program

Abstract

This program provides the ability to create multiple guide lines in a single series of guide line creation operations. [Solution] One embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to create at least one of a horizontal guide line and a vertical guide line as a guide line on a graphical user interface, and includes a start step in which a guide line creation mode is started in response to instructions from the user, an end step in which the guide line creation mode is ended in response to instructions from the user, and a creation step in which a guide line is created in response to instructions from the user between the start step and the end step, wherein the creation step can be executed multiple times between the start step and the end step.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program and to the technology of the graphical user interface of an application for editing the layout of a design.

Background Art

[0002] As one of the software for image editing, a dedicated application for simplifying label creation is known. In this application, a graphical user interface screen for design editing (hereinafter referred to as a "GUI screen") is provided that can receive input instructions from a user via a pointing device and arrange objects to be printed on a label. Further, this application has a guide line creation function for simplifying the arrangement of objects. Specifically, the objects are text, images, barcodes, etc., and the pointing device is, for example, a mouse. Also, the guide line is also called a guide bar.

[0003] Conventionally, in order for a user to create a guide line via a GUI screen, the mouse cursor is moved on a ruler arranged within the GUI screen, the mouse cursor is moved to an arbitrary position while the left button of the mouse is pressed, and the left button of the mouse is released. Thereby, a guide line can be created. A method of creating such a guide line (hereinafter referred to as a "guide line creation operation") is disclosed in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, with conventional technology, a guide line could only be created once in a series of guide line creation operations. Therefore, if a user wanted to create multiple guide lines, they had to repeat the series of guide line creation operations.

[0006] Therefore, in view of the above issues, this disclosure aims to provide a program that can create multiple guide lines in a series of guide line creation operations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention is a program that causes a computer to create at least one of a horizontal guide line and a vertical guide line as guide lines on a graphical user interface, and includes a start step in which a guide line creation mode is started in response to instructions from the user, an end step in which the guide line creation mode is ended in response to instructions from the user, and a creation step in which a guide line is created in response to instructions from the user between the start step and the end step, wherein the creation step can be executed multiple times between the start step and the end step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a program that can create guide lines multiple times in a series of guide line creation operations. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of the printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view showing the schematic configuration of the image recording device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit in the image recording device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the configuration of the PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5]Block diagram illustrating the main data in the RAM of the PC according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure showing the GUI screen of the application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Diagram illustrating the conventional process of creating guide lines. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating the continuous creation operation of guide lines in an image editing program according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Flowchart of the guide line creation process according to the first embodiment [Figure 10] Flowchart of keyboard operation processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 11] Flowchart of mouse operation processing according to the first embodiment [Figure 12] Flowchart of the guide line creation mode update process according to the first embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] [First Embodiment] Embodiments relating to this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The image editing program relating to this disclosure can be executed under the management of an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") implemented on various computers, including personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "PC"). The computer on which it is executed may be standalone or may be part of a network such as a LAN or WAN.

[0011] <Printing System Configuration> Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of a printing system to which the image editing program according to this embodiment is applied.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system includes a PC 1, a display 2, a keyboard 3, a mouse 4, and an image recording device (hereinafter referred to as "recording device") 5. The PC 1 executes a label data creation application program (hereinafter referred to as "application") described later and creates label data according to user instructions. A graphical user interface screen (GUI screen) of this application is displayed on the display 2. The user inputs instructions to the PC 1 using the keyboard 3 and the mouse 4. The recording device records a label of the content based on the print job transmitted from the PC 1 and outputs the recorded label. In this specification, recording an image on a label based on a print job is defined as "printing".

[0013] The mouse 4 is used to operate a cursor or pointer displayed on the display 2 and is provided with at least two left and right buttons. In this embodiment, the mouse 4 is used as an example of a pointing device for explanation, but it is not limited to this. The present embodiment can also be applied when a touch sensor, a trackball, or the like is used as the pointing device. One of the user operations on the mouse 4 is drag and drop. Dragging means an operation of moving the mouse 4 while pressing the left button of the mouse 4. Dropping means an operation of releasing the left button of the mouse 4 after dragging.

[0014] <Configuration of the recording device> FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the internal structure of the recording device 5 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the recording device 5 is connected to an external terminal such as the PC 1 via a USB cable or the like, and records an image on a recording medium based on image data or the like included in the print job transmitted from the external terminal.

[0015] "Recording media" includes those that can receive ink, such as paper, cloth, plastic film, etc. In this embodiment, as the recording media, a case where a long label sheet L having a mount L1 (not shown) and labels L2 (not shown) affixed in a plurality in the conveyance direction of the recording media as a predetermined direction on the mount is used will be described. The label sheet L is a roll-shaped sheet. The recording device 5 can record an image on the label portion as the image recording area of such a label sheet L. Note that the recording media used in this embodiment may be any as long as a plurality of image recording areas are arranged along the conveyance direction of the recording media. In addition to the case where a plurality of labels are affixed on the aforementioned mount, for example, a long sheet in which the image recording area is determined in advance may also be used.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the recording device 5 includes a feeding unit 10, a conveying unit 20 as a conveying means, a recording unit 30 as an image recording means, a discharge port 40, and a control unit 50 (see FIG. 3) as a control means. The feeding unit 10 holds the label sheet L and can feed it to the conveying unit 20. The conveying unit 20 can convey the label sheet L conveyed from the feeding unit 10 to the recording unit 30 and the discharge port 40 in order.

[0017] The recording unit 30 can record an image on the label L2 affixed to the conveyed label sheet L. The label sheet L on which the image is recorded is conveyed by the conveying unit 20 and discharged outside the machine through the discharge port 40. The control unit 50 controls the operations of each component of the recording device 5, such as the feeding unit 10, the conveying unit 20, and the recording unit 30. Specific description will be given below.

[0018] The feeding unit 10 includes a feeding roller 10A and a motor (not shown) that drives the feeding roller 10A. The feeding unit 10 is configured to feed the held label sheet L to the conveying unit 20 by the feeding roller 10A. The conveying unit 20 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 20C, an endless conveying belt 20B stretched by the plurality of conveying rollers 20C, and a pressing roller 20A disposed at a position facing each other with the conveyed label sheet L interposed therebetween and on the upstream side of the recording unit 30.

[0019] The conveyor belt 20B has a conveying surface on which a label sheet L can be placed. The conveyor belt 20B is rotated when one of the multiple conveyor rollers 20C is driven by a motor (not shown). The pressing roller 20A presses the label sheet L placed on the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 20B, clamping the label sheet L between itself and the conveyor belt 20B. With this configuration, the conveyor belt 20B is rotated by the conveyor rollers 20C, which are rotated by the motor (not shown), and conveys the label sheet L, which is clamped between the conveying surface and the pressing roller 20A, to the recording unit 30 and the discharge port 40.

[0020] Furthermore, the transport unit 20 includes a label edge detection sensor 20D as an edge detection means and a sheet set detection sensor 20E as a presence / absence detection means. The label edge detection sensor 20D is positioned upstream of the recording unit 30 in the transport direction of the label sheet L and is for detecting the edge of the label L2 attached to the label sheet L. The label edge detection sensor 20D is a transmissive sensor consisting of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit positioned on both sides of the label sheet L so as to sandwich the transported label sheet L, and can detect by emitting light from the light-emitting unit and receiving light from the light-receiving unit.

[0021] This type of transmissive sensor, the label edge detection sensor 20D, emits light from its light-emitting unit, and the light transmitted through the label sheet L is received by its light-receiving unit. The amount of light received by the light-receiving unit changes depending on the difference in thickness between the label L2 portion of the label sheet L and the portion consisting only of the backing paper L1. In other words, the light transmittance differs between the portion of the backing paper L1 where the label L2 is present and the portion of the backing paper L1 where the label L2 is not present. Therefore, this difference in the amount of light received makes it possible to detect the boundary of the label portion on the backing paper, i.e., the edge of the label L2 (the edge of the image recording area).

[0022] The recording device 5 detects the leading edge of the label to be printed using the label edge detection sensor 20D, and performs image recording by ejecting ink onto the label according to the printing timing determined based on the distance traveled from that point. In this embodiment, a through-beam sensor is used as the label edge detection sensor 20D, but any sensor capable of determining the presence or absence of a recording medium such as paper may be used instead of a through-beam sensor. For example, the label edge detection sensor 20D may be an ultrasonic sensor.

[0023] Furthermore, the sheet set detection sensor 20E is positioned upstream of the recording unit 30 in the transport direction, and is capable of detecting the presence or absence of the label sheet L at a predetermined sheet set position. The sheet set detection sensor 20E is a reflective sensor consisting of a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit positioned on one side of the transported label sheet L. Light emitted from the light-emitting unit is reflected by the label sheet L or the transport belt 20B and received by the light-receiving unit. In this case, since the reflectivity of the label sheet L and the transport belt 20B are different, the sheet set detection sensor 20E can detect the presence or absence of the label sheet L based on this difference in reflectivity.

[0024] The sheet set detection sensor 20E can detect when a sheet is inserted into the transport unit 20 by detecting that the light emitted from the light-emitting unit is reflected by the placed label sheet L and received by the light-receiving unit. At this time, the leading edge of the label sheet L is in the sheet set position. When the label sheet L is detected by the sheet set detection sensor 20E, the control unit 50 executes the sheet set operation described later, and the label sheet L is transported to the print standby position before image recording, which is the image recording standby position.

[0025] Furthermore, the sheet set detection sensor 20E only needs to be able to detect the presence or absence of the label sheet L, and does not need to be a reflective sensor. For example, it could be a sensor that turns a circuit ON or OFF by placing a rotatable flag on the transport path of the label sheet L, and having the label sheet L come into contact with the flag and rotate, thereby turning the circuit ON or OFF.

[0026] The recording unit 30 has recording heads 30K, 30C, 30M, and 30Y. The recording heads 30K, 30C, 30M, and 30Y are four full-line recording heads (hereinafter referred to as recording heads) with multiple nozzles arranged across the entire width of the label sheet L, and are positioned along the transport direction of the label sheet L. The four recording heads 30K, 30C, 30M, and 30Y each eject black ink, cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink to perform printing, and a full-color image is printed using the four colors of ink ejected from the four recording heads 30K, 30C, 30M, and 30Y.

[0027] Using the above configuration, the recording device 5 performs an image recording operation on the label sheet L based on a print job, which is an image recording job that records an image on the label sheet L according to a command. The specific operation is described below. The image data included in the print job is generated by PC1 and density image data separated into black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) components corresponding to the four inks is transmitted. This density image data is, for example, image data in bitmap format.

[0028] Upon receiving this density image data, the recording device 5 feeds and inserts the label sheet L, which is a roll-shaped recording medium containing the label, to a sheet set position where the presence or absence of the sheet can be detected by the sheet set detection sensor 20E. The sheet set detection sensor 20E provided in the transport unit 20 detects the inserted sheet and positions the sheet to the print standby position through a sheet set operation.

[0029] <Configuration of the control unit> The control unit 50 according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 50 in the recording device 5 according to this embodiment. The control unit 50 includes a CPU 50A, ROM 50B, RAM 50C, image buffer memory 50DK, 50DC, 50DM, 50DY, head drive circuit 50E, motor driver 50F, ASIC control circuit 50G, and USB controller 50H.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, the CPU 50A, which is provided as a control unit 50 acting as a controller, executes the control program stored in the ROM 50B using the RAM 50C as a work area, and controls each component. The control unit 50 uses the RAM 50C as a work area for various data processing and as a receive buffer, and uses the image buffer memories 50DK, 50DC, 50DM, and 50DY as an image unfolding unit to store the color component density data for black, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

[0031] The head drive circuit 50E can drive the recording heads 30K, 30C, 30M, and 30Y. The motor driver 50F can drive various motors 51 that control cleaning operations to keep each recording head 30K, 30C, 30M, and 30Y in an optimal state for image recording, as well as the image recording operation. In addition, the ASIC control circuit 50G can control sensors for various operations and for detecting label sheets L.

[0032] The control unit 50 receives image data and cleaning commands transmitted from PC1 via a USB cable and operates according to the received commands. However, the interface is not limited to USB; it may also be connected to PC1 via a wired or wireless network, or both. The control configuration described above is used to perform the sheet setting operation and other controls.

[0033] As described above, in the recording apparatus 5 according to the present embodiment, when the label sheet L is inserted into the sheet set position and the inserted sheet is detected by the sheet set detection sensor 20E, a sheet set operation for setting the sheet to the print standby position is executed. Further, when the sheet set operation is executed, in response to the setting of the label sheet L, sensor adjustment processing in a detection sensitivity adjustment mode for adjusting the detection sensitivity of the label end detection sensor 20D is executed. Furthermore, together with the sensor adjustment processing, label length confirmation processing in an area length confirmation mode for confirming whether the label end detection sensor 20D can correctly detect the label length as the length of the image formation area in the conveyance direction is also executed.

[0034] <Configuration of the PC> Hereinafter, the PC 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 1. As shown in FIG. 4, the PC 1 has a CPU 60 that controls the entire apparatus, and a ROM 62, a RAM 63, a hard disk device 64, and a DVD device 65 are connected to the CPU 60 via a system bus 61. A program for the CPU 60 to control the PC 1 is stored in the ROM 62. The RAM 63 functions as a work area when the CPU 60 reads and executes a program. For example, an operating system, data files, and application programs are loaded. Incidentally, a memory management chip (not shown) is connected to the system bus 61, and DMA operations such as data paging between the RAM 63 and the hard disk device 64 and between the RAM 63 and the DVD device 65 are controlled. DMA is an abbreviation for Direct Memory Access.

[0035] In addition, a keyboard control device 66, a mouse control device 67, a display control device 68, and an image recording device control device (referred to as a recording device control device) 69 are connected to the CPU 60 via the system bus 61. The keyboard control device 66 is for providing an interface for the keyboard 3, and the mouse control device 67 is for providing an interface for the mouse 4. The keyboard control device 66 transmits the user instruction input from the keyboard 3 to the CPU 60, and the mouse control device 67 transmits the user instruction input from the mouse 4 to the CPU 60. The display control device 68 is for providing an interface for the display 2, and causes the display 2 to display a GUI screen according to an instruction from the CPU 60. The recording device control device 69 is for providing an interface for the recording device 5, and causes the recording device 5 to execute printing based on the print content according to an instruction from the CPU 60.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the main data in the RAM 63 of the PC 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the RAM 63 of the PC 1 holds an OS 70, an application 71 for creating label data, and label data 72 created using the application 71.

[0037] The CPU 60 controls the application 71 under the management of the OS 70. The CPU 60 can display the GUI screen of the application 71 on the display 2 via the display control device 68. Also, the CPU 60 can receive an instruction input from the user via the keyboard 3 or the mouse 4 on this GUI screen.

[0038] The application 71 is an application program for creating label data to be printed on a label by combining, for example, the read photo data and the character data input from the user.

[0039] <GUI screen> The GUI screen displayed on display 2 in the printing system according to this embodiment will be described below. Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of the GUI screen displayed on display 2 in the printing system according to this embodiment.

[0040] As shown in Figure 6, the GUI screen displayed on display 2 when application 71 is executed displays eight areas. Specifically, the first area is the menu bar 80, which presents the functions of application 71. The second area is the standard toolbar 81, which allows users to execute frequently used functions with a single click. The third area is the layout toolbar 82, which provides functions used for laying out objects generated by application 71. The fourth area is the insert toolbar 83, which provides functions for inserting objects into label data. The fifth area is the design area 84, which displays the label data containing the object to be edited. The sixth area is the ruler 85, which is located adjacent to the design area 84 and displays coordinates (memory) that serve as a guide for the position where objects are placed. The ruler 85 includes 85T (also called the upper ruler) located at the top of the design area 84 and the ruler 85L (also called the left ruler) located on the left side of the design area 84. The seventh area is the properties area 86, where detailed information of the object selected in the design area 84 can be set and confirmed. The eighth area is the status bar 87, which displays the coordinates of the selected object, the current position of the mouse cursor, and the display zoom level of the design area, when an object created in the design area 84 is selected.

[0041] If a user performs editing on the design area 84 using the functions provided by application 71, the user can immediately check the results of that editing through the design area 84.

[0042] <Conventional guide line creation process> The conventional guide line creation process will be explained below using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the guide line creation process of a conventional image editing program.

[0043] Here, as an example of a conventional guide line creation operation, we will explain how to create a vertical guide line 90A in the design area 84. When the user moves the mouse cursor over the ruler 85L located on the left side of the design area 84 and presses the left button of mouse 4, the guide line creation mode of application 71 changes to vertical guide line creation mode. In vertical guide line creation mode, the user moves the mouse cursor over the design area 84 while holding down the left button of mouse 4, and then releases the left button of mouse 4 (performing a drag-and-drop operation). The CPU 60 then recognizes the position of the mouse cursor when the left button is released and creates a vertical guide line 90A at that recognized position. When the user releases the left button of mouse 4, the CPU 60 determines that the creation of the vertical guide line is complete and terminates the guide line creation operation. In Figure 7, the operation of pressing and dragging the left button of mouse 4 is represented by "D" and a solid arrow, and the operation of releasing the left button of mouse 4 after dragging is represented by "U".

[0044] To add the new vertical guide lines 90B and 90C, you need to perform the guide line creation operation described above again.

[0045] The following describes the procedure for creating vertical guide lines 90A, 90B, and 90C.

[0046] To create a vertical guide line 90A, the user first moves the mouse cursor over the ruler 85L located on the left side of the design area 84 and presses the left button of mouse 4. This switches the guide line creation mode of application 71 to vertical guide line creation mode. While in vertical guide line creation mode, if the user moves the mouse cursor over the design area 84 while holding down the left button of mouse 4, the vertical guide line creation guide 91A will be displayed. This vertical guide line creation guide 91A will be displayed in the design area 84, following the movement of the mouse cursor. Subsequently, the user can create the vertical guide line 90A by releasing the left button of mouse 4 when the vertical guide line creation guide 91A reaches the position of 10 mm on the ruler 85T located at the top of the design area 84, while still holding down the left button of mouse 4.

[0047] Next, to create the vertical guide line 90B, the user moves the mouse cursor again over the ruler 85L located on the left side of the design area 84 and presses the left button of mouse 4. This changes the guide line creation mode of application 71 to the vertical guide line creation mode. While in vertical guide line creation mode, the user moves the mouse cursor over the design area 84 while holding down the left button of mouse 4, and the vertical guide line creation guide 91A is displayed. This vertical guide line creation guide 91A follows the movement of the mouse cursor and is displayed in the design area 84. Then, when the vertical guide line creation guide 91A reaches the position of 40mm on the ruler 85T located at the top of the design area 84, the user releases the left button of mouse 4 to create the vertical guide line 90B.

[0048] Next, to create the vertical guide line 90C, the user moves the mouse cursor again over the ruler 85L located on the left side of the design area 84 and presses the left button of mouse 4. This switches the guide line creation mode of application 71 to vertical guide line creation mode. While in vertical guide line creation mode, the user moves the mouse cursor over the design area 84 while holding down the left button of mouse 4, and the vertical guide line creation guide 91A is displayed. This vertical guide line creation guide 91A follows the movement of the mouse cursor and is displayed in the design area 84. Then, when the vertical guide line creation guide 91A reaches the position of 80mm on the ruler 85T located at the top of the design area 84, the user releases the left button of mouse 4 to create the vertical guide line 90C.

[0049] As explained above, in conventional technology, it is necessary to perform the aforementioned guide line creation operation three times in order to create three vertical guide lines.

[0050] So far, we have explained the steps for creating a vertical guide line. In contrast, to create a horizontal guide line in design area 84 (not shown), perform the following steps.

[0051] When the user moves the mouse cursor over the ruler 85T located at the top of the design area 84 and presses the left button of mouse 4, the guide line creation mode of application 71 changes to horizontal guide line creation mode. Suppose that while in horizontal guide line creation mode, the user moves the mouse cursor over the design area 84 while still holding down the left button of mouse 4, and then releases the left button of mouse 4. The CPU 60 then recognizes the position of the mouse cursor at the time the left button was released and creates a horizontal guide line at that recognized position. When the user releases the left button of mouse 4, the CPU 60 determines that the creation of the horizontal guide line is complete and terminates the guide line creation operation.

[0052] <Continuous creation of guide lines according to this embodiment> The guide line creation operation according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the guide line creation operation of the image editing program according to this embodiment.

[0053] When the user moves the mouse cursor over the ruler 85L located on the left side of the design area 84 and presses the left button of mouse 4, the guide line creation mode of application 71 changes to vertical guide line creation mode. While in vertical guide line creation mode, the user moves the mouse cursor over the design area 84 while still holding down the left button of mouse 4 and clicks the right button of mouse 4. The CPU 60 then recognizes the position of the mouse cursor at the time of the right button click and creates a vertical guide line at that recognized position.

[0054] In this embodiment, the CPU 60 determines that the current guide line creation mode is vertical guide line creation mode until the user releases the left button of mouse 4, and can continue creating vertical guide lines. If the user double-clicks the right button of mouse 4 while in vertical guide line creation mode, the CPU 60 executes a guide line creation mode update process. This guide line creation mode update process transitions the guide line creation mode to simultaneous creation mode. Simultaneous creation mode is a mode in which both vertical and horizontal guide lines are created simultaneously. If the user clicks the right button of mouse 4 while in simultaneous creation mode, the CPU 60 recognizes the position of the mouse cursor at the time of the right click and creates vertical and horizontal guide lines at the recognized position.

[0055] Until the user releases the left button on mouse 4, the CPU 60 determines that the current guide line creation mode is simultaneous creation mode, and can continue to create vertical and horizontal guide lines simultaneously. If the user double-clicks the right button on mouse 4 while in simultaneous creation mode, the CPU 60 executes a guide line creation mode update process. This guide line creation mode update process switches the guide line creation mode to horizontal guide line creation mode. If the user clicks the right button on mouse 4 while in horizontal guide line creation mode, the CPU 60 recognizes the position of the mouse cursor at the time of the right click and creates a horizontal guide line at that recognized position.

[0056] Subsequently, when the user releases the left button of mouse 4, the CPU 60 determines that the creation of the guide line is complete and exits the guide line creation mode.

[0057] In other words, the CPU 60 accepts the user pressing the left button of mouse 4 on the ruler 85L as an instruction to start the guide line creation mode, and the user releasing the left button of mouse 4 as an instruction to end the guide line creation mode. Furthermore, the CPU 60 accepts the user clicking the right button of mouse 4 while in guide line creation mode as an instruction to create a guide line, and can accept multiple instructions to create guide lines while in guide line creation mode.

[0058] By controlling it in this way, the user can create guide lines multiple times within a series of operations from the start command to the end command of the guide line creation mode.

[0059] The following describes the procedure for creating vertical guide lines 92A, 92B, horizontal guide line 92C, and horizontal guide line 92D in design area 84.

[0060] To create the vertical guide line 92A, the user first moves the mouse cursor over the ruler 85L located on the left side of the design area 84 and presses the left button of mouse 4. This switches the guide line creation mode of application 71 to the vertical guide line creation mode. While in vertical guide line creation mode, if the user moves the mouse cursor over the design area 84 while holding down the left button of mouse 4, the vertical guide line creation guide 93A will be displayed. This vertical guide line creation guide 93A will be displayed in the design area 84, following the movement of the mouse cursor. Then, while still holding down the left button of mouse 4, when the vertical guide line creation guide 93A reaches the position of 10 mm on the ruler 85T located at the top of the design area 84, the vertical guide line 92A can be created by clicking the right button of mouse 4. In Figure 8, the operation of pressing and dragging the left button of mouse 4 is represented by "D" and a solid arrow, the operation of clicking the right button of mouse 4 is represented by "C", and the operation of double-clicking the right button of mouse 4 is represented by "DC". Furthermore, the operation of releasing the left button of mouse 4 after the aforementioned drag operation is represented by "U". Note that "click" means "pressing and then releasing" the button of mouse 4.

[0061] The vertical guide line creation guide 93B and the horizontal guide line creation guide 93C are displayed when the mouse cursor reaches the position of 30mm on ruler 85T and 35mm on ruler 85L, and the right button of mouse 4 is double-clicked. Double-clicking the right button of mouse 4 while in vertical guide line creation mode switches the guide line creation mode of application 71 to simultaneous creation mode.

[0062] The vertical guide line 92B and the horizontal guide line 92C represent the guide lines created when the mouse cursor is moved to the position 50mm from the coordinates of ruler 85T and the right button of mouse 4 is clicked. By clicking the right button of mouse 4 during simultaneous creation mode, both the vertical and horizontal guide lines can be created simultaneously.

[0063] The horizontal guide line creation guide 93D is displayed when the mouse cursor is moved to the 70mm position on ruler 85L and the right button of mouse 4 is double-clicked. Double-clicking the right button of mouse 4 while in simultaneous creation mode changes the guide line creation mode of application 71 to horizontal guide line creation mode.

[0064] Horizontal guide line 92D is created when the mouse cursor is moved to the position of 80mm on ruler 85L and the right button of mouse 4 is clicked. Horizontal guide lines can be created by clicking the right button of mouse 4 while in horizontal guide line creation mode.

[0065] Finally, releasing the left button on mouse 4 will exit the guide line creation mode.

[0066] In the case described above, the method of switching guide line creation modes was illustrated by double-clicking the right button of mouse 4, but this is not the only way to switch guide line creation modes. Other methods of switching guide line creation modes include using keyboard keys, as described later, or switching using the mouse wheel.

[0067] Hereinafter, the method for receiving a user instruction to create a guide line in the printing system according to this embodiment, and creating a guide line in the design area 84 in accordance with that instruction, will be explained using the flowcharts shown in Figures 9 to 12.

[0068] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the guide line creation process according to this embodiment. The process shown in Figure 9 is started when the user presses the left button of the mouse 4 on the GUI screen of application 71 (see Figure 6, etc.).

[0069] In step S902, CPU 60 obtains the current position of the mouse cursor when the left button of mouse 4 is pressed at the start of the guide line creation process. Hereafter, "step S~" will be abbreviated as "S~".

[0070] In S904, the CPU 60 determines whether the current position is the first position, the second position, the third position, or the fourth position. The first position is a position on the ruler 85L located on the left side of the design area 84, and not on the ruler 85T located at the top of the design area 84. The second position is a position that is not on the ruler 85L, but is on the ruler 85T. The third position is a position that is on both the ruler 85L and the ruler 85T, that is, a position at the intersection of the ruler 85L and the ruler 85T. The fourth position is a position other than the first to third positions mentioned above. If the current position is determined to be the first position in this step, the process proceeds to S906. If the current position is determined to be the second position, the process proceeds to S908. If the current position is determined to be the third position, the process proceeds to S910. If the current position is determined to be the fourth position, the guide line creation process is terminated.

[0071] In S906, CPU60 sets the guide line creation mode to vertical guide line creation mode.

[0072] In S908, CPU60 sets the guide line creation mode to horizontal guide line creation mode.

[0073] In the S910, CPU60 sets the guide line creation mode to simultaneous creation mode.

[0074] In this way, the type of guide line creation mode is set according to where the user instructs the start of the guide line creation mode.

[0075] In S912, the CPU 60 performs keyboard operation processing, which is carried out according to the user's keyboard input. Following S912, in S914, the CPU 60 performs mouse operation processing, which is carried out according to the user's mouse operations. Further details regarding the keyboard operation processing (S912) and mouse operation processing (S914) will be described later.

[0076] In S916, the CPU 60 determines whether the user has released the left button of the mouse 4. If the result of this step is YES, the guide line creation process is terminated; otherwise, the process returns to S912.

[0077] <Keyboard operation processing> The keyboard operation process (S912 in Figure 9) described above will now be explained using Figure 10. In S1002, the CPU 60 determines whether a key on the keyboard has been pressed by the user. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S1004; however, if the result is NO, the keyboard operation process is terminated.

[0078] In S1004, the CPU 60 determines which key was pressed in S1002. If it is determined in this step that the Del key was pressed, it is determined that the operation is to delete an already created guide line, and the process proceeds to S1006. If it is determined that the H key was pressed, the process proceeds to S1012, if it is determined that the V key was pressed, the process proceeds to S1014, and if it is determined that the B key was pressed, the process proceeds to S1016. Furthermore, if it is determined in this step that a key other than the Del key, H key, V key, or B key was pressed, the keyboard operation process is terminated.

[0079] In S1006, CPU60 obtains the current position of the mouse cursor.

[0080] In S1008, the CPU 60 determines whether a guide line has been created at the current position obtained in S1006. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S1010; however, if the result is NO, the keyboard operation process is terminated.

[0081] In S1010, CPU60 deletes the guide line already created at the current position. After this step, the keyboard operation process is terminated.

[0082] In step S1012, the CPU 60 sets the guide line creation mode to the horizontal guide line creation mode. After this step, the keyboard operation process is terminated.

[0083] In S1014, the CPU 60 sets the guide line creation mode to the vertical guide line creation mode. After this step, the keyboard operation process is terminated.

[0084] In S1016, CPU60 sets the guide line creation mode to simultaneous creation mode. After this step, the keyboard operation process is terminated.

[0085] <Mouse operation processing> The aforementioned mouse operation process (S914 in Figure 9) will be explained below using Figure 11.

[0086] In S1102, the CPU 60 determines which of the three groups the mouse operation performed by the user belongs to. The first group of mouse operations is releasing the left button of mouse 4 or single-clicking the right button of mouse 4. The second group of mouse operations is rotating the mouse wheel of mouse 4 upwards, rotating the mouse wheel of mouse 4 downwards, or double-clicking the right button of mouse 4. The third group of mouse operations is all operations other than those in the first and second groups. If it is determined in this step that the operation belongs to the first group, it is determined that the operation is to create a new guide line, and the process proceeds to S1104. If it is determined that the operation belongs to the second group, the process proceeds to S1114. Furthermore, if it is determined that the operation belongs to the third group, the mouse operation processing is terminated.

[0087] In S1104, CPU60 obtains the current position of the mouse cursor.

[0088] In S1106, the CPU 60 determines whether the current guide line creation mode is vertical guide line creation mode or simultaneous creation mode. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S1108; otherwise, the process proceeds to S1110.

[0089] In S1108, CPU60 creates a vertical guide line at the X coordinate position of the current position.

[0090] In S1110, the CPU 60 determines whether the current guide line creation mode is horizontal guide line creation mode or simultaneous creation mode. If the result of this step is YES, the process proceeds to S1112; however, if the result is NO, the mouse operation process is terminated.

[0091] In step S1112, the CPU 60 creates a horizontal guide line at the Y coordinate position of the current position. After this step, the mouse operation process is terminated.

[0092] In S1114, CPU60 executes the guide line creation mode update process. After this step, the mouse operation process is terminated. Details of the guide line creation mode update process will be described later.

[0093] <Guideline creation mode update process> The guide line creation mode update process (S1114 in Figure 11) mentioned above will be explained below using Figure 12.

[0094] In S1202, the CPU 60 determines which of the three groups the mouse operation performed by the user belongs to. The first group of mouse operations are downward rotation of the mouse wheel of mouse 4 or double-clicking the right button of mouse 4. The second group of mouse operations are upward rotation of the mouse wheel of mouse 4. The third group of mouse operations are all operations except those in the first and second groups. If it is determined in this step that the operation belongs to the first group, the process proceeds to S1204. If it is determined that the operation belongs to the second group, the process proceeds to S1212. Furthermore, if it is determined that the operation belongs to the third group, the guide line creation mode update process is terminated.

[0095] In S1204, the CPU 60 determines the current guide line creation mode. If it is determined to be the vertical guide line creation mode, the process proceeds to S1206; if it is determined to be the horizontal guide line creation mode, the process proceeds to S1208; and if it is determined to be the simultaneous creation mode, the process proceeds to S1210.

[0096] In S1206, the CPU 60 sets the guide line creation mode to the horizontal guide line creation mode. After this step, the guide line creation mode update process is terminated.

[0097] In S1208, CPU60 sets the guide line creation mode to simultaneous creation mode. After this step, the guide line creation mode update process is terminated.

[0098] In S1210, the CPU 60 sets the guide line creation mode to the vertical guide line creation mode. After this step, the guide line creation mode update process is terminated.

[0099] In S1212, the CPU 60 determines the current guide line creation mode. If it is determined to be the vertical guide line creation mode, the process proceeds to S1214; if it is determined to be the horizontal guide line creation mode, the process proceeds to S1216; and if it is determined to be the simultaneous creation mode, the process proceeds to S1218.

[0100] In S1214, the CPU 60 sets the guide line creation mode to simultaneous creation mode. After this step, the guide line creation mode update process is terminated.

[0101] In S1216, the CPU 60 sets the guide line creation mode to the vertical guide line creation mode. After this step, the guide line creation mode update process is terminated.

[0102] In S1218, the CPU 60 sets the guide line creation mode to the horizontal guide line creation mode. After this step, the guide line creation mode update process is terminated.

[0103] The guide line creation mode update process described above makes it possible to change the currently set guide line creation mode to a different guide line creation mode depending on the user's actions.

[0104] [Other embodiments] In the embodiment described above, the method for creating guide lines in simultaneous creation mode was described as creating vertical guide lines and horizontal guide lines separately. However, vertical guide lines and horizontal guide lines may also be created simultaneously by representing them in a cross shape.

[0105] This disclosure also includes program code installed on a computer to implement the functional processing described in the above embodiments. In other words, computer programs that implement the functions described in the claims of this disclosure are also included in this disclosure. The form of the program is not limited. Examples of program forms include object code programs that can be directly interpreted and executed by a processor, programs executed by an interpreter, and script data programs that run on an OS or application.

[0106] Furthermore, storage media for supplying programs include, for example, floppy disks, hard disks, and magnetic tapes. Other storage media for supplying programs include optical discs, semiconductor storage, paper tape, and ROM. Examples of optical discs include magneto-optical discs such as MO and PD. Other examples of optical discs include CD-ROM, CD-R, and CD-RW. Other examples of optical discs include DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and DVD+RW.

[0107] Furthermore, as a method of supplying programs via transmission signals, there is a process of downloading programs from a website or FTP server to a storage medium such as a hard disk. In this case, the program downloaded to the storage medium may be the computer program itself that implements the functions of this disclosure. Alternatively, the computer program that implements the functions of this disclosure may be compressed into a file that includes an automatic installation function.

[0108] Furthermore, if the program disclosed herein consists of multiple sub-program files, it can also be implemented by downloading each sub-program file from a different website or FTP server. For example, the disclosure may require sub-programs (such as dynamic link libraries or overlay programs) that work in conjunction with the main program. In this case, the sub-programs may be downloaded from a server on the internet. Also, since sub-programs are one of the elements constituting the disclosure, a network server that allows multiple users to download program files necessary to implement the functional processing of the disclosure on a computer may also be included in the disclosure. Note that sub-programs also include programs attached to emails.

[0109] Furthermore, this disclosure can also be implemented by encrypting the program, storing it on a storage medium, distributing it to users, and having them execute and install the encrypted program on their computers using decryption key information. This key information can be downloaded from a website or similar source via the internet to users who meet certain conditions.

[0110] Furthermore, this disclosure includes cases where the functions of the embodiments described above are realized by a computer executing a program read from a storage medium into RAM. For example, even if an OS or driver program running on a computer executes one of the elements constituting this disclosure, or some part or all of a group of elements, it is included in this disclosure if it realizes the functions of the embodiments described above.

[0111] This disclosure includes configurations represented by the following programs.

[0112] (Configuration 1) A program that causes a computer to create at least one of a horizontal guide line and a vertical guide line as a guide line on a graphical user interface, comprising: a start step in which a guide line creation mode is started in response to instructions from the user; an end step in which the guide line creation mode is ended in response to instructions from the user; and a creation step in which a guide line is created in response to instructions from the user between the start step and the end step, wherein the creation step can be executed multiple times between the start step and the end step. (Configuration 2) The program according to Configuration 1, characterized in that it includes a setting step of setting one of the following guide line creation modes as the guide line creation mode: a vertical guide line creation mode for creating the vertical guide line, a horizontal guide line creation mode for creating the horizontal guide line, and a simultaneous creation mode for creating both the vertical guide line and the horizontal guide line, according to the user's instructions. (Configuration 3) The program according to Configuration 1 or 2, wherein the graphical user interface screen has a design area that displays label data including the object to be edited, and a ruler that is placed adjacent to the design area and displays coordinates that serve as a guide for the position where the object will be placed, and the program sets the guide line creation mode according to the position indicated by the user on the ruler in the start step. (Configuration 4) The program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, wherein the ruler includes a left ruler and an upper ruler, and when the position indicated by the user in the start step is on the left ruler, the guide line creation mode is set to the vertical guide line creation mode, when the position indicated by the user in the start step is on the upper ruler, the guide line creation mode is set to the horizontal guide line creation mode, and when the position indicated by the user in the start step is at the intersection of the left ruler and the upper ruler, the guide line creation mode is set to the simultaneous creation mode. (Configuration 5) In the creation step, if the guide line creation mode when the user gives instructions is the vertical guide line creation mode, the vertical guide line is created at the current position of the mouse cursor on the graphical user interface screen. A program according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the creation step, if the guide line creation mode when an instruction is received from the user is the horizontal guide line creation mode, the horizontal guide line is created at the current position, and in the creation step, if the guide line creation mode when an instruction is received from the user is the simultaneous creation mode, the vertical guide line and the horizontal guide line are created at the current position. (Configuration 6) The program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 5, characterized in that the user's instructions in the creation step are given by a mouse. (Configuration 7) The program according to any one of Configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that the user's instructions in the setting step are made by pressing a key on the keyboard. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 1. Personal computer (PC)

Claims

1. A program that causes a computer to create at least one of a horizontal guide line and a vertical guide line as guide lines on a graphical user interface, A start step to initiate the guide line creation mode in response to user instructions, An termination step that ends the guide line creation mode in response to user instructions, Between the start step and the end step, there is a creation step which involves creating a guide line in response to instructions from the user, A program characterized in that the creation step can be executed multiple times between the start step and the end step.

2. As the guide line creation mode, A vertical guide line creation mode for creating the aforementioned vertical guide line, A horizontal guide line creation mode for creating the aforementioned horizontal guide line, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes a setting step of setting either a simultaneous creation mode for creating both the vertical guide line and the horizontal guide line, or a guide line creation mode, according to the user's instructions.

3. The graphical user interface screen includes a design area that displays label data including the object to be edited, and a ruler that is placed adjacent to the design area and displays coordinates that serve as a guide for the position where the object should be placed. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that the guide line creation mode is set according to the position indicated by the user on the ruler in the starting step.

4. The ruler includes a left ruler and an upper ruler. If the position indicated by the user in the starting step is on the left ruler, the guide line creation mode is set to the vertical guide line creation mode. If the position indicated by the user in the starting step is on the upper ruler, the guide line creation mode is set to the horizontal guide line creation mode. If the position indicated by the user in the starting step is on the intersection of the left ruler and the upper ruler, the guide line creation mode is set to the simultaneous creation mode. The program according to feature 3.

5. In the creation step described above, if the guide line creation mode when an instruction is received from the user is the vertical guide line creation mode, the vertical guide line is created at the current position of the mouse cursor on the graphical user interface screen. In the creation step described above, if the guide line creation mode when the user gives instructions is the horizontal guide line creation mode, the horizontal guide line is created at the current position. In the creation step described above, if the guide line creation mode when the user gives instructions is the simultaneous creation mode, the vertical guide line and the horizontal guide line are created at the current position. The program according to feature 2.

6. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the user's instructions in the creation step are given by a mouse.

7. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that the user's instructions in the setting step are given by pressing a key on the keyboard.

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