup wizard 20 is executed is referred to as the "screen." One or more buttons may be displayed at the bottom of the screen. When the user selects a button, they operate the input unit 14 and click the button on the screen. Figure 5 shows the operation of the control unit 11 when the user clicks a button to indicate that the process should continue (for example, the "Next" button).

[0044] When the control unit 11 starts the execution of the setup wizard 20, it displays the start screen 101 shown in Figure 6(A) on the display unit 15 (S11). The start screen 101 displays that the setup wizard is about to start and that the button badge application 22 will be installed on the PC 10. The start screen 101 also displays instructions to close all other applications before continuing the process. Furthermore, the start screen 101 displays instructions to click the "Next" button to continue the process, or to click the "Cancel" button to finish the setup. Note that CanbadgeMachineController is the name of the button badge application 22. The user clicks the "Next" button on the start screen 101.

[0045] Next, the control unit 11 displays the contract screen 102 shown in Figure 6(B) on the display unit 15 (S12). The contract screen 102 displays the text of the license agreement, a statement that the user must agree to the agreement in order to perform the installation, and radio buttons corresponding to "I agree" and "I do not agree". In S12, the control unit 11 initially displays the contract screen 102 on the display unit 15 with the radio button corresponding to "I do not agree" selected and the "Next" button disabled. When the user clicks the radio button corresponding to "I agree", the control unit 11 displays the contract screen 102 on the display unit 15 with the "Next" button enabled. The user clicks the radio button corresponding to "I agree" on the contract screen 102 and then clicks the "Next" button.

[0046] Next, the control unit 11 displays the first standby screen 103 shown in Figure 7(A) on the display unit 15 (S13). The first standby screen 103 displays a message to check whether the button badge application 22 is installed on the PC 10, an instruction to wait, and a bar display showing the progress of the process. The user waits until the next screen is displayed.

[0047] While the first standby screen 103 is displayed on the display unit 15, the control unit 11 registers the device driver and obtains the installation status of the button badge application 22 (S14). More specifically, in S14, the control unit 11 registers the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 in the driver store stored in the memory unit 13. The driver store is a storage location for device drivers managed by the OS 21. When a device is detected, the device drivers registered in the driver store are installed from the driver store into the memory included in the memory unit 13. Next, the control unit 11 checks whether the button badge application 22 is already installed on the PC 10. If the button badge application 22 is already installed, the control unit 11 obtains the version of the installed button badge application 22.

[0048] Next, the control unit 11 displays the power-on instruction screen 104 shown in Figure 7(B) on the display unit 15 (S15). The power-on instruction screen 104 displays instructions to plug the power cord of the printer 30 and the power cord of the crimping machine 40 into the outlet, and instructions to click the "Next" button after plugging the two power cords into the outlet. The user looks at the power-on instruction screen 104, plugs the power cord of the printer 30 and the power cord of the crimping machine 40 into the outlet, and clicks the "Next" button on the power-on instruction screen 104.

[0049] Next, the control unit 11 displays the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 shown in Figure 8(A) on the display unit 15 (S16). The disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 displays instructions to confirm that the USB cable 51 connected to the printer 30 and the USB cable 52 connected to the crimping machine 40 are not connected to the PC 10. The disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 also displays instructions to click "Next" after confirming that the USB cables 51 and 52 are not connected to the PC 10. Furthermore, the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 displays instructions to disconnect the USB cables 51 and 52 connected to the PC 10 from the PC 10. To allow the user to easily recognize the instructions, the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 displays an image showing the USB cables 51 and 52 not connected to the PC 10 enclosed in circles. The user views the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105, confirms that USB cables 51 and 52 are not connected to the PC 10 (or unplugs USB cables 51 and 52 from the PC 10), and then clicks the "Next" button on the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105.

[0050] Next, the control unit 11 displays the second standby screen 106 shown in Figure 8(B) on the display unit 15 (S17). The second standby screen 106 displays an instruction to wait and a bar indicating the progress of the process. The user waits until the next screen is displayed.

[0051] While the second standby screen 106 is displayed on the display unit 15, the control unit 11 acquires a list of printers (S18). In S18, the control unit 11 acquires a list of printers using the functions of the OS 21. The list of printers includes the model names of printers that can communicate with the PC 10. From the acquired list of printers, the control unit 11 acquires a list of model names and the number of models included in the list.

[0052] Next, the control unit 11 displays the connection instruction screen 107 shown in Figure 9(A) on the display unit 15 (S19). The connection instruction screen 107 displays instructions to connect the USB cable 51 connected to the printer 30 and the USB cable 52 connected to the crimping machine 40 to the PC 10. To allow the user to easily recognize the instructions, the connection instruction screen 107 displays an image showing the USB cables 51 and 52 connected to the PC 10 enclosed in a circle. The user looks at the connection instruction screen 107, connects the USB cables 51 and 52 to the PC 10, and then clicks the "Next" button on the connection instruction screen 107.

[0053] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not USB cables 51 and 52 are connected (S20). In S20, the control unit 11 determines whether USB cable 51 connected to printer 30 is connected to PC 10, and whether USB cable 52 connected to crimping machine 40 is connected to PC 10. If the control unit 11 does not determine that USB cables 51 and 52 are connected (S20: No), it proceeds to S19. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the connection instruction screen 107 on the display unit 15.

[0054] If the control unit 11 determines that USB cables 51 and 52 are connected (S20: Yes), it proceeds to S21. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the third standby screen 108 shown in Figure 9(B) on the display unit 15 (S21). The third standby screen 108 displays an instruction to wait and a bar indicating the progress of the process. The user waits until the next screen is displayed.

[0055] While the third standby screen 108 is displayed on the display unit 15, the control unit 11 reacquires the printer list (S22). In S22, the control unit 11 performs the same operation as in S18. From the reacquired printer list, the control unit 11 obtains a list of model names and the number of models included in the list.

[0056] Next, the control unit 11 obtains the difference between the printer list obtained in S18 and the printer list obtained in S21 (S23). If the user views the connection instruction screen 107 displayed in S19 and connects the USB cables 51 and 52 to the PC 10, the difference in the printer list will include two model names. One of the two model names will match the model name of printer 30, and the other will match the model name of crimping machine 40.

[0057] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether the difference in the model obtained in S23 is the planned model (S24). In S24, the control unit 11 determines that the difference in the printer list is the planned model if the difference contains two model names, one of which matches the model name of printer 30, and the other matches the model name of crimping machine 40.

[0058] If the control unit 11 determines that the difference model is the planned model (S24: Yes), it proceeds to S25. In this case, the control unit 11 installs the driver while displaying the third waiting screen 108 on the display unit 15 (S25). In S25, the control unit 11 installs the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 registered in the driver store into the memory included in the storage unit 13. The user continues to wait until the next screen is displayed.

[0059] Next, the control unit 11 sets identification information in the drivers (S26). In S26, the control unit 11 acquires printer identification information from the printer 30 via the USB-I / F unit 16 and crimping machine identification information from the crimping machine 40 via the USB-I / F unit 17. Subsequently, the control unit 11 associates the acquired printer identification information and crimping machine identification information and sets them in the printer driver 23 and crimping machine driver 24.

[0060] Next, the control unit 11 displays the driver installation completion screen 109 shown in Figure 10(A) on the display unit 15 (S27). The driver installation completion screen 109 indicates that the device driver installation is complete. The user clicks the "Next" button on the driver installation completion screen 109.

[0061] Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to install the button badge application 22 (S28). In S28, the control unit 11 determines whether or not it is necessary to install the button badge application 22 based on the installation status of the button badge application 22 obtained in S14. The control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to install the button badge application 22 if it is not installed on the PC 10, or if the version of the installed button badge application 22 is not the latest. If the control unit 11 determines that it is necessary to install it (S28: Yes), it proceeds to S29. If the control unit 11 determines that it is not necessary to install it (S28: No), it proceeds to S32.

[0062] In the former case, the control unit 11 displays the application installation start screen 110 shown in Figure 10(B) on the display unit 15 (S29). The application installation start screen 110 displays instructions that the preparation for installing the button badge application 22 is complete and that to continue the installation, the user should click the "Install" button. The user clicks the "Install" button on the application installation start screen 110.

[0063] Next, the control unit 11 displays the fourth standby screen 111 shown in Figure 11(A) on the display unit 15 (S30). The fourth standby screen 111 displays a message indicating that the button badge application 22 is being installed, a message to wait, and a bar indicating the progress of the process. The user waits until the next screen is displayed.

[0064] While the control unit 11 displays the fourth standby screen 111 on the display unit 15, the control unit 11 installs the button badge application 22 on the PC 10 (S31). In S31, the control unit 11 installs the button badge application 22 on the PC 10, and after the installation is complete, displays an icon (not shown) on the display unit 15 indicating a shortcut to the button badge application 22.

[0065] Next, the control unit 11 sets the identification information in the button badge application 22 (S32). In S32, the control unit 11 associates the printer identification information and crimping machine identification information acquired in S26 and sets them in the settings file of the button badge application 22.

[0066] Next, the control unit 11 displays the completion screen 112 shown in Figure 11(B) on the display unit 15 (S33). The completion screen 112 displays that the setup wizard has finished running and that the button badge application 22 has been installed. The completion screen 112 also displays instructions to select the shortcut displayed in S30 in order to run the button badge application 22. Furthermore, the completion screen 112 displays instructions to click the "Finish" button to complete the setup. The user clicks the "Finish" button on the completion screen 112.

[0067] If the control unit 11 determines that the model obtained in S23 is not the planned model (S24: No), it proceeds to S34. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the error screens shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B) on the display unit 15 (S34). If the control unit 11 determines that the model of the printer 30 does not match the planned model, it displays the first error screen 121 shown in Figure 12(A) on the display unit 15. The first error screen 121 displays that the printer 30 could not be found and instructs the user to click the "OK" button to retry the installation procedure. If the control unit 11 determines that the model of the crimping machine 40 does not match the planned model, it displays the second error screen 122 shown in Figure 12(B) on the display unit 15. The second error screen 122 displays that the crimping machine 40 could not be found and instructs the user to click the "OK" button to retry the installation procedure. The user clicks the "OK" button on either the first error screen 121 or the second error screen 122. When the control unit 11 receives a click of the "OK" button on either the first error screen 121 or the second error screen 122, it proceeds to S15.

[0068] The user may click the "Cancel" button on the screen described above. In this case, the control unit 11 displays the confirmation screen 123 shown in Figure 12(C) on the display unit 15. The confirmation screen 123 displays instructions that the setup process is not complete, that the program will not be installed if canceled, that the setup must be run again if the user wishes to install it again, and that the user must confirm the completion of the setup. The user clicks either the "Yes" button or the "No" button on the confirmation screen 123. If the "Yes" button is clicked, the control unit 11 terminates the execution of the setup wizard 20. If the "No" button is clicked, the control unit 11 displays the screen that was displayed before the confirmation screen 123 on the display unit 15.

[0069] Furthermore, when the control unit 11 starts the execution of the setup wizard 20, it may detect that another program is running the setup. In this case, instead of the start screen 101, the control unit 11 displays the third error screen 124 shown in Figure 12(D) on the display unit 15. The third error screen 124 indicates that it has detected that another program is running the setup. The third error screen 124 also displays instructions to either click the "OK" button or the "Cancel" button after interrupting all running application programs. The user clicks either the "OK" button or the "Cancel" button on the third error screen 124. If the "OK" button is clicked, the control unit 11 starts the execution of the setup wizard 20. If the "Cancel" button is clicked, the control unit 11 stops the execution of the setup wizard 20.

[0070] In the above explanation, PC10 is an example of a computer. Printer30 is an example of a printer. Crimping machine40 is an example of a crimping machine. Printer driver23 and crimping machine driver24 (device driver) are examples of control programs. Setup wizard20 is an example of a program. Input unit14 is an example of a user interface. USB-I / F unit16 is an example of the computer's first USB interface. USB-I / F unit17 is an example of the computer's second USB interface. USB-I / F unit33 is an example of the printer's USB interface. USB-I / F unit48 is an example of the crimping machine's USB interface.

[0071] The connection instruction screen 107 is an example of the first screen. Connecting USB cables 51 and 52 to the PC 10 is an example of a connection operation. S19 is an example of a step to display the first screen and a step to accept user input while the first screen is displayed. The disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 is an example of the second screen. S16 is an example of a step to display the second screen and a step to accept user input while the second screen is displayed. S25 is an example of a step to start the installation of the control program. S26 is an example of a step to set printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in the control program.

[0072] S18 is an example of a step to acquire the first model. S22 is an example of a step to acquire the second model. S23 is an example of a step to acquire the difference. S24 and S26 are examples of steps to acquire the models included in the difference when the models match. S20 is an example of a step to confirm that the first and second communications are possible.

[0073] [Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, the method for setting identification information using the setup wizard 20 has been explained. This identification information setting method is performed by the PC 10 (computer) that controls the printer 30 (printer) and the crimping machine 40 (crimping machine). This identification information setting method is a method for setting printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 (control program). This identification information setting method includes a step (S19) of displaying a connection instruction screen 107 (first screen) on the display unit 15 of the PC 10, indicating that a connection (connection operation) of USB cables 51 and 52 that enable first communication between the PC 10 and the printer 30 and second communication between the PC 10 and the crimping machine 40 should be performed. Furthermore, this identification information setting method includes a step (S25) of starting the installation of the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 on the PC 10 after the connection instruction screen 107 is displayed and first and second communication is enabled. Furthermore, this identification information setting method includes the step (S26) of obtaining printer identification information from the printer 30 and crimping machine identification information from the crimping machine 40 after the installation has started, and setting the obtained printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in association with the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24.

[0074] According to the above identification information setting method, a connection instruction screen 107 indicating that a connection operation should be performed is displayed on the display unit 15. After the first and second communications are enabled, the installation of the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 begins. Furthermore, the acquired printer identification information and crimping machine identification information are associated and set in the printer driver 23 and crimping machine driver 24. Therefore, by performing a connection operation, the printer identification information and crimping machine identification information can be automatically acquired and associated and set in the printer driver 23 and crimping machine driver 24. Thus, the association between the printer 30 and the crimping machine 40 can be easily and reliably established.

[0075] Furthermore, the identification information setting method further includes a step (S16) of displaying a disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 (second screen) on the display unit 15 to confirm that the first and second communications are not possible, before displaying the connection instruction screen 107. Therefore, before displaying the connection instruction screen 107 indicating that a connection operation should be performed, the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 indicating that the first and second communications are not possible is displayed. Consequently, by performing a connection operation while the first and second communications are not possible, the first and second communications can be made possible.

[0076] Furthermore, the identification information setting method further includes a step (S16) of receiving user input through the input unit 14 (user interface) of the PC 10 while the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 is displayed. In addition, if the user input is "Next" (indicating that the first and second communications are not possible), the step of displaying the connection instruction screen 107 is executed.Therefore, the first and second communications can be enabled after the user has confirmed that the first and second communications are not possible.

[0077] Furthermore, the identification information setting method further includes the step of obtaining a list of printers before the first and second communications are enabled (S18), and the step of obtaining a list of printers after the first and second communications are enabled (S22). Furthermore, the identification information setting method further includes the step of obtaining the difference in the list of printers (S23). Furthermore, if the model in the difference is the planned model (S24: Yes), the identification information setting method further includes the step of obtaining the model included in the difference as the model of printer 30 and the model of crimping machine 40 (S26).Therefore, by obtaining the difference in the list of printers before the first and second communications are enabled and after the first and second communications are enabled, the model of the newly enabled communication device can be obtained.

[0078] Furthermore, the identification information setting method further includes a step (S19) of receiving user input through the input unit 14 of the PC 10 while the connection instruction screen 107 is displayed. In addition, the identification information setting method further includes a step (S20) of confirming that the USB cables 51 and 52 are connected (that first and second communications are possible) when the input is "Next" (indicating that a connection operation has been performed).Therefore, even when the user provides input indicating that a connection operation has been performed, printer identification information and crimping machine identification information can be reliably obtained by confirming that first and second communications are possible.

[0079] Furthermore, in the identification information setting method, if it is confirmed that USB cables 51 and 52 are connected (S20: Yes), the step of starting the installation of the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 (S25) is executed. Therefore, after the first and second communications are enabled by the user connecting USB cables 51 and 52, the installation of the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 begins. Thus, printer identification information and crimping machine identification information can be associated with and set for the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24.

[0080] Furthermore, in the identification information setting method, if it is not confirmed that USB cables 51 and 52 are connected (S20: No), the step of displaying the connection instruction screen 107 (S19) is executed again. Therefore, if the user does not connect USB cables 51 and 52 and does not enable the first and second communications, the connection instruction screen 107 is displayed again, and the installation of the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 can be attempted again.

[0081] Furthermore, the first and second communications are compliant with the USB standard. The first communication is possible when the USB-I / F unit 33 (USB interface) of the printer 30 and the USB-I / F unit 16 (first USB interface) of the PC 10 are connected by a USB cable 51. The second communication is possible when the USB-I / F unit 48 (USB interface) of the crimping machine 40 and the USB-I / F unit 17 (second USB interface) of the PC 10 are connected by a USB cable 52. Printer identification information is obtained from the printer 30 through the USB-I / F unit 16 of the PC 10. Crimping machine identification information is obtained from the crimping machine 40 through the USB-I / F unit 17 of the PC 10 (S26). Therefore, when USB standard compliant communication is performed between the printer 30 and the PC 10, and between the crimping machine 40 and the PC 10, the printer identification information and the crimping machine identification information can be obtained in association.

[0082] Furthermore, the above describes a PC 10 that sets printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in the device drivers of the printer 30 and crimping machine 40. The PC 10 comprises a display unit 15 and a control unit 11. The control unit 11 performs the following processes: displaying the connection instruction screen 107 (S19), starting the installation of the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 (S25), and acquiring the printer identification information and crimping machine identification information, associating the acquired identification information, and setting it in the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 (S26).

[0083] Furthermore, the above describes a setup wizard 20 (program) that sets printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in the device drivers of the printer 30 and crimping machine 40. The setup wizard 20 causes the PC 10, which has a display unit 15, to display a connection instruction screen 107 (S19), to start the installation of the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 (S25), and to acquire the printer identification information and the crimping machine identification information, and to set the acquired identification information in association with the printer driver 23 and the crimping machine driver 24 (S26).

[0084] [Differentiation] Various modifications can be made to the above embodiment. For example, in the modifications, communication compliant with wireless communication standards is performed between the PC and the printer, and between the PC and the crimping machine. Examples of wireless communication standards include Wi-Fi Direct® and Bluetooth®.

[0085] In the modified example shown in Figure 13, the PC 60 is equipped with a wireless communication interface 61 instead of USB interface units 16 and 17. The button badge making device 9 is equipped with a printer 70 and a crimping machine 80. The printer 70 is equipped with a wireless communication interface 71 instead of a USB interface unit 33. The crimping machine 80 is equipped with a wireless communication interface 81 instead of a USB interface unit 48. The wireless communication interface units 61, 71, and 81 are either interface circuits compliant with the Wi-Fi Direct standard, or interface circuits compliant with the Bluetooth standard.

[0086] The operation of the setup wizard in the modified version differs from the operation of the setup wizard 20 in the embodiment in the following respects. After S15, the control unit 11 performs the step of displaying the transmission stop instruction screen 131 shown in Figure 14(A) on the display unit 15 instead of S16. The transmission stop instruction screen 131 displays instructions to stop transmitting radio waves for wireless communication and to click the "Next" button, as well as a link to a page describing how to stop transmitting. To allow the user to easily recognize the instructions, the transmission stop instruction screen 131 displays an image showing that the transmission of radio waves from the PC 60 has stopped. The user refers to the transmission stop method described on the linked page, performs the operation to stop transmitting Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth radio waves, and clicks the "Next" button on the transmission stop instruction screen 131.

[0087] The control unit 11 performs the following two steps after S18, instead of S19. The first step is to display the transmission start instruction screen 132 shown in Figure 14(B) on the display unit 15. The second step is to display either the connection instruction screen 133 shown in Figure 15(A) or the connection instruction screen 134 shown in Figure 15(B) on the display unit 15. The transmission start instruction screen 132 displays instructions to start transmitting radio waves for wireless communication and to click the "Next" button, as well as a link to a page describing how to start transmitting.

[0088] The connection instruction screen 133 is displayed when communication compliant with the Wi-Fi Direct standard is performed between PC60 and printer 70, and between PC60 and crimping machine 80. The connection instruction screen 133 displays instructions to perform the Wi-Fi Direct connection operation and allow printer 70 and crimping machine 80 to be recognized as printers. The connection instruction screen 134 is displayed when communication compliant with the Bluetooth standard is performed between PC60 and printer 70, and between PC60 and crimping machine 80. The connection instruction screen 134 displays instructions to perform the Bluetooth connection operation and allow printer 70 and crimping machine 80 to be recognized as printers.

[0089] The user refers to the instructions for initiating transmission described on the linked page within the transmission initiation instruction screen 132, performs the operation to start transmitting Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth signals, and clicks the "Next" button on the transmission initiation instruction screen 132. Subsequently, the user refers to the connection instructions described on the linked pages within the connection instruction screens 133 and 134, performs the connection operation according to the wireless communication standard, and clicks the "Next" button on the connection instruction screens 133 and 134.

[0090] According to the modified identification information setting method and PC60, even when communication is performed between the printer 70 and PC60, and between the crimping machine 80 and PC60 using wireless communication standards such as Wi-Fi Direct or Bluetooth, printer identification information and crimping machine identification information can be obtained in association.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 11 performs the steps of displaying the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 (S16) and receiving user input while the disconnection confirmation instruction screen 105 is displayed (S16). However, in modified examples, the control unit 11 does not need to perform these steps, or it does not need to perform the latter step. Also, in the above embodiment, the control unit 11 performs the step of receiving user input while the connection instruction screen 107 is displayed (S19). However, in modified examples, the control unit 11 does not need to perform this step. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 10, 60...PC (Computer) 11. Control Unit 14. Input section (user interface) 15...Display section 16. USB-I / F section (1st USB interface) 17. USB-I / F section (2nd USB interface) 20. Setup Wizard (Program) 23. Printer driver (control program) 24. Crimping machine driver (control program) 30, 70... Printer 33, 48...USB-I / F section (USB interface) 40, 80... Crimping machine 105...Disconnection confirmation instruction screen (2nd screen) 107, 133, 134... Connection instruction screen (first screen)

Claims

1. A method for setting printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in a control program executed by a computer that controls a printer and a crimping machine, The steps include: displaying a first screen on the computer's display unit indicating that connection operations are performed to enable first communication between the computer and the printer, and second communication between the computer and the crimping machine; The first screen described above is displayed, and after the first and second communications described above are enabled, the installation of the control program to the computer is started. An identification information setting method comprising the steps of: obtaining printer identification information from the printer after the above installation has started; obtaining crimping machine identification information from the crimping machine; and setting the obtained printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in association with the control program.

2. The identification information setting method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying a second screen on the display unit before displaying the first screen, which confirms that the first communication and the second communication are unavailable.

3. The system further includes a step of receiving user input through the computer's user interface while the second screen is being displayed. The identification information setting method according to claim 2, wherein the step of displaying the first screen is performed when the above input indicates that the above first communication and the above second communication are impossible.

4. Before the above-mentioned first communication and the above-mentioned second communication become possible, the first step is to acquire the model of the device that can communicate with the above-mentioned computer as the first model, The steps include: obtaining the model of a device capable of communicating with the computer after the above-mentioned first communication and the above-mentioned second communication have been made possible, as the second model; The steps include obtaining the difference between the first model and the second model, The identification information setting method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of acquiring the models included in the difference as the model of the printer that will communicate with the computer for the first time and the model of the crimping machine that will communicate with the computer for the second time, if the difference matches the model of the printer that will communicate with the computer for the first time and the model of the crimping machine that will communicate with the computer for the second time.

5. The first screen described above is displayed, and the user input is received through the user interface of the computer described above. The identification information setting method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of confirming that the first communication and the second communication are possible when the above input indicates that the above connection operation has been performed.

6. The identification information setting method according to claim 5, wherein the step of starting the installation of the control program is performed when it is confirmed that the above-mentioned first communication and the above-mentioned second communication are possible.

7. The identification information setting method according to claim 5, wherein if it is not confirmed that the above-mentioned first communication and the above-mentioned second communication are possible, the step of displaying the first screen is performed again.

8. The above-mentioned first communication and second communication are communications compliant with the USB standard. The above-mentioned first communication is possible when the USB interface of the printer and the first USB interface of the computer are connected by a USB cable. The above-mentioned second communication is possible when the USB interface of the crimping machine and the second USB interface of the computer are connected by a USB cable. The above printer identification information is obtained from the above printer through the above first USB interface of the above computer. The identification information setting method according to claim 1, wherein the crimping machine identification information is obtained from the crimping machine through the second USB interface of the computer.

9. A computer that sets printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in the control programs for the printer and crimping machine, It comprises a display unit and a control unit, The above control unit, The process involves displaying a first screen on the display unit indicating that connection operations are performed to enable first communication between the computer and the printer, and second communication between the computer and the crimping machine. After the above first screen is displayed and the above first communication and the above second communication are enabled, the process of starting the installation of the above control program on the above computer is performed. A computer that, after the above installation has started, obtains printer identification information from the above printer, obtains crimping machine identification information from the above crimping machine, associates the obtained printer identification information and crimping machine identification information, and sets them in the control program.

10. A program for setting printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in the control programs for a printer and a crimping machine, wherein the program is configured on a computer having a display unit. The steps include: displaying a first screen on the display unit indicating that connection operations are performed to enable first communication between the computer and the printer, and second communication between the computer and the crimping machine; The first screen described above is displayed, and after the first and second communications described above are enabled, the installation of the control program to the computer is started. A program that, after the above installation has started, performs the steps of obtaining printer identification information from the above printer, obtaining crimping machine identification information from the above crimping machine, and setting the obtained printer identification information and crimping machine identification information in association with the control program.

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