Label printer and information processing program

Abstract

To reduce the amount of data per label of data to be stored for reissuance.SOLUTION: In a label printer of an embodiment, receiving means receives an issuance instruction followed by a report of order data in which a plurality of commodities are represented as ordered commodities. Issuance control means generates an image of a label to be attached to the plurality of commodities represented by the order data reported concerning the issuance instruction as the ordered commodities in response to the issuance instruction, and causes printing means to print the image. Storage means causes a storage device to store list data on a plurality of commodities represented by a plurality of pieces of order data concerning a plurality of issuance instructions as ordered commodities, respectively. Output means outputs a selection screen on which the plurality of commodities represented by the list data stored by the storage device are alternatives, respectively. Reissuance control means generates an image of a label to be attached to a designated commodity among the plurality of commodities provided as the alternatives on the selection screen, and causes the printing means to print the image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a label printer and an information processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] It has already been devised for a label printer to store print information on a label that has already been printed in response to a request from an external terminal, and to reprint the label without the need for a request from the terminal. However, storing print information increases the amount of data per label, and a large-capacity storage device is required to enable the reprinting of many labels. For these reasons, it has been desirable to reduce the amount of data per label that needs to be stored for reissuance. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-157595 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a label printer and an information processing program that can reduce the amount of data per label that is stored for reissuance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A label printer according to an embodiment includes a printing means, an accepting means, a control means, a storage means, an output means, and a reissue control means. The printing means prints an image on a label paper. The accepting means accepts an issuance instruction accompanied by a notification of order data in which a plurality of products are represented as ordered products. The issuance control means, in response to the issuance instruction being accepted by the accepting means, generates an image of a label to be attached to each of the plurality of products represented as ordered products in the order data notified in relation to the issuance instruction, and causes the printing means to print the image. The storage means stores in a storage device list data of the plurality of products represented as ordered products in the plurality of order data notified in relation to the plurality of issuance instructions accepted by the accepting means. The output means outputs a selection screen in which the plurality of products represented by the list data stored in the storage device are each an option. The reissue control means generates an image of a label to be attached to a specified product from among the plurality of products represented as options in the selection screen output by the output means, and causes the printing means to print the image. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of the label printer according to the embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of one of the data records included in the index data shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart of information processing for controlling the label printer by the processor shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of information processing for controlling the label printer by the processor shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a standby screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of order data. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of order data. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data record based on the order data shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9]FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a print result. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a history screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a selection screen. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a print result. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment suitable for use in issuing labels to be attached to take-out products that are cooked according to an order and provided to customers will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a label printer 1 according to this embodiment. A label printer 1, a POS terminal 2, a data transmission device 3 and a kitchen printer 4 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network 5 to form an order processing system.

[0008] The POS terminal 2 registers the details of an order for the provision of products such as take-out products, etc. The POS terminal 2 transmits the order data registered for the transaction to the data transmitting device 3 on a transaction basis. When the data transmitting device 3 receives the order data from the POS terminal 2, it transmits the order data to the label printer 1 and the kitchen printer 4. When the kitchen printer 4 receives the order data from the data transmission device 3, it prints out a cooking instruction slip based on the order data. The communication network 5 may be, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication network, a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a public communication network, or the like, either alone or in appropriate combination. The communication network 5 is typically a local area network (LAN).

[0009] When order data is sent to the label printer 1 from the data transmission device 3, the label printer 1 issues a label to be affixed to a product based on the order data. The label printer 1 includes a processor 11, a memory unit 12, a hardware clock 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, a print unit 16, an interface unit 17, and a transmission path 18.

[0010] The processor 11, memory unit 12, hardware clock 13, display unit 14, input unit 15, print unit 16 and interface unit 17 are capable of communicating with each other via a transmission path 18. The processor 11 and memory unit 12 are connected by the transmission path 18 to configure a computer for controlling the label printer 1.

[0011] The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 executes information processing to realize various functions of the label printer 1 in accordance with information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

[0012] The memory unit 12 corresponds to the main memory and auxiliary memory of the computer. The memory unit 12 includes a nonvolatile memory area and a volatile memory area. The memory unit 12 stores the information processing program in the nonvolatile memory area. The memory unit 12 may store data required for the processor 11 to execute information processing in the nonvolatile or volatile memory area. The memory unit 12 uses the volatile memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The nonvolatile memory area is, for example, a storage area of ​​a read only memory (ROM) and an electric erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). The volatile memory area is, for example, a storage area of ​​a random access memory (RAM). The nonvolatile memory area may be, for example, a storage area of ​​a hard disc drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The memory unit 12 uses the nonvolatile memory area as an area for storing data used by the processor 11 in performing various processes, or data created by the processing by the processor 11.

[0013] The hardware clock 13 performs a timekeeping operation and outputs date information. In this embodiment, the date information indicates at least the year, month, day, hour, and minute. That is, in this embodiment, the date information indicates the date and time. The hardware clock 13 may be replaced with a software clock such as a system clock managed by an operating system.

[0014] The display unit 14 performs various display operations to notify various pieces of information to the user of the label printer 1. Well-known display devices, such as a screen display device such as a liquid crystal display and a light-emitting device such as an LED lamp, can be used alone or in combination as the display unit 14. The display device included in the display unit 14 is, for example, a display device provided on a touch panel.

[0015] The input unit 15 inputs various instructions from the user. Well-known input devices such as a touch sensor, a key switch, and a keyboard can be used alone or in combination as the input unit 15. The input device included in the input unit 15 is, for example, a touch sensor provided on the above-mentioned touch panel.

[0016] The print unit 16 is equipped with a print mechanism for various known printing methods, such as thermal, thermal transfer, dot impact, or inkjet. While conveying a long, narrow mount, the print unit 16 prints a label image, such as characters, on label paper affixed to one side of the mount by the print mechanism. The mount and label paper are typically made of paper, but may be made of materials other than paper, such as resin. The mount and label paper may also be made of different materials. Thus, the print unit 16 is an example of a printing means.

[0017] The interface unit 17 performs communication processing for transmitting and receiving data via the communication network 5. As the interface unit 17, for example, a well-known communication device conforming to LAN (local area network) standards or the like can be used. The transmission path 18 includes an address bus, a data bus, and control signal lines, and transmits data and control signals between the connected components.

[0018] One of the information processing programs stored in the memory unit 12 is the control program PRA. The control program PRA is an information processing program that describes information processing for controlling the operation of the label printer 1, including the control processing described below. The label printer 1 is typically transferred with the control program PRA stored in the memory unit 12. However, the control program PRA may be transferred separately from the hardware of the label printer 1, for example as an upgrade program. In this case, the control program PRA can be transferred by recording it on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading it via a network. In this case, the control program PRA is written into the memory unit 12 by the processor 11 in response to an operation by an arbitrary operator.

[0019] A part of the storage area of ​​the memory unit 12 is used as a product database DBA. The product database DBA is a collection of data records associated with each product to which a label issued by the label printer 1 can be affixed. The data records included in the product database DBA may include various information to be displayed on the label to be issued, such as the product number, product name, and expiration date, or information for determining the information to be displayed on the label. The type of information to be included in the data records of the product database DBA may be determined as appropriate by, for example, the designer or administrator of the label printer 1.

[0020] The data stored in the memory unit 12 includes index data DAA. The index data DAA is data that simply represents the order details of each transaction accepted by the POS terminal 2. The index data DAA is, for example, a collection of data records REA associated with each transaction.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of one of the data records REA. Data record REA includes fields FAA, FAB, FAC, FAD.... Field FAA is set to an order number as an identifier for the associated transaction. Field FAB is set to an order time as the time when the order for the associated transaction was accepted. Field FAC is set to item data for one item ordered for the associated transaction. If multiple items are ordered for the associated transaction, fields FAD and after are added, and item data for each different item is set. The item data includes the product number of the item and the quantity ordered of that item. In this embodiment, a product identified by a product number that is predetermined for transaction management is called an item. For example, even if the product is the same type, it may be considered as a different item depending on the content volume. For example, in this embodiment, when ordering a product with the product name "AAAA", it is allowed to specify either "large", "medium", or "regular" depending on the content volume. Then, "AAAA (large)", "AAAA (medium)", and "AAAA (regular)" are each identified by a different product number and are considered as different items.

[0022] Next, the operation of the label printer 1 configured as above will be described. 3 and 4 are flowcharts of information processing for controlling the label printer 1 by the processor 11. 3 and 4 show a part of information processing by the processor 11, and some processing that is not related to the description of the features of the present application is omitted. The contents of the processing shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 are examples, and it is possible to change the order of some processing, omit some processing, or add other processing as appropriate. In some standby states, the processor 11 may wait for events other than those described. For example, in a state where the processor 11 is waiting for an instruction on a certain GUI (graphical user interface) screen, the processor 11 may wait for an instruction to return to a state where it is waiting for an instruction on another GUI screen, and may return to the corresponding state in response to the corresponding instruction.

[0023] When the processor 11 is started to operate in a label printing mode in response to receiving order data transmitted from the data transmission device 3, the processor 11 starts the information processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 in accordance with the control program PRA. As ACT11 in FIG. 3, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a standby screen.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the standby screen SCA. The standby screen SCA displays a predetermined image in the display area ARA to notify the user that the device is waiting for order data. In Fig. 5, a simplified image showing only the character string "Standby" is shown, but it is envisaged to display an image that gives the user an idea that the device is on standby, for example. The standby screen SCA shows several function buttons including the function button BUA. The function button BUA is a soft key serving as a GUI object that allows the user to instruct the display of the label printing history. In other words, the standby screen SCA is one of the GUI images.

[0025] The processor 11 checks whether the order data has been received in ACT12 in Fig. 3. If the processor 11 cannot check the event, it judges the result as NO and proceeds to ACT13. In ACT 13, the processor 11 checks whether or not a command to display history has been issued. If the event in question cannot be confirmed, the processor 11 judges the result as NO and returns to ACT 12. Thus, the processor 11, as ACT11 and ACT12, waits for the order data to be received or for an instruction to display the history to be given.

[0026] Now, in a store equipped with the order processing system shown in FIG. 1, when a store clerk receives an order from a customer, the clerk registers the contents of the order in the POS terminal 2. Specifically, when multiple items of one item are ordered in one transaction, the clerk specifies the item and performs an operation to input the number of items ordered on the POS terminal 2. When multiple items are ordered in one transaction, the clerk performs the above operation for each item. In response to such an order, the customer is provided with the goods corresponding to each item in the number of items ordered. That is, for example, in a transaction in which two items of a first item and three items of a second item are ordered, a total of five goods are provided. In response to such an operation, the POS terminal 2 registers each specified item as an ordered item, generates order data for one transaction, and transmits it to the data transmission device 3 over the communication network 5.

[0027] When the order data sent from the POS terminal 2 as described above is transmitted via the communications network 5, the data transmission device 3 receives it and transmits it over the communications network 5 to each of the kitchen printer 4 and the label printer 1. However, the order data may also be sent from the POS terminal 2 to each of the kitchen printer 4 and the label printer 1 without going through the data transmission device 3.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic data structure of the order data. The order data consists of a serial number of the receipt, time of new order, time of additional order, time of food preparation, menu subtotal, RC, IC, and one or more item data arranged in serial order. The invoice serial number is a series of numbers assigned to each transaction and is an identifier for the transaction. The new order time is the time when a new order is accepted. The item data relates to each item ordered for the transaction. Therefore, the order data contains a number of item data corresponding to the number of items ordered in the transaction. One piece of order data consists of a serial arrangement of the product number, hierarchical level, instructions, ST1, ST2, ST3, quantity and unit price.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of order data. The order data shown in Figure 7 relates to a transaction in which an order was registered at 13:10 on February 3, 2021, and in which "000001" was assigned as the slip serial number. The order data relates to a transaction in which a total of six items are provided: one item identified by product number "0003," three items identified by product number "0010," and two items identified by product number "0009," and includes three pieces of item data that each include these product numbers and quantities.

[0030] Upon receiving the order data, the kitchen printer 4 prints out a cooking instruction slip for the ordered item based on the order data and the product database DBA. Meanwhile, when the order data sent from the data transmission device 3 is transmitted to the label printer 1 via the communication network 5, the order data is received by the interface unit 17 and stored in the memory unit 12. In response, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT 12 in Fig. 3 and proceeds to ACT 14. In other words, the processor 11 accepts the received order data as an instruction to issue a label, and proceeds to the process described below for issuing a label. In this way, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as a receiving means.

[0031] In ACT14, the processor 11 updates the index data DAA. For example, the processor 11 generates a new data record REA based on the received order data, and updates the index data DAA to include this data record REA. For example, the processor 11 sets the slip serial number and new order time included in the received order data as the order number and order time in fields FAA and FAB of the new data record REA, respectively. In addition, the processor 11 sets new item data including the product number and quantity extracted from the item data included in the received order data in each field following field FAC of the new data record REA.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a schematic representation of a data record REA based on the order data shown in FIG. In other words, the processor 11 extracts only the slip serial number and new order time from the received order data, and the product number and quantity from each item data, and generates a new data record REA that contains only these data. However, the processor 11 may also include only a portion of other data contained in the received order data, such as the unit price from each item data, in the new data record REA.

[0033] In ACT 15, the processor 11 generates a label image for one label. For example, the processor 11 determines information to be displayed on the label according to a predetermined rule based on the data record REA added to the index data DAA in ACT 14, and develops the information in a predetermined form to generate a label image. However, the processor 11 may determine the information to be displayed on the label based on the order data. In ACT16, the processor 11 causes the print unit 16 to print the label image generated in ACT15 onto label paper.

[0034] In ACT17, processor 11 checks whether there is a label to be printed other than the one printed in ACT16. For example, when processor 11 proceeds from ACT14 to ACT15, processor 11 generates a first label image based on the item data set in field FAC of data record REA (hereinafter referred to as new data record REA) added to index data DAA in ACT14. Then, in ACT17, if the number of orders included in the item data set in field FAC is more than one, processor 11 judges that there is another label, YES, and returns to ACT15. In this case, processor 11 generates a second label image based on the item data set in field FAC in ACT15. Processor 11 repeats ACT15 to ACT17 in the same manner until it has printed the same number of labels based on the item data set in field FAC as the number of orders included in the item data.

[0035] When the new data record REA is in the state shown in FIG. 8, one label is printed based on the item data set in the field FAC.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a print result by the print unit 16. As shown in FIG. Fig. 9 shows an example of the data record REA added to the index data DAA in ACT14 in the state shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 9 also shows the print result of a label for one transaction based on the data record REA shown in Fig. 8.

[0037] Here, the first label shown in FIG. 9 is one label printed based on the item data set in the field FAC as described above. The character string "BBBB" is the product name associated with the item with the product number 0003. For example, the processor 11 reads the product name associated with the product number set in the field FAC of the data record REA from the product database DBA and expands it in the illustrated area. The character string "21.02.03 19:10" represents the expiration date of the product to which this label is attached. For example, the processor 11 expands in the illustrated area a character string representing the time when a predetermined allowable time has elapsed from the time set in the field FAB of the data record REA. Note that the example of FIG. 9 shows a case where the allowable time is set to 6 hours. This allowable time may be described in the product database DBA for each item, or may be stored in the memory unit 12 as a common value for all items. For example, the processor 11 expands in the illustrated area a character string "1 / 1" in response to the quantity of an item with the product name "BBBB" being "1". For example, the processor 11 expands the character strings "Please consume quickly", "Expiration date", "ABC Store DEF branch", "MNO123, JKL city, GHI prefecture", and "0123-45-6789", all of which are predetermined as forms, into the illustrated areas that are predetermined as forms.

[0038] For example, when the processor 11 has finished printing one or more labels based on one item data contained in a new data record REA, if item data is set in the next field, it judges YES in ACT17 in FIG. 3 and repeats the printing of one or more labels based on the item data set in the next field in the same manner as described above.

[0039] The second to fourth labels shown in Fig. 9 are three labels printed based on the item data set in field FAD in Fig. 8. The character string "AAAA (Medium)" is the product name associated with item number 0010. And since the order quantity included in the item data set in field FAB is "3", processor 11 expands the character strings "1 / 3", "2 / 3" or "3 / 3" onto each label as shown in Fig. 9. Thereafter, if item data is set in the next field, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT 17 in FIG. 3, and repeats the printing of one or more labels based on the item data set in the next field in the same manner as described above.

[0040] The fifth and sixth labels shown in Fig. 9 are two labels printed based on the item data set in field FAE in Fig. 8. The character string "AAAA (regular)" is the product name associated with item number 0009. And because the order quantity included in the item data set in field FAC is "2", processor 11 expands the character string "1 / 2" or "2 / 2" onto each label as shown in Fig. 9. If the processor 11 determines that the next field does not exist in the new data record REA, the processor 11 judges NO in ACT17 in FIG. 3, and returns to the standby state of ACT12 and ACT13.

[0041] Thus, when order data is received, if the order data indicates a plurality of ordered items, the processor 11 issues labels to be affixed to each of the plurality of ordered items in sequence. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central portion functions as an issue control means.

[0042] As described above, when issuing labels in response to receiving order data, only the product number and quantity for each item and the new order time are referenced from among the data contained in the order data. Then, processor 11 includes only the product number and quantity in the item data of data record REA that it adds to index data DAA in ACT14. Processor 11 also includes only one new order time in data record REA, assuming that the new order time is common to all items. In other words, the order time set in field FAB of index data DAA is associated with each of multiple items.

[0043] The index data DAA, which is a collection of data records REA as shown in Fig. 8, corresponds to list data of a plurality of products which are represented as ordered products by a plurality of order data. Thus, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the control program PRA, the computer having the processor 11 as its central part functions as a storage means for storing the index data DAA as list data in a storage device provided in the memory unit 12. Furthermore, by functioning as this storage means, the processor 11 includes only data which is referenced to generate a label image from among the data contained in the order data in the index data DAA as list data for each of a plurality of items.

[0044] If the processor 11 does not refer to the order time when generating a label image, such as when the expiration date is not to be shown on the label, the processor 11 may not include the order time in the data record REA added to the index data DAA in ACT 14. Also, if other information such as a unit price is to be shown on the label, the processor 11 may include other data such as a unit price in the data record REA added to the index data DAA in ACT 14, or in the item data included therein.

[0045] The user of the label printer 1 peels off the labels issued in the above manner, for example, the labels relating to products that have been cooked and are ready to be served to customers, from the backing and attaches them to the relevant products. During this process, various operational mistakes can result in the labels being in a state that is not suitable for attachment to the products. In such cases, if the user wishes to reissue the labels, he or she can instruct the history display by a predetermined operation, for example, by touching the function button BUA on the standby screen SCA.

[0046] If the processor 11 is in the standby state of ACT12 and ACT13 in FIG. 3 and is instructed to display history as described above, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT13 and proceeds to ACT18 in FIG. As ACT18, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a history screen.

[0047] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the history screen SCB. The history screen SCB displays a list showing the label printing history in the display area ARB. The history screen SCB also displays several function buttons including the function button BUB. The function button BUB is a soft key serving as a GUI object that allows the user to specify that a transaction that is set as a candidate, as described below, is to be selected as the target of the selection screen. In other words, the history screen SCB is one of the GUI images.

[0048] For example, the processor 11 generates a list by arranging each data of the data records REA included in the index data DAA in one line, and displays the list in the display area ARB. The processor 11 also initially sets a transaction associated with any one of the data records REA included in the index data DAA as a candidate transaction, and highlights a line in the list shown in the display area ARB corresponding to the candidate transaction, for example, by overlaying a thick frame as shown in Fig. 10. Note that which transaction is initially set as the candidate transaction may be appropriately determined by, for example, the creator of the control program PRA. The highlighting method may also be various other methods, such as changing the display color.

[0049] The processor 11 checks whether or not a decision has been instructed in ACT19 of Fig. 4. If the processor 11 cannot check the event, it judges "NO" and proceeds to ACT20. In ACT20, the processor 11 checks whether or not a change to the candidate transaction has been instructed. If the processor 11 cannot check the corresponding event, it judges the result as NO and returns to ACT19. Thus, the processor 11 waits for a decision or change to be instructed as ACT19 and ACT20.

[0050] If the user wishes to set a candidate transaction other than the transaction highlighted on the history screen SCB, the user may instruct the change by performing a predetermined operation such as tapping within the range of the row corresponding to the transaction to be set as the candidate transaction. In response to this, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT20 and proceeds to ACT21. In ACT21, the processor 11 changes the candidate transaction to the transaction specified by the user. At this time, the processor 11 also updates the history screen SCB so that the changed candidate transaction is highlighted. Then, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT19 and ACT20.

[0051] When the transaction related to the label to be reissued is set as a candidate transaction, the user instructs the decision by a predetermined operation such as touching the function button BUB. In response to this, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT19 and proceeds to ACT22. In ACT22, the processor 11 generates all label images related to the transaction, which is determined to be a candidate transaction, based on the data record REA related to the transaction, in the same manner as in ACT15. As ACT23, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a selection screen.

[0052] 11 is a diagram showing an example of the selection screen SCC, which is an example of the case where a decision is instructed when the history screen SCB is in the state shown in FIG. The selection screen SCC shows a list of label images generated by ACT22 in a display area ARC. The selection screen SCC also shows several function buttons including a function button BUC. The function button BUC is a soft key serving as a GUI object that allows the user to specify that a label that is a candidate label should be reissued, as will be described later. In other words, the selection screen SCC is one of the GUI images.

[0053] For example, the processor 11 arranges the label images generated in ACT22 in the display area ARC with the labels related to the same item arranged side by side. In FIG. 11, for the sake of simplicity, some of the characters in each label are replaced with "x". However, it is also possible to arrange thumbnail images in the display area ARC in which some of the characters in the label images generated in ACT22 have been actually replaced with "x" or some of the characters have been omitted. The processor 11 also initially sets one of the label images as a candidate label, and highlights the label image corresponding to the candidate label by, for example, superimposing a thick frame as shown in FIG. 11. It is also possible to appropriately determine which label image is to be initially set as the candidate label by, for example, the creator of the control program PRA. The highlighting method may be various other methods such as changing the display color.

[0054] The selection screen SCC shows a plurality of labels, each of which corresponds to a plurality of products represented by the index data as list data, and therefore corresponds to a screen which displays these plurality of products as options. The processor 11 outputs the selection screen SCC by displaying it on the display unit 14. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as an output means.

[0055] The processor 11 checks whether or not a decision has been instructed in ACT24 in Fig. 4. If the processor 11 cannot check the event, it judges NO and proceeds to ACT25. In ACT25, the processor 11 checks whether or not a change to the candidate label has been instructed. If the processor 11 cannot check the event, it judges the result as NO and returns to ACT24. Thus, the processor 11 waits for a decision or change to be instructed as ACT24 and ACT25.

[0056] If the user wants to reissue a label image other than the label image highlighted on the selection screen SCC, the user instructs the change by a predetermined operation such as tapping the label image to be reissued. In response to this, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT25 and proceeds to ACT26.

[0057] In ACT26, the processor 11 changes the candidate label to the label image specified by the user. At this time, the processor 11 also updates the selection screen SCC so that the changed candidate label is highlighted. Then, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT24 and ACT25.

[0058] When the label to be reissued is set as a candidate label, the user instructs the decision by a predetermined operation such as touching the function button BUC, etc. In response to this, the processor 11 judges YES in ACT24 and proceeds to ACT27. In ACT27, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a confirmation screen.

[0059] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation screen SCD, which is an example of the confirmation screen SCD when a decision is instructed when the selection screen SCC is in the state shown in FIG. The confirmation screen SCD displays the label images that were selected as candidate labels in the display area ARD large enough for the user to easily confirm their contents. The confirmation screen SCD also displays several function buttons including the function button BUD. The function button BUD is a soft key that serves as a GUI object for the user to instruct reissue. In other words, the confirmation screen SCD is one of the GUI images. For example, the processor 11 arranges the label image that is determined to be a candidate label among the label images generated in ACT22 in the center of the display area ARC with a predetermined display size.

[0060] The user confirms that the label image shown in the display area ARD on the confirmation screen SCD is the one to be reissued, and then issues an instruction for reissue by a predetermined operation, such as touching the function button BUD. 4, the processor 11 waits for an instruction to reissue. If an instruction to reissue is received as described above, the processor 11 judges YES and proceeds to ACT29. In ACT29, the processor 11 causes the label image displayed on the confirmation screen SCD to be printed on label paper by the print unit 16. Then, the processor 11 returns to ACT11 in Fig. 3, and repeats ACT11 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above.

[0061] Thus, at this time, only the specified label image is printed, and that label is reissued. That is, the processor 11 causes the print unit 16 to print a label to be attached to the product specified from among the multiple products selected on the selection screen SCC. Thus, the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PRA, and the computer with the processor 11 as its central part functions as a reissue control means. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a print result for reissuance, which is an example of the print result when reissuance is instructed when the confirmation screen SCD is in the state shown in FIG.

[0062] As described above, when the label printer 1 accepts the order data as an instruction to issue a label, it generates and prints a label image based on the order data. The label printer 1 also stores index data DAA that represents list data of multiple products indicated as ordered products by the multiple order data. The label printer 1 then generates and prints a label image for a product specified based on a selection screen SCC that offers options for each of the multiple products indicated in the index data. Thus, although the index data DAA needs to be saved, it is not necessary to save the label image generated for the initial label printing. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data per label that needs to be saved for reprinting.

[0063] Furthermore, in the label printer 1, the index data DAA includes only the data that is referenced to generate a label image for each of a plurality of items from among the data included in the order data, which makes it possible to keep the amount of data in the index data DAA to a minimum.

[0064] In addition, in the index data DAA, the label printer 1 represents various data by dividing them into data records REA associated with order numbers. The label printer 1 then first receives the specification of a transaction, and displays the products related to the specified transaction as options on the selection screen SCC. This simplifies the operation of specifying the label to be reprinted, compared to when all products related to multiple transactions are displayed as options on the selection screen.

[0065] Furthermore, the label printer 1 displays the selected products by their associated label images on the selection screen SCC, allowing the user to easily select from the selection of products for which a label should be reissued.

[0066] This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows. The printing of a label in response to receipt of order data may be performed in response to a command from a user or a notification from another device, such as when the ordered product represented in the order data is available for delivery.

[0067] The information may be stored in a storage device external to the label printer 1, or in a storage device provided in another device capable of communicating with the label printer 1.

[0068] The processor 11 may receive the designation of a product on the selection screen without receiving the designation of a transaction. For example, when the processor 11 judges YES in ACT13 in FIG. 3, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT22 in FIG. 4. In this case, in ACT22, the processor 11 generates all or part of the label images corresponding to all the item data included in the index data DAA without distinguishing between transactions. In addition, in ACT23, the processor 11 displays a selection screen showing those label images. In this case, the data record REA of the index data DAA does not need to include the order number. In this case, the index data DAA may be a set of item data associated with a plurality of items, or a set of product numbers, instead of a set of data records associated with each transaction.

[0069] Instead of the selection screen SCC, a selection screen may be used in which each product is displayed, for example, in a table format, without displaying a label image.

[0070] The selection screen SCC or various other screens may be displayed on a display device external to the label printer 1 or on a display device provided in another terminal device. In this case, the processor 11 outputs the data of the various screens by transmitting it to the external display device or the other terminal device.

[0071] The processor 11 may also use the order time as the identifier of the transaction in the data record REA of the index data DAA if the new order time included in the order data does not match for multiple transactions.

[0072] The processor 11 may set date information output by the hardware clock 13 when the order data is received in the field FAB of the new data record REA in ACT 14 in FIG.

[0073] Each function realized by the processor 11 through information processing can be realized in part or in whole by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit, etc. Also, each of the above functions can be realized by combining the above hardware, such as the logic circuit, with software control.

[0074] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1...label printer, 2...POS terminal, 3...data transmission device, 4...kitchen printer, 5...communication network, 9...item number, 10...item number, 11...processor, 12...memory unit, 13...hardware clock, 14...display unit, 15...input unit, 16...print unit, 17...interface unit, 18...transmission path.

Claims

1. a printing means for printing an image on the label paper; receiving means for receiving an order instruction accompanied by notification of order data, the order data representing a plurality of items as ordered items; an issuance control means for generating, in response to the receipt of the issuance instruction by the receiving means, an image of a label to be attached to each of a plurality of products represented as ordered products by the order data notified in relation to the issuance instruction, and causing the printing means to print the image; a storage means for storing in a storage device list data of a plurality of products represented as ordered products by a plurality of order data notified in relation to a plurality of issuing instructions accepted by the accepting means; an output means for outputting a selection screen on which a plurality of products represented by the list data stored in the storage device are displayed as options; a reissue control means for generating an image of a label to be attached to a specified product from among a plurality of products selected on the selection screen output by the output means, and for causing the printing means to print the image; A label printer comprising:

2. the storage means includes in the list data, for each of the plurality of products, only data referenced by the reissue control means for generating an image of a label to be affixed to the designated product, among data included in the order data notified in relation to the plurality of issuance instructions accepted by the acceptance means; The label printer according to claim 1 .

3. The storage means stores in the storage device list data of a plurality of products represented as ordered products by the order data notified regarding the plurality of issuing instructions, in association with each of the plurality of issuing instructions accepted by the acceptance means; the output means, in response to a designation of one of the plurality of issuing instructions accepted by the receiving means, outputs a selection screen in which each of the plurality of products included in the list data stored in the storage means in association with the designated issuing instruction is displayed as an option.

3. The label printer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the output means outputs a selection screen on which label images of the plurality of products included in the list data stored in the storage means are displayed as options. The label printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A computer that controls a label printer having a printing means for printing an image on a label paper, means for accepting an ordering instruction accompanied by notification of order data, the order data representing a plurality of items as ordered items; an issuance control means for generating, in response to the receipt of the issuance instruction by the receiving means, an image of a label to be attached to each of a plurality of products represented as ordered products by the order data notified in relation to the issuance instruction, and causing the printing means to print the image; a storage means for storing in a storage device list data of a plurality of products represented as ordered products by a plurality of order data notified in relation to a plurality of issuing instructions accepted by the accepting means; an output means for outputting a selection screen on which a selection is made for each of the plurality of products represented by the list data stored in the storage device; a reissue control means for generating an image of a label to be attached to a specified product from among a plurality of products selected on the selection screen output by the output means, and for causing the printing means to print the image; An information processing program that enables the system to function as such.

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