Program, server, processing method, information processing device

Abstract

The present invention provides a program, server, processing method, and information processing device that support the efficient printing of multiple label images. [Solution] The program causes an information processing device, which is a computer on which a label creation support application runs, to acquire first information regarding the maximum tape width that the printing unit can handle, and to execute a process to determine whether or not it is possible to print multiple selected label images side by side in the width direction on the printing unit based on the acquired first information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to programs, servers, processing methods, and information processing apparatuses.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing apparatus that prints a label image composed of characters, figures, etc. on a long printing medium having an adhesive layer (hereinafter referred to as a tape) has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The label image is created in advance assuming that it will be printed on a tape of a specific width. With conventional printing apparatuses, it has been difficult to efficiently print a plurality of label images created assuming tapes of different widths. Based on the above circumstances, an object according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique for assisting the efficient printing of a plurality of label images. [[ID=三十二]]

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to acquire first information regarding the maximum tape width corresponding to a printing unit, and based on the first information, execute a process of determining whether a plurality of selected label images can be printed side by side in the width direction by the printing unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the above aspect, it is possible to assist the efficient printing of a plurality of label images.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the configuration of a printing system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an information processing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is an example of the My Folders screen. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing another example of the My Folders screen. [Figure 6] Figure 3 shows an example of a flowchart of the print control process performed by the information processing device. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a confirmation message displayed on the My Folder screen. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a label with multiple label images printed side-by-side. [Figure 9] This diagram shows another example of a confirmation message displayed on the My Folders screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described using as an example a system including a printing device 1, which is capable of printing characters, images, etc., onto a tape that is a printing medium, and cutting the printed tape (label) and ejecting it to the outside of the device, and an information processing device 100 on which an application that assists in the creation of the label (label creation support application) is operated. In the system shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 100 outputs print data including a label image to the printing device 1, so that the printing device 1 prints the label image onto the tape and creates a label with the label image printed on it. The label creation support application may be installed on the information processing device 100 by downloading it from, for example, a server 200 located on a network. The server 200 is a server that distributes the label creation support application.

[0009] In this specification, "tape" refers to a long, thin, strip-shaped printable medium made of plastic, paper, or any other material. Tape typically has an adhesive layer and is detachable. However, tape does not necessarily have an adhesive layer. A "label" refers to a piece of tape on which some information has been printed, using tape as the printable medium. While the printing device 1 is exemplified as a thermal printer that performs printing using a thermal transfer method, the printing method of the printing device 1 is not particularly limited. The printing device 1 is not limited to a thermal printer; it may also be an inkjet printer or a laser printer. The printing device 1 and the information processing device 100 exchange data, for example, via wireless communication, but the communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 100 is not limited to wireless communication; it may also be communication using a wired cable.

[0010] As shown in Figure 2, the cartridge storage section 3 within the device housing 2 of the printing device 1 is provided with a plurality of cartridge support sections 4 for supporting the tape cartridge 10 in a predetermined position. The cartridge support sections 4 are also provided with tape width detection switches 5 for detecting the width of the tape 12 contained in the tape cartridge 10. The printing device 1 can detect the width of the tape 12 contained in the printing device 1 (tape cartridge 10) based on the shape of the tape cartridge 10 by using the tape width detection switches 5. More specifically, the tape cartridge 10 is configured to press different combinations of tape width detection switches 5 depending on the width of the tape 12 it contains, and the printing device 1 detects the width of the tape 12 based on the combination of tape width detection switches 5 that are pressed. The cartridge storage section 3 is further provided with a thermal head 7 having a plurality of heating elements for printing on the tape 12, and a platen roller 6 for transporting the tape 12. The thermal head 7 and platen roller 6 are examples of the printing section of the printing device 1. When a print command is input to the printing device 1, the tape 12 is fed out from the tape cartridge 10 by the rotation of the platen roller 6. At this time, the ink ribbon 13 is unwound from the tape cartridge 10 along with the tape 12. As a result, the tape 12 and the ink ribbon 13 are transported overlapping. Then, as the ink ribbon 13 passes between the thermal head 7 and the platen roller 6, it is heated by the thermal head 7, transferring the ink to the tape 12 and printing takes place. The used ink ribbon 13 that has passed between the thermal head 7 and the platen roller 6 is wound up inside the tape cartridge 10. Meanwhile, the printed tape 12 (label) that has passed between the thermal head 7 and the platen roller 6 is cut by a cutting mechanism 8 located near the discharge port 2a and discharged from the discharge port 2a.

[0011] The information processing device 100 is a device that creates a label image to be printed on tape 12 by the printing device 1 and transmits print data including the label image to the printing device 1. It is a computer on which a label creation support application runs. The information processing device 100 is a mobile terminal such as a tablet, notebook computer, or smartphone on which the label creation support application runs. Furthermore, the information processing device 100 is not limited to a mobile terminal; it may also be a stationary device. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the information processing device 100 is a computer that includes a processor 101, a storage device 102, an input device 103, a display device 104, and a communication device 105. The processor 101 is an example of the control unit of the information processing device 100. The processor 101 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes the program 102a stored in the storage device 102. The processor 101 may include any electrical circuit, such as a GPU (Graphics processing unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The storage device 102 is a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as any semiconductor memory. One or more storage devices 102 include volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), or flash memory. The storage device 102 may also include magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, or other types of storage devices. It is desirable that the storage device 102 stores a program 102a and data 102b. The program 102a is, for example, an application that assists in label creation (label creation support application). The data 102b is, for example, a created label image. The input device 103 includes, for example, a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse. The input device 103 may further include an audio input device such as a microphone.The display device 104 is an example of a display unit of the information processing device 100, such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The communication device 105 is a device that exchanges data with the printing device 1, for example, via wireless communication.

[0012] In the information processing device 100 of the system configured as described above, the processor 101 executes a label creation support application, and a label image is created according to the user's input. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 100 displays a list of created label images (here, label images L1 to L5) in the My Folder screen, which is one of the application screens displayed when the label creation support application is executed. The five label images exemplified in Figure 4 are label images that contain the same string "ABCDE" within the same label design, and were created by specifying different tape widths. The user can instruct the printing of any label image displayed in My Folder. For example, as shown in Figure 5, it is also possible to select multiple label images, and by pressing the print button P after selection, the user can instruct the printing of multiple label images. When the user selects multiple label images and instructs them to print, the information processing device 100 operates as shown in Figure 6, allowing multiple label images to be printed to the printer 1 while saving tape. The process shown in Figure 6 will be described in detail below.

[0013] When the information processing device 100 receives a print instruction that selects multiple label images, it detects that multiple label images have been selected in the process shown in Figure 6 (step S1YES) and obtains information about the actual tape width, that is, the tape width of the tape 12 housed in the printer 1 (step S2). Specifically, in step S2, the information processing device 100 communicates with the printer 1 and obtains information from the printer 1 about the actual tape width of the tape 12 housed in the printer 1. Note that this information about the actual tape width is an example of the second information. After obtaining the information about the tape width of tape 12, the information processing device 100 compares the tape width of tape 12 with the sum of the tape widths of the multiple label images detected in step S1 and determines whether the actual tape width is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images (step S3). In other words, in step S3, the information processing device 100 determines, based on information regarding the tape width of the actual tape (tape 12), whether or not it is possible to print multiple label images side by side in the width direction (a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of tape 12) on the tape 12 stored in the printing device 1. If the information processing device 100 determines that the actual tape width is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images, that is, that it is possible to print them side by side in the width direction (step S3 YES), it displays a message to confirm the user's intention regarding parallel printing (printing with label images side by side in the width direction) (step S4). Specifically, the information processing device 100 displays, for example, message M1 shown in Figure 7 on the display device 104. After that, if the user who has confirmed message M1 instructs parallel printing, the information processing device 100 detects the instruction (step S5 YES), creates print data (parallel print data) including multiple label images side by side in the width direction, and outputs it to the printing device 1 (step S7). In other words, when the information processing device 100 determines that multiple label images can be printed side by side in the width direction on the tape 12 stored in the printing device 1, it outputs print data to the printing unit for printing those multiple label images side by side in the width direction. As a result, the printing device 1 creates a label L in which multiple label images selected by the user are printed side by side in the width direction, for example, as shown in Figure 8.Note that the label L shown in Figure 8 is an example of a label created by the printer 1 when the user selects label image L2 and label image L4 on the My Folder screen shown in Figure 5 and instructs printing, and the selected label image L2 and label image L4 are included side by side in the width direction. In addition, the cut marks C included in the label L shown in Figure 8 are markers for the cutting position when cutting the label L, which contains multiple label images, into individual label images. When the information processing device 100 creates the print data in step S7, it is desirable to create the print data so that it includes the cut marks C in addition to the multiple selected label images. On the other hand, when the user who has confirmed message M1 instructs normal printing, the information processing device 100 detects this instruction (step S5NO) and creates multiple print data (serial print data) containing each of the multiple label images and outputs them to the printer 1 (step S6). As a result, the printer 1 creates either a single label with the multiple label images selected by the user printed side by side in the transport direction, or multiple labels cut into individual label images.

[0014] Furthermore, if the information processing device 100 determines in step S3 that the actual tape width is less than the sum of the tape widths of the selected label images, that is, that they cannot be printed side by side (step S3NO), it obtains information about the maximum tape width that the printing unit of the printing device 1 can handle (step S8). Specifically, in step S8, the information processing device 100 communicates with the printing device 1 and obtains from the printing device 1 information about the maximum tape width that the printing unit can handle (in other words, the tape cartridge with the largest tape width among the multiple tape cartridges usable by the printing device 1). Note that this information about the maximum tape width is an example of the first information and is stored in the printing device 1 in advance. After obtaining the information about the maximum tape width, the information processing device 100 compares the maximum tape width with the sum of the tape widths of the multiple label images detected in step S1 and determines whether the maximum tape width is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected label images (step S9). In other words, in step S9, the information processing device 100 determines, based on the information about the maximum tape width, whether the printing unit can print the multiple label images side by side in the width direction. The information processing device 100 determines that if the maximum tape width is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images, it is possible to print them side by side by changing the tape (step S9 YES), and further displays a message to confirm the user's intention regarding tape replacement and parallel printing (step S10). In other words, in step S10 (i.e., when the information processing device 100 determines that it is not possible to print multiple label images side by side in the width direction on the tape 12 contained in the printing device 1, but that it is possible to print multiple label images side by side in the width direction in the printing unit by changing the tape), it prompts the user to change the tape 12 contained in the printing device 1. Specifically, the information processing device 100 may, for example, identify the smallest tape width among the multiple tape widths that the printing device 1 supports that is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images, and prompt the user to change to a tape with a width greater than or equal to the identified smallest tape width.In other words, based on the third information, which is information on multiple tape widths of different widths that the printing unit corresponds to, the information processing device 100 may identify the smallest tape width among the multiple tape widths of different widths that the printing unit corresponds to, which is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images, and prompt the user to change to a tape with a tape width greater than or equal to the identified smallest tape width. The message M2 shown in Figure 9 is an example of a message displayed on the display device 104 in step S10, and the tape width of 24 mm included in the message M2 is an example of the smallest tape width among the tape widths that the printing unit corresponds to, which is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images. After that, when the user who has seen the message M2 changes the tape stored in the printing device 1 and instructs parallel printing, the information processing device 100 detects the instruction (step S11 YES) and again obtains information on the actual tape width, that is, the tape width of the replaced tape 12 stored in the printing device 1 (step S12). Subsequently, the information processing device 100 compares the tape width of tape 12 acquired in step S12 with the sum of the tape widths of the multiple label images detected in step S1, and determines whether the actual tape width is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images (step S13). Note that the processing in steps S12 and S13 is the same as the processing in steps S2 and S3. If the information processing device 100 determines in step S13 that the actual tape width is less than the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images (step S13 NO), it returns to step S10 to confirm the user's intention again. If the information processing device 100 determines in step S13 that the actual tape width is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images (step S13 YES), it creates print data (parallel print data) containing multiple label images arranged in the width direction and outputs it to the printer 1 (step S14). Note that the processing in step S14 is the same as the processing in step S7.On the other hand, if the user who has seen message M2 indicates that they do not intend to change the tape, the information processing device 100 detects this indication (step S11 NO), and further compares the tape width of the contained tape 12 with the maximum tape width of the multiple label images detected in step S1 to determine whether the actual tape width is greater than or equal to the maximum tape width of the selected multiple label images (step S15). In other words, in step S15, the information processing device 100 determines, based on the information regarding the tape width of the tape 12, whether or not it is possible to print multiple label images side by side on the tape 12 in the transport direction. If the information processing device 100 determines that the actual tape width is greater than or equal to the maximum tape width of the selected multiple label images, that is, that it is possible to print them side by side in the transport direction (step S15 YES), it creates multiple print data (serial print data) containing each of the multiple label images and outputs them to the printing device 1 (step S16). The processing in step S16 is the same as the processing in step S6. In response to this, if the information processing device 100 determines that the actual tape width is less than the maximum tape width of the selected multiple label images, that is, that they cannot be printed side by side in the transport direction (step S15NO), it terminates the process without creating print data.

[0015] The information processing device 100 can support the efficient printing of multiple label images by performing the processing shown in Figure 6. Specifically, as shown in step S9, for example, the information processing device 100 determines whether the selected multiple label images can be printed side by side in the width direction on the printing unit, based on information regarding the maximum tape width that the printing unit can handle. Therefore, by using this determination result, the information processing device 100 can provide the user with the option to print multiple label images while saving tape, thereby supporting efficient printing through tape conservation.

[0016] Also, when the information processing apparatus 100 can print a plurality of label images while saving the tape by replacing the tape, for example, as shown in step S10, it prompts the user to replace the tape. As a result, the user can recognize a specific measure for saving the tape, so that it becomes easier for the user to take a proactive action for saving the tape. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 100 can more strongly support efficient printing by saving the tape.

[0017] Furthermore, the information processing apparatus 100 determines whether a plurality of label images can be printed side by side on the tape housed in the printing apparatus 1. If it is determined that they can be printed side by side, the information processing apparatus 100 outputs print data for printing a plurality of label images side by side in the width direction to the printing unit. Thereby, the information processing apparatus 100 can support efficient printing by saving the tape without requiring the user to perform the operation of replacing the tape.

[0018] The embodiments described above are specific examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but should be understood as encompassing various modifications and alternative forms of the embodiments described above. For example, in the embodiments described above, the case in which the printing device 1 and the information processing device 100 that performs the processing shown in Figure 6 are separate devices was illustrated, but these may be a single device. That is, a standalone type printing device with a label creation support application installed may perform the processing shown in Figure 6. Also, in the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which messages M1 and M2 are displayed on the My Folder screen which lists multiple label images, but these messages may be displayed on, for example, a print list screen which lists only the label images to be printed, or a print preview screen which displays a print image including multiple label images arranged in the width direction. Also, in the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the printing unit performs a determination process based on the actual tape width before performing a determination process based on the corresponding maximum tape width, but the order of these determination processes is not limited to this example. Also, in the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the printing unit acquires information about the actual tape width before acquiring information about the corresponding maximum tape width, but the order of acquiring this information is not limited to this example. Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment shows an example of acquiring this information at the necessary timing, this information may be acquired regardless of necessity and used as needed. Also, while the above-described embodiment shows an example of acquiring information regarding the maximum tape width supported by the printing unit of the printing unit 1 from the printing unit 1, this information regarding the maximum tape width supported by the printing unit 1 may be stored in the information processing unit 100 in advance. Also, while the above-described embodiment shows an example of the information processing unit 100 acquiring information regarding the tape width contained in the printing unit 1 from the printing unit 1 at the necessary timing, this information regarding the tape width contained in the printing unit 1 may be provided from the information processing unit 100 to the printing unit 1 at the timing when the printing unit 1 and the information processing unit 100 are connected or when the tape contained in the printing unit 1 is replaced.In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the information processing apparatus 100 pre-checks with the user whether to perform parallel printing and instructs parallel printing when the user desires parallel printing. However, when parallel printing is possible, the information processing apparatus 100 may instruct the printing apparatus 1 to perform parallel printing without checking with the user. Also, by providing a setting for whether to perform parallel printing in advance, parallel printing may be performed according to the setting without asking the user for confirmation of the intention to perform parallel printing each time a plurality of label images are printed. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which label images having the same design except for the tape width are printed. However, the plurality of label images to be subjected to parallel printing are not limited to those having the same design. Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which a plurality of label images having different tape widths are printed in parallel. However, a plurality of label images having the same tape width may be printed in parallel. Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which tape replacement is prompted by displaying a message. However, the process for prompting tape replacement is not limited to message display. For example, it may be prompted using voice.

Explanation of Signs

[0019] L1 to L5: Label image, 1: Printing apparatus, 6: Platen roller, 7: Thermal head, 100: Information processing apparatus, 102a: Program

Claims

1. On the computer, The printing unit obtains first information regarding the maximum tape width it can handle, Based on the first information, it is determined whether the selected multiple label images can be printed side by side in the width direction on the printing unit. A program characterized by executing a process.

2. In the program described in claim 1, The aforementioned computer further, Second information is obtained regarding the actual tape width of the tape housed in the printing apparatus equipped with the aforementioned printing unit. Based on the second information, it is determined whether the plurality of label images can be printed on the tape housed in the printing device in the width direction, If the printing device cannot print the multiple label images in the width direction on the tape currently stored in the printing device, but determines that it can print the multiple label images in the width direction by replacing the tape, the printing unit will prompt the user to replace the tape currently stored in the printing device. A program that executes a process.

3. In the program described in claim 2, The process of making a determination based on the first information is: A process of comparing the maximum tape width supported by the printing unit with the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images, A program that includes a process for determining that the multiple label images can be printed side by side in the width direction if the maximum tape width is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the multiple selected label images.

4. In the program described in claim 3, If the printing unit determines that it is possible to print the multiple label images in the width direction by replacing the tape, Based on the third information, which is information on multiple tape widths of different widths that the printing unit corresponds to, the printing unit identifies the smallest tape width among the multiple tape widths of different widths that is greater than or equal to the sum of the tape widths of the selected multiple label images, and prompts the user to replace the tape with one having a tape width greater than or equal to the identified smallest tape width. A program that executes a process.

5. In the program described in claim 2, The aforementioned computer further, When it is determined that the plurality of label images can be printed on the tape contained in the printing device in the width direction, the printing unit outputs print data to the printing unit for printing the plurality of label images in the width direction. A program that executes a process.

6. A server that distributes the program described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A method of processing performed by a computer, The printing unit obtains first information regarding the maximum tape width it can handle, Based on the first information, the printing unit determines whether or not it is possible to print multiple label images side by side in the width direction. A processing method that includes the following.

8. An information processing device having a processor, The aforementioned processor, The printing unit obtains first information regarding the maximum tape width it can handle, Based on the first information, the printing unit is configured to determine whether or not it is possible to print multiple label images side by side in the width direction. Information processing device.

Images