Information processing device, tape printing system, and method and program for controlling the information processing device

Abstract

To notify a user of a tape printer on which a tape desired by the user for printing has been mounted.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus includes: a mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 which acquires, for each of multiple tape printers which are communicably connected, mounted cartridge information indicating a kind of a tape cartridge mounted on each of the tape printers; a target tape information acquisition unit 130 which acquires target tape information indicating a kind of a target tape desired by a user for printing; a first determination unit 140 which determines, on the basis of the mounted cartridge information of the tape printers and the target tape information, whether a tape printer on which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is included in the multiple tape printers; and a display control unit 170 which displays, when a determination is made that the concerned tape printer is included in the tape printers, device information indicating the tape printer with the target cartridge mounted thereon.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a tape printing system, and a control method and program for an information processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known an information processing device that is communicatively connected to a plurality of tape printing devices, acquires from the plurality of tape printing devices identification information of each tape printing device and medium information indicating the tape loaded in each tape printing device, and displays a list of the acquired identification information and medium information of the plurality of tape printing devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-203436 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When a large number of tape printing devices are connected to the information processing device described in Patent Document 1, it takes a long time for the user to find the tape printing device in which the tape desired to be printed is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the present invention is an information processing device to which a plurality of tape printing devices capable of mounting a tape cartridge are communicatively connected, and is equipped with an mounted cartridge information acquisition unit that acquires mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices, a target tape information acquisition unit that acquires target tape information indicating the type of target tape which is the tape desired by the user to print on, a first discrimination unit that determines whether the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices, and a display control unit that causes the display unit to display mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device when the first discrimination unit determines that the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device.

[0006] The tape printing system of the present invention is a tape printing system including a plurality of tape printing devices in which a tape cartridge can be mounted, and an information processing device to which the plurality of tape printing devices are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other. The information processing device is equipped with an mounted cartridge information acquisition unit that acquires mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices, a target tape information acquisition unit that acquires target tape information indicating the type of target tape which is the tape desired by the user to be printed on, a first discrimination unit that determines whether the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices, and a display control unit that causes a display unit to display mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device when the first discrimination unit determines that the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device.

[0007] The control method of an information processing device of the present invention is a control method of an information processing device in which a plurality of tape printing devices capable of mounting a tape cartridge are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the information processing device executes the following steps: acquiring mounted cartridge information for each of the plurality of tape printing devices, indicating the type of tape cartridge mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices; acquiring target tape information indicating the type of target tape, which is the tape that the user desires to print on; determining whether the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; and, if it is determined that the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device, displaying mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device on a display unit.

[0008] The program of the present invention causes an information processing device to be communicatively connected to a plurality of tape printing devices capable of mounting a tape cartridge, and executes the following steps: acquiring mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices; acquiring target tape information indicating the type of target tape, which is the tape that the user desires to print on; determining whether the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; and, if it is determined that the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device, displaying mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device on a display unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a tape printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the tape printing device and the tape cartridge. [Diagram 3]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the portable terminal and the tape printing apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of compatible cartridge information and mounted cartridge information. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a target tape information input screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a mounting tape printing device screen. [Figure 8] 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a target tape information input screen different from that shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a compatible tape printing device screen display. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a no tape printing device notification screen. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a print instruction process by a mobile terminal. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart following FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The information processing device, the tape printing system, and the control method and program for the information processing device will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the tape printing system SY. The tape printing system SY includes a portable terminal 1 and a plurality of tape printing devices 2, which are communicatively connected via a network NW. The portable terminal 1 is an example of an "information processing device." The network NW is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network).

[0011] A label creation application 30 (see FIG. 3) for creating labels in cooperation with the tape printing device 2 is installed in the mobile terminal 1. The label creation application 30 is an example of a "program".

[0012] When creating a label, the user operating the portable terminal 1 starts the label creation application 30 and inputs target tape information indicating the type of target tape T, which is the tape T desired to be printed on. Based on the target tape information input by the user, the portable terminal 1 determines whether or not a tape printing device 2 in which a tape cartridge C (see FIG. 2) containing the target tape T is installed is present among the multiple tape printing devices 2, and if it determines that a tape printing device 2 in which a tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is installed is present, it notifies the user of that tape printing device 2. The user selects a tape printing device 2 to execute printing from among the notified tape printing devices 2. The portable terminal 1 generates print data for creating a label according to the user's print instructions, and transmits the generated print data to the tape printing device 2 selected by the user.

[0013] In the following description, the tape printing device 2 in which the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is mounted is referred to as the "mounted tape printing device 2a." Figure 1 also illustrates a "compatible tape printing device 2b," which will be described later.

[0014] 1 illustrates a smartphone as the mobile terminal 1, a tablet terminal, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), etc. may also be used. In addition, in FIG. 1, three tape printers 2 are illustrated as the tape printers 2 capable of communicating with the mobile terminal 1, but the number of tape printers 2 is arbitrary.

[0015] 2 is an external view of the tape printing device 2 and the tape cartridge C. The tape printing device 2 includes a keyboard 21, a display 22, a cartridge mounting section 23, and a tape ejection port 24.

[0016] The keyboard 21 accepts various operations such as editing the print image. The display 22 displays various information such as an editing screen for editing the print image. A tape cartridge C is removably mounted in the cartridge mounting section 23. The tape cartridge C contains a tape T and an ink ribbon R in its case.

[0017] The cartridge mounting section 23 is provided with a thermal head 25. The thermal head 25 is driven to generate heat in accordance with the editing result of the print image when the tape cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 23. As a result, the ink of the ink ribbon R is transferred to the tape T, and the print image is printed on the tape T.

[0018] The printed tape T is discharged from the tape discharge port 24. A cutter 26 is provided between the cartridge mounting section 23 and the tape discharge port 24. The cutter 26 cuts the tape T in the width direction. This causes the printed portion of the tape T to be cut off. The cut-off printed portion of the tape T is used as a label.

[0019] The tape printer 2 is capable of printing based on the results of editing the print image using the keyboard 21, as well as printing based on print data transmitted from the mobile terminal 1. In this embodiment, the latter case in which the tape printer 2 prints based on print data transmitted from the mobile terminal 1 will be described.

[0020] 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 1 and the tape printing device 2. The mobile terminal 1 includes a touch panel 11, a mobile terminal communication unit 12, and a mobile terminal control unit 13. The touch panel 11 is an example of a "display unit."

[0021] The touch panel 11 accepts various operations by the user and displays various information. For example, the touch panel 11 displays screens such as a target tape information input screen D1 (see FIG. 6, etc.), a mounted tape printer screen D2 (see FIG. 7), a compatible tape printer screen D3 (see FIG. 9), and a no tape printer notification screen D4 (see FIG. 10).

[0022] The mobile terminal communication unit 12 communicates with the tape printing device 2 via the network NW. For example, the mobile terminal communication unit 12 transmits print data to the tape printing device 2 and receives mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C mounted in the tape printing device 2 from the tape printing device 2.

[0023] The mobile terminal control unit 13 includes a mobile terminal central processing unit (CPU) 13a, a mobile terminal read only memory (ROM) 13b, and a mobile terminal random access memory (RAM) 13c.

[0024] The mobile terminal CPU 13a performs various controls by expanding various control programs stored in the mobile terminal ROM 13b into the mobile terminal RAM 13c and executing them. Note that the mobile terminal control unit 13 may use a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) as a processor instead of the mobile terminal CPU 13a. The processor may also be configured such that one or more CPUs and a hardware circuit such as an ASIC work together to operate.

[0025] The mobile terminal ROM 13b is a rewritable ROM, and stores various control programs and various control data. For example, the mobile terminal ROM 13b stores a label creation application 30. The label creation application 30 is an application program for realizing various functions (see FIG. 4) related to label creation.

[0026] The label creation application 30 includes compatible cartridge information indicating the conditions of compatible tape cartridges C for each model of tape printer 2. For example, the compatible cartridge information includes information indicating the usable tape type and the usable tape width. Tape type refers to types such as standard tape and die-cut tape. Standard tape is a long tape T having a print layer that becomes the printing surface and a release paper layer that is peeled off before application. Die-cut tape is a tape T having label members die-cut to a predetermined size arranged at equal intervals on a long backing tape.

[0027] When the label creation application 30 is started, the mobile terminal CPU 13a transmits a model information request signal to the communicable tape printers 2 requesting model information indicating the model of each tape printer 2, and acquires the model information from each tape printer 2. Thereafter, the mobile terminal CPU 13a reads compatible cartridge information corresponding to the model information acquired from each tape printer 2 from the label creation application 30, and determines whether or not the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T that the user desires to print on is compatible with each tape printer 2 based on the read compatible cartridge information.

[0028] The tape printing device 2 includes a printing device side communication section 41, a mounted cartridge information reading section 42, a printing section 43, and a printing device side control section 44.

[0029] The printing device communication unit 41 communicates with the portable terminal 1 via the network NW.

[0030] The mounted cartridge information reading unit 42 optically reads a code image affixed as a label to the tape cartridge C mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 23, or reads mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C from a circuit board having a memory element (both not shown) provided in the tape cartridge C. The mounted cartridge information includes information indicating the tape width, tape color, and tape type of the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C.

[0031] The printing unit 43 is a mechanism for printing on the tape T, and includes a thermal head 25, a feed motor 43a, and a cutter motor 43b. The thermal head 25 has multiple heating elements, and performs printing by thermally transferring ink from the ink ribbon R to the tape T. The feed motor 43a is a drive source that feeds the tape T and the ink ribbon R. The cutter motor 43b is a drive source that drives the cutter 26.

[0032] The printing device control unit 44 includes a printing device CPU 44a, a printing device ROM 44b, and a printing device RAM 44c.

[0033] The printer CPU 44a performs various controls by loading various control programs stored in the printer ROM 44b into the printer RAM 44c and executing them. Note that the printer control unit 44 may use a hardware circuit such as an ASIC as a processor instead of the printer CPU 44a. The processor may also be configured such that one or more CPUs and a hardware circuit such as an ASIC work together to operate.

[0034] The printer ROM 44b stores various control programs such as firmware. The printer CPU 44a uses the control programs stored in the printer ROM 44b to print on the tape T unwound from the tape cartridge C based on the print data sent from the portable terminal 1. When the printer CPU 44a receives a mounted cartridge information request signal from the portable terminal 1 or when the tape cartridge C is replaced, the printer CPU 44a obtains mounted cartridge information from the circuit board of the tape cartridge C via the mounted cartridge information reading unit 42 and transmits the obtained mounted cartridge information to the portable terminal 1.

[0035] 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the portable terminal 1. The portable terminal 1 includes, as its functional configuration, a mounted cartridge information acquisition section 110, a compatible cartridge information acquisition section 120, a target tape information acquisition section 130, a first discrimination section 140, a second discrimination section 150, an exchange completion information acquisition section 160, and a display control section 170. All of these functions are realized by the portable terminal side CPU 13a executing the label creation application 30.

[0036] The mounted cartridge information acquiring unit 110 acquires mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C mounted in each of the multiple tape printers 2 connected to the mobile terminal 1 so as to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 1. In this embodiment, when a print image is edited by a user and a print instruction for the print image is given, the mounted cartridge information acquiring unit 110 transmits a mounted cartridge information request signal to the multiple tape printers 2 to acquire the mounted cartridge information from each of the tape printers 2. Furthermore, when exchange completion information is acquired by the exchange completion information acquiring unit 160 described later, the mounted cartridge information acquiring unit 110 transmits a mounted cartridge information request signal again to the multiple tape printers 2 to acquire the mounted cartridge information from each of the tape printers 2.

[0037] The compatible cartridge information acquiring unit 120 acquires compatible cartridge information indicating the conditions of the tape cartridge C compatible with each of the multiple tape printing devices 2 connected to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 1. When the label creation application 30 is started, the compatible cartridge information acquiring unit 120 acquires model information from each of the tape printing devices 2 by transmitting a model information request signal to the multiple tape printing devices 2 connected to be able to communicate with the mobile terminal 1, and acquires compatible cartridge information associated with the acquired model information.

[0038] The target tape information acquisition unit 130 acquires target tape information indicating the type of target tape T that the user desires to print on. The target tape information acquisition unit 130 acquires information entered on a target tape information input screen D1 (see FIG. 6, etc.) as the target tape information.

[0039] The first determination unit 140 determines whether or not the multiple tape printing devices 2 include a mounted tape printing device 2a (see FIG. 1 ), which is a tape printing device 2 in which a target tape cartridge C containing a target tape T is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information of the multiple tape printing devices 2 acquired by the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 and the target tape information acquired by the target tape information acquisition unit 130. Furthermore, the first determination unit 140 determines whether or not the multiple tape printing devices 2 include the mounted tape printing device 2a every time the mounted cartridge information is acquired by the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110.

[0040] When the first discrimination unit 140 determines that the multiple tape printing devices 2 do not include the installed tape printing device 2a, the second discrimination unit 150 determines whether the multiple tape printing devices 2 include a compatible tape printing device 2b (see Figure 1) that is a tape printing device 2 that is compatible with the target tape cartridge C, based on the compatible cartridge information of the multiple tape printing devices 2 and the target tape information acquired by the target tape information acquisition unit 130.

[0041] The exchange completion information acquiring unit 160 acquires exchange completion information indicating that the user has replaced the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printing device 2b. In this embodiment, the exchange completion information acquiring unit 160 acquires, as the exchange completion information, an operation signal indicating that the third OK button 74 on the compatible tape printing device screen D3 (see FIG. 9) has been selected.

[0042] When the first determination unit 140 determines that the mounted tape printer 2a is included in the multiple tape printers 2, the display control unit 170 causes the touch panel 11 to display mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printer 2a. The display control unit 170 displays the mounted device information on the mounted tape printer screen D2 (see FIG. 7).

[0043] Furthermore, when the second determination unit 150 determines that the compatible tape printer 2b is included in the multiple tape printers 2, the display control unit 170 causes compatible device information indicating the compatible tape printer 2b and replacement notification information prompting replacement of the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printer 2b to be displayed on the touch panel 11. The display control unit 170 displays the compatible device information and the replacement notification information on the compatible tape printer screen D3 (see FIG. 9).

[0044] 6 to 10, various screens provided by the label creation application 30 will be described with specific display examples. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing compatible cartridge information and mounted cartridge information, which are prerequisites for the display examples shown in Figs. 7, 9, and 10.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the mobile terminal 1 is connected to three tape printers 2 of different models so that they can communicate with each other. The mobile terminal 1 stores compatible cartridge information indicating the conditions of the tape cartridge C corresponding to each model, in association with the model name of each tape printer 2. The compatible cartridge information includes information indicating the compatible tape type, the standard tape width, and the die-cut tape width. The compatible tape type indicates the tape type that can be used. The standard tape width indicates the tape width that can be used for the standard tape. The die-cut tape width indicates the tape width that can be used for the die-cut tape. For example, the tape printer 2 with the model name "PR-1" supports only the compatible tape type "standard tape", and indicates that the standard tape can use a tape T with a tape width of "24 mm or less". A model that cannot use die-cut tape may be a tape printer 2 that is not equipped with a sensor that detects the position of the label member of the die-cut tape.

[0046] The portable terminal 1 also stores the loaded cartridge information acquired from each tape printer 2 in association with the model name of each tape printer 2. The portable terminal 1 stores the loaded cartridge information in a predetermined area in the portable terminal side RAM 13c (see FIG. 3). The loaded cartridge information includes information indicating the loaded tape width, the loaded tape color, and the loaded tape type. The loaded tape width, the loaded tape color, and the loaded tape type indicate the width, color, and type of the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C loaded in each tape printer 2. For example, it is indicated that the tape printer 2 with the model name "PR-1" is loaded with the tape cartridge C containing the tape T with the loaded tape width of "18 mm", the loaded tape color of "white", and the loaded tape type of "standard tape".

[0047] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the target tape information input screen D1. The target tape information input screen D1 shown in Fig. 6 has target tape information input, which is a prerequisite for the mounted tape printer screen D2 shown in Fig. 7. The target tape information input screen D1 is a screen that is displayed when the user issues a print instruction after the print image is edited on the edit screen. The target tape information input screen D1 displays a tape width input field 61, a tape color input field 62, a tape type input field 63, a first cancel button 64, and a first OK button 65.

[0048] In the tape width input field 61, the tape width of the target tape T that the user desires to print on is input. In the tape color input field 62, the tape color of the target tape T that the user desires to print on is input. In the tape type input field 63, the tape type of the target tape T that the user desires to print on is input. In the target tape information input screen D1 shown in FIG. 6, the tape width "18 mm", the tape color "white", and the tape type "standard tape" are input as the target tape information. When the first cancel button 64 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 invalidates the information input in the target tape information input screen D1 and displays the editing screen that was displayed before the target tape information input screen D1. In addition, when the first OK button 65 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 acquires the information input in the target tape information input screen D1 as the target tape information.

[0049] It should be noted that, on the target tape information input screen D1, it is not necessary to input information into all of the tape width input field 61, tape color input field 62, and tape type input field 63, but it is sufficient to input information into at least one of the fields.

[0050] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the mounted tape printer screen D2. When the mobile terminal 1 acquires the mounted cartridge information shown in Fig. 5 and the target tape information shown in Fig. 6, it displays the mounted tape printer screen D2 shown in Fig. 7. The mounted tape printer screen D2 displays a mounted tape printer display field 67, a second cancel button 68, and a second OK button 69.

[0051] The mounted tape printer display field 67 displays a list of the model names of the mounted tape printers 2a. As shown in FIG. 5, the mounted tape printers 2a in which the tape cartridges C containing the target tape T that matches the target tape information shown in FIG. 6 are mounted are two tape printers 2 with model names "PR-1" and "PR-3". The model names "PR-1" and "PR-3" are examples of "mounted device information". The mobile terminal 1 determines that the tape printer 2 from which the mounted cartridge information is obtained, which satisfies one or more of the input pieces of information, namely tape width, tape color, and tape type, contained in the target tape information under an AND condition, is the mounted tape printer 2a.

[0052] 7 shows a state in which the model name "PR-1" is selected from the model names "PR-1" and "PR-3". When the second OK button 69 is selected in this state, the mobile terminal 1 determines that the tape printer 2 with the model name "PR-1" has been selected as the tape printer 2 to execute printing. When the second cancel button 68 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 hides the mounted tape printer screen D2 and displays the target tape information input screen D1 (see FIG. 6) that was displayed before the mounted tape printer screen D2.

[0053] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a target tape information input screen D1 different from Fig. 6. On the target tape information input screen D1 shown in Fig. 8, a tape width of "24 mm", a tape color of "red", and a tape type of "die-cut tape" are input as target tape information that is a prerequisite for the compatible tape printer screen D3 shown in Fig. 9.

[0054] Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the compatible tape printer screen D3. When the mobile terminal 1 acquires the mounted cartridge information shown in Fig. 5 and the target tape information shown in Fig. 8, it displays the compatible tape printer screen D3 shown in Fig. 9. The compatible tape printer screen D3 displays a compatible tape printer display field 71, a first message 72, a third cancel button 73, and a third OK button 74.

[0055] The compatible tape printer display field 71 displays information about the compatible tape printer 2b. As shown in Fig. 5, among the three tape printers 2 communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1, there is no mounted tape printer 2a in which a tape cartridge C containing a target tape T matching the target tape information shown in Fig. 8 is mounted. However, among the three tape printers 2, there is a compatible tape printer 2b to which a tape cartridge C containing a target tape T matching the target tape information shown in Fig. 8 corresponds.

[0056] When the mobile terminal 1 determines that the compatible tape printer 2b is present among the multiple tape printers 2 that can communicate with the mobile terminal 1, it displays a compatible tape printer screen D3 and displays information about the compatible tape printer 2b in a compatible tape printer display field 71. The compatible tape printer display field 71 shown in FIG. 8 displays the model name "PR-2", the attached tape width "40 mm", the attached tape color "red", and the attached tape type "die-cut tape" as information about the compatible tape printer 2b. The model name "PR-2" is an example of "compatible device information". Among the information displayed in the compatible tape printer display field 71, the attached tape width, the attached tape color, and the attached tape type are information included in the attached cartridge information of the compatible tape printer 2b.

[0057] The first message 72 is a message that prompts the user to replace the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printer 2b. The first message 72 is an example of "replacement notification information." After replacing the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printer 2b in accordance with the first message 72, the user selects the third OK button 74. When the third OK button 74 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 acquires an operation signal of the third OK button 74 and determines that the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printer 2b has been replaced. The operation signal of the third OK button 74 is an example of "replacement completion information." Furthermore, when the third cancel button 73 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 hides the compatible tape printer screen D3 and displays the target tape information input screen D1 (see FIG. 8) that was displayed before the compatible tape printer screen D3.

[0058] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the no tape printer notification screen D4. The mobile terminal 1 displays the no tape printer notification screen D4 when it determines that neither the attached tape printer 2a nor the compatible tape printer 2b is present among the tape printers 2 that can communicate with the mobile terminal 1. The no tape printer notification screen D4 displays a second message 76 and a fourth OK button 77.

[0059] The second message 76 includes a message notifying the user that the mounted tape printer 2a and compatible tape printer 2b do not exist, and a message urging the user to re-enter the target tape information. When the user confirms the second message 76, he or she selects the fourth OK button 77. When the fourth OK button 77 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 hides the no tape printer notification screen D4, and displays the target tape information input screen D1 that was displayed before the no tape printer notification screen D4.

[0060] 11 and 12, a description will be given of the flow of print instruction processing by the mobile terminal 1. The print instruction processing starts when the label creation application 30 is launched.

[0061] In step S01, the portable terminal 1 acquires compatible cartridge information for a plurality of tape printing devices 2 communicatively connected to the portable terminal 1. The portable terminal 1 acquires model information from each of the tape printing devices 2 by transmitting a model information request signal to the plurality of tape printing devices 2, and acquires compatible cartridge information associated with the acquired model information from the label creation application 30.

[0062] In step S02, the mobile terminal 1 displays on the touch panel 11 an editing screen for editing the print image.

[0063] In step S03, the mobile terminal 1 accepts an editing operation by the user on the editing screen.

[0064] In step S04, the mobile terminal 1 accepts a print instruction from the user on the editing screen.

[0065] In step S05, the portable terminal 1 acquires mounted cartridge information for the multiple tape printing devices 2 communicatively connected to the portable terminal 1. The portable terminal 1 acquires mounted cartridge information from each of the tape printing devices 2 by transmitting a mounted cartridge information request signal to the multiple tape printing devices 2.

[0066] In step S06, the mobile terminal 1 displays on the touch panel 11 a target tape information input screen D1.

[0067] In step S07, the mobile terminal 1 acquires the target tape information based on an input operation by the user on the target tape information input screen D1.

[0068] In step S08, the portable terminal 1 determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected to the portable terminal 1 include the mounted tape printer 2a. The portable terminal 1 determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 include the mounted tape printer 2a based on the mounted cartridge information acquired in step S05 and the target tape information acquired in step S07. If the portable terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 include the mounted tape printer 2a, it proceeds to step S09. If the portable terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 do not include the mounted tape printer 2a, it proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 12.

[0069] In step S09, the mobile terminal 1 displays on the touch panel 11 the mounting tape printing device screen D2.

[0070] In step S10, the mobile terminal 1 accepts the selection of the tape printing device 2 by the user on the attached tape printing device screen D2.

[0071] In step S11, the portable terminal 1 transmits print data generated based on the editing result of the print image to the selected tape printer 2. The portable terminal 1 may generate the print data in step S11, i.e., when it accepts the selection of the tape printer 2, or may generate the print data after step S04, i.e., when it accepts a print instruction. After step S11, the portable terminal 1 ends the print instruction process.

[0072] 12, the portable terminal 1 determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected to the portable terminal 1 include the compatible tape printer 2b. The portable terminal 1 determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 include the compatible tape printer 2b based on the compatible cartridge information acquired in step S01 and the target tape information acquired in step S07. If the portable terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 include the compatible tape printer 2b, it proceeds to step S13. If the portable terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 do not include the compatible tape printer 2b, it proceeds to step S16.

[0073] In step S13, the mobile terminal 1 displays on the touch panel 11 a compatible tape printing device screen D3.

[0074] In step S14, the mobile terminal 1 acquires replacement completion information indicating that the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printer 2b has been replaced, based on the user's selection of the third OK button 74 on the compatible tape printer screen D3.

[0075] In step S15, the portable terminal 1 acquires mounted cartridge information for the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected to the portable terminal 1. The portable terminal 1 acquires mounted cartridge information from each of the tape printers 2 by transmitting a mounted cartridge information request signal to the multiple tape printers 2. After step S15, the portable terminal 1 proceeds to step S08 in FIG.

[0076] In step S16, the mobile terminal 1 displays on the touch panel 11 a tape printing apparatus absence notification screen D4.

[0077] In step S17, the mobile terminal 1 accepts a message confirmation operation based on the user's selection of the fourth OK button 77 on the tape printer absence notification screen D4. After step S17, the mobile terminal 1 proceeds to step S06 in FIG.

[0078] As described above, the mobile terminal 1 according to this embodiment determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1 include an attached tape printer 2a in which a target tape cartridge C containing a target tape T that the user desires to print is attached, and if it is determined that the attached tape printer 2a is included, the model name of the attached tape printer 2a is displayed. This configuration allows the user to quickly find the tape printer 2 in which the target tape cartridge C is attached from among the multiple tape printers 2.

[0079] Furthermore, if the mobile terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1 do not include the mounted tape printer 2a, it determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 include a compatible tape printer 2b, and if it determines that the compatible tape printer 2b is included, displays the model name of the compatible tape printer 2b and a first message 72 prompting the user to replace the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printer 2b. With this configuration, even if the multiple tape printers 2 do not include the mounted tape printer 2a, the user can confirm that he or she can print on the tape T he or she desires by replacing the tape cartridge C of the tape printer 2 with the displayed model name.

[0080] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 1 acquires replacement completion information indicating that the user has replaced the tape cartridge C in the compatible tape printer 2b, it again acquires the mounted cartridge information of the multiple tape printers 2 and determines whether the mounted tape printer 2a is included in the multiple tape printers 2. With this configuration, even if the multiple tape printers 2 do not include the mounted tape printer 2a, the user can check the tape printer 2 in which the target tape cartridge C is mounted on the mounted tape printer screen D2 by replacing the tape cartridge C in the tape printer 2 with the displayed model name.

[0081] Incidentally, regardless of the above embodiment, the following modified examples can be adopted. [Variation 1] When the display control unit 170 of the mobile terminal 1 determines by the first determination unit 140 that the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1 include multiple mounted tape printers 2a, the display control unit 170 may determine the priority order of the multiple mounted tape printers 2a based on the tape-related items included in the mounted cartridge information of the multiple mounted tape printers 2a, and may display multiple model names corresponding to the multiple mounted tape printers 2a on the mounted tape printer screen D2 according to the determined priority order. In this case, the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 may acquire mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C and the remaining amount of tape T contained in the tape cartridge C from the circuit board. The remaining amount of tape T is an example of the "tape-related items". In this case, the tape printer 2 may calculate the remaining amount of tape T after printing by subtracting the amount of tape used from the remaining amount of tape T before printing contained in the tape cartridge C every time printing is performed, and write the calculated remaining amount of tape T to the circuit board provided in the tape cartridge C. The display control unit 170 of the mobile terminal 1 may display multiple model names corresponding to the multiple mounted tape printing devices 2a in order of the amount of remaining tape T in the tape cartridges C mounted on the multiple mounted tape printing devices 2a, i.e., so that the mounted tape printing device 2a with the least amount of remaining tape T is given higher priority.

[0082] The mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 may also acquire mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C and the manufacturing date of the tape cartridge C. The manufacturing date of the tape cartridge C is an example of a "tape-related item." In this case, it is assumed that the manufacturing date, such as the manufacturing date of the tape cartridge C, is written on the circuit board provided in the tape cartridge C. The display control unit 170 of the mobile terminal 1 may display multiple model names corresponding to the multiple mounted tape printers 2a in order of oldest manufacturing date of the tape cartridge C mounted in the multiple mounted tape printers 2a, that is, so that the mounted tape printer 2a with the oldest manufacturing date of the tape cartridge C has a higher priority.

[0083] In this way, the mounted tape printing device screen D2 displays multiple model names corresponding to multiple mounted tape printing devices 2a in a prioritized order, allowing the user to quickly select the tape printing device 2 that will perform printing.

[0084] [Variation 2] When the first determination unit 140 of the mobile terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1 include multiple mounting tape printers 2a, the display control unit 170 may determine the priority of the multiple mounting tape printers 2a based on the mounting cartridge information of the multiple mounting tape printers 2a and the printed image, and may display multiple model names corresponding to the multiple mounting tape printers 2a on the mounting tape printer screen D2 according to the determined priority. More specifically, when the printed image includes a specific character string or a specific image, the display control unit 170 may display multiple model names corresponding to the multiple mounting tape printers 2a so that the priority of the mounting tape printer 2a in which the tape cartridge C containing a specific type of tape T is mounted is higher. For example, when the printed image includes the character string "prohibited", the display control unit 170 may display multiple model names corresponding to the multiple mounting tape printers 2a so that the priority of the mounting tape printer 2a in which the tape cartridge C containing a tape T of a specific tape color is higher.

[0085] Furthermore, when the print image is created using a specific template or a specific format, the display control unit 170 may display multiple model names corresponding to multiple mounted tape printers 2a on the mounted tape printer screen D2 so that a higher priority is given to a mounted tape printer 2a equipped with a tape cartridge C containing a specific type of tape T. For example, when the print image is created using a template that calls for attention or a warning, the display control unit 170 may display multiple model names corresponding to multiple mounted tape printers 2a so that a higher priority is given to a mounted tape printer 2a equipped with a tape cartridge C containing a tape T of a specific tape color.

[0086] [Variation 3] The display control unit 170 of the mobile terminal 1 displays the model name of the tape printer 2 as the mounting device information and the compatible device information, but may display the device name or address of the tape printer 2. The device name is, for example, a name given to the tape printer 2 by the user. This allows the user to uniquely identify the tape printer 2 even if it is the same model. The address is, for example, a MAC address.

[0087] [Variation 4] The portable terminal 1 may transmit a mounted cartridge information request signal to the tape printing device 2 to acquire the mounted cartridge information when the label creation application 30 is started or the editing screen is displayed other than when a print instruction is issued by the user. Alternatively, the portable terminal 1 may periodically transmit a mounted cartridge information request signal to the tape printing device 2 to acquire the mounted cartridge information while the label creation application 30 is running. Alternatively, the tape printing device 2 may voluntarily and periodically transmit the mounted cartridge information to the portable terminal 1.

[0088] [Variation 5] The mobile terminal 1 may be configured to display the target tape information input screen D1 before the editing screen, and to determine the tape printer 2 to execute printing before editing the print image. Alternatively, the mobile terminal 1 may be configured to be able to call up the target tape information input screen D1 from the editing screen, and to determine the tape printer 2 to execute printing in the middle of editing the print image.

[0089] [Variation 6] The mobile terminal 1 may be able to input a plurality of pieces of information each indicating the tape width, tape color, and tape type into the target tape information input screen D1, and may determine the presence or absence of the attached tape printer 2a and the corresponding tape printer 2b by using the plurality of pieces of information as an OR condition. For example, when "18 mm" and "24 mm" are input as information indicating the tape width, the mobile terminal 1 may determine that the tape printer 2 in which the tape cartridge C containing the tape T with a tape width of "18 mm" or "24 mm" is attached is the attached tape printer 2a, among the plurality of tape printers 2 communicably connected to the mobile terminal 1. The mobile terminal 1 may also be able to input information indicating the tape material, tape thickness, tape hardness, etc., into the target tape information input screen D1 as the target tape information.

[0090] Furthermore, instead of the target tape information input screen D1, the mobile terminal 1 may display a target label information input screen (not shown) for inputting target label information including the target tape information and information indicating the color of the ink ribbon R. The target label information is information indicating the type of target label that is the label that the user wishes to create. The mobile terminal 1 may also be capable of inputting the size of the label member of the die-cut tape as the target label information. The size of the label member refers to the length of the label member in the tape width direction and the length of the label member in the tape length direction. Furthermore, the mobile terminal 1 may be capable of inputting the label shape of the die-cut tape as the target label information.

[0091] [Variation 7] The exchange completion information acquisition unit 160 of the portable terminal 1 may acquire the exchange completion information from the tape printer 2. In this modification, the tape printer 2 reads the mounted cartridge information from the circuit board of the tape cartridge C periodically or when it detects that the tape cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting unit 23, and determines whether the mounted cartridge information read last time matches the mounted cartridge information read this time. If it determines that they do not match, it determines that the tape cartridge C has been replaced. If the tape printer 2 determines that the tape cartridge C has been replaced, it transmits exchange completion information to the portable terminal 1. If the exchange completion information determination unit (not shown) of the portable terminal 1 receives exchange completion information from the tape printer 2 while displaying the compatible tape printer screen D3, it determines whether the tape printer 2 that is the recipient is the compatible tape printer 2b. If the exchange completion information determination unit determines that the tape printer 2 that is the recipient is the compatible tape printer 2b, the exchange completion information acquisition unit 160 acquires the exchange completion information transmitted from the tape printer 2.

[0092] [Variation 8] The portable terminal 1 may simultaneously transmit a model information request signal and a mounted cartridge information request signal to a plurality of tape printing devices 2 communicably connected to the portable terminal 1. In this case, the portable terminal 1 simultaneously obtains the compatible cartridge information and the mounted cartridge information.

[0093] [Variation 9] The tape printing device 2 may include a detection unit, instead of the mounted cartridge information reading unit 42, that detects the presence or absence of a convex portion or a concave portion formed on the tape cartridge C, and obtain the mounted cartridge information from the detection result of the detection unit.

[0094] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, the tape printer 2 performs printing by a thermal transfer method, but may perform printing by other printing methods such as an inkjet method. Also, in the above embodiment, the tape printer 2 performs printing by unwinding the tape T housed in the case of the tape cartridge C, but may perform printing by unwinding the tape T that is not housed in the case of the tape cartridge C. Other appropriate modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0095] [Note] The following additionally describes an information processing apparatus, a tape printing system, and a control method and program for the information processing apparatus. The portable terminal 1 is a portable terminal 1 that is communicatively connected to a plurality of tape printing devices 2 capable of mounting a tape cartridge C, and is equipped with an mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 that acquires, for the plurality of tape printing devices 2, mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices 2; a target tape information acquisition unit 130 that acquires target tape information indicating the type of target tape T, which is the tape T desired by the user to be printed on; a first discrimination unit 140 that determines whether the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes a mounted tape printing device 2a in which a target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices 2; and a display control unit 170 that causes the touch panel 11 to display mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device 2a when the first discrimination unit 140 determines that the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes the mounted tape printing device 2a.

[0096] The tape printing system SY includes a plurality of tape printing devices 2 capable of mounting a tape cartridge C, and a portable terminal 1 to which the plurality of tape printing devices 2 are communicatively connected. The portable terminal 1 includes an mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 that acquires, for the plurality of tape printing devices 2, mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices 2, a target tape information acquisition unit 130 that acquires target tape information indicating the type of target tape T which is the tape T desired by the user to be printed on, a first discrimination unit 140 that determines whether the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes a mounted tape printing device 2a in which a target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices 2, and a display control unit 170 that causes the touch panel 11 to display mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device 2a when the first discrimination unit 140 determines that the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes the mounted tape printing device 2a.

[0097] The control method of the portable terminal 1 is a control method of the portable terminal 1 in which a plurality of tape printing devices 2 capable of mounting a tape cartridge C are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the portable terminal 1 executes the following steps: acquiring mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices 2; acquiring target tape information indicating the type of target tape T which is the tape T desired by the user to be printed on; determining whether the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes a mounted tape printing device 2a in which a target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is mounted based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices 2; and, if it is determined that the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes the mounted tape printing device 2a, displaying mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device 2a on the touch panel 11.

[0098] The label creation application 30 causes a mobile terminal 1 to be communicatively connected to a plurality of tape printing devices 2 capable of mounting a tape cartridge C to execute the following steps: acquiring mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C mounted in each of the plurality of tape printing devices 2; acquiring target tape information indicating the type of target tape T, which is the tape T desired by the user to be printed on; determining whether the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes a mounted tape printing device 2a in which a target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices 2; and, if it is determined that the plurality of tape printing devices 2 includes the mounted tape printing device 2a, displaying mounted device information indicating the mounted tape printing device 2a on the touch panel 11.

[0099] The mobile terminal 1 determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 communicably connected include an attached tape printer 2a in which a target tape cartridge C containing a target tape T that the user desires to print is attached, and if it determines that the target tape printer 2a is included, displays attached device information indicating the attached tape printer 2a. With this configuration, the user can quickly find the tape printer 2 in which the target tape cartridge C is attached from among the multiple tape printers 2.

[0100] The above mobile terminal 1 preferably further includes a compatible cartridge information acquisition unit 120 that acquires compatible cartridge information indicating the conditions of the tape cartridge C compatible with each of the multiple tape printing devices 2 for each of the multiple tape printing devices 2, and a second determination unit 150 that, when the first determination unit 140 determines that the multiple tape printing devices 2 do not include the installed tape printing device 2a, determines whether the multiple tape printing devices 2 include a compatible tape printing device 2b that is compatible with the target tape cartridge C based on the compatible cartridge information and target tape information of the multiple tape printing devices 2, and when the second determination unit 150 determines that the multiple tape printing devices 2 include the compatible tape printing device 2b, the display control unit 170 preferably displays on the touch panel 11 compatible device information indicating the compatible tape printing device 2b and replacement notification information promoting replacement of the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printing device 2b.

[0101] When the mobile terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 connected to each other in a communicable manner do not include the mounted tape printer 2a, it determines whether the multiple tape printers 2 include a compatible tape printer 2b, and if it determines that the compatible tape printer 2b is included, displays compatible device information indicating the compatible tape printer 2b and replacement notification information prompting the user to replace the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printer 2b. With this configuration, even if the multiple tape printers 2 do not include the mounted tape printer 2a, the user can confirm that he or she can print on the tape T that he or she desires by replacing the tape cartridge C of the tape printer 2 indicated by the displayed compatible device information.

[0102] In the above-mentioned mobile terminal 1, it is preferable that the mobile terminal 1 further includes an exchange completion information acquisition unit 160 that acquires exchange completion information indicating that the user has replaced the tape cartridge C of the compatible tape printing device 2b, and when the exchange completion information acquisition unit 160 acquires the exchange completion information, the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 again acquires the mounted cartridge information of the multiple tape printing devices 2, and the first discrimination unit 140 discriminates whether the mounted tape printing device 2a is included in the multiple tape printing devices 2 each time the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 acquires the mounted cartridge information.

[0103] When the mobile terminal 1 acquires replacement completion information indicating that the user has replaced the tape cartridge C in the compatible tape printer 2b, it again acquires the mounted cartridge information of the multiple tape printers 2 and determines whether the mounted tape printer 2a is included in the multiple tape printers 2. With this configuration, even if the mounted tape printer 2a is not included in the multiple tape printers 2, the user can confirm the tape printer 2 in which the target tape cartridge C is installed by replacing the tape cartridge C of the tape printer 2 indicated by the displayed compatible device information.

[0104] In the above-mentioned mobile terminal 1, the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit 110 acquires mounted cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C and tape-related matters such as the remaining amount of tape T contained in the tape cartridge C or the manufacturing date of the tape cartridge C, and when the first discrimination unit 140 determines that the multiple tape printing devices 2 include multiple mounted tape printing devices 2a, the display control unit 170 preferably determines a priority of the multiple mounted tape printing devices 2a based on the tape-related matters contained in the mounted cartridge information of the multiple mounted tape printing devices 2a, and displays multiple mounted device information corresponding to the multiple mounted tape printing devices 2a on the touch panel 11 in accordance with the determined priority.

[0105] When the mobile terminal 1 determines that the multiple tape printers 2 include multiple mounted tape printers 2a, it determines the priority of the multiple mounted tape printers 2a based on the tape-related items included in the mounted cartridge information of those mounted tape printers 2a, and displays multiple mounted device information corresponding to the multiple mounted tape printers 2a according to the determined priority. This configuration allows the user to quickly select the tape printer 2 to execute printing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1...mobile terminal, 2...tape printing device, 2a...mounted tape printing device, 2b...compatible tape printing device, 11...touch panel, 30...label creation application, 110...mounted cartridge information acquisition unit, 120...compatible cartridge information acquisition unit, 130...target tape information acquisition unit, 140...first discrimination unit, 150...second discrimination unit, 160...exchange completion information acquisition unit, 170...display control unit, C...tape cartridge, SY...tape printing system, T...tape.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus in which a plurality of tape printing devices capable of mounting a tape cartridge are communicatively connected, a cartridge information acquiring unit that acquires cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge that is installed in each of the plurality of tape printing devices; a target tape information acquiring unit that acquires target tape information indicating a type of target tape that is a tape desired by a user to be printed; a first determination unit that determines whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and the target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; a display control unit that displays, when the first determination unit determines that the mounting tape printing device is included in the plurality of tape printing devices, mounting device information indicating the mounting tape printing device on a display unit; a compatible cartridge information acquiring unit that acquires compatible cartridge information indicating conditions of the tape cartridge that is compatible with each of the plurality of tape printing devices; a second discrimination unit that, when it is determined by the first discrimination unit that the plurality of tape printing devices does not include the mounted tape printing device, discriminates whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a compatible tape printing device that is compatible with the target tape cartridge based on the compatible cartridge information of the plurality of tape printing devices and the target tape information; Equipped with The information processing device is characterized in that, when the second discrimination unit determines that the compatible tape printing device is included in the multiple tape printing devices, the display control unit displays on the display unit compatible device information indicating the compatible tape printing device and replacement notification information prompting the user to replace the tape cartridge of the compatible tape printing device.

2. a replacement completion information acquisition unit that acquires replacement completion information indicating that a user has replaced the tape cartridge in the compatible tape printing device; when the exchange completion information acquisition unit acquires the exchange completion information, the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit acquires the mounted cartridge information of the plurality of tape printing devices again; 2 . The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the first determination unit determines whether the mounted tape printing device is included in the plurality of tape printing devices each time the mounted cartridge information is acquired by the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit.

3. the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit acquires the mounted cartridge information indicating a type of the tape cartridge and tape-related matters, such as a remaining amount of the tape contained in the tape cartridge or a manufacturing date of the tape cartridge; The information processing device described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the first discrimination unit determines that the multiple tape printing devices include multiple mounted tape printing devices, the display control unit determines a priority order for the multiple mounted tape printing devices based on the tape-related items contained in the mounted cartridge information of the multiple mounted tape printing devices, and displays on the display unit multiple pieces of mounted device information corresponding to the multiple mounted tape printing devices in accordance with the determined priority order.

4. An information processing apparatus in which a plurality of tape printing devices capable of mounting a tape cartridge are communicatively connected, a cartridge information acquiring unit that acquires cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge that is installed in each of the plurality of tape printing devices; a target tape information acquiring unit that acquires target tape information indicating a type of target tape that is a tape desired by a user to be printed; a first determination unit that determines whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and the target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; a display control unit that, when it is determined by the first determination unit that the mounting tape printing device is included in the plurality of tape printing devices, causes a display unit to display mounting device information indicating the mounting tape printing device, the mounted cartridge information acquisition unit acquires the mounted cartridge information indicating a type of the tape cartridge and tape-related matters, such as a remaining amount of the tape contained in the tape cartridge or a manufacturing date of the tape cartridge; The information processing device is characterized in that when the first discrimination unit determines that the multiple tape printing devices include multiple mounted tape printing devices, the display control unit determines a priority of the multiple mounted tape printing devices based on the tape-related items contained in the mounted cartridge information of the multiple mounted tape printing devices, and displays on the display unit multiple pieces of mounted device information corresponding to the multiple mounted tape printing devices in accordance with the determined priority.

5. A tape printing system including a plurality of tape printing devices into which a tape cartridge can be mounted, and an information processing device to which the plurality of tape printing devices are communicatively connected, The information processing device includes: a cartridge information acquiring unit that acquires cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge that is installed in each of the plurality of tape printing devices; a target tape information acquiring unit that acquires target tape information indicating a type of target tape that is a tape desired by a user to be printed; a first determination unit that determines whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and the target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; a display control unit that displays, when the first determination unit determines that the mounting tape printing device is included in the plurality of tape printing devices, mounting device information indicating the mounting tape printing device on a display unit; a compatible cartridge information acquiring unit that acquires compatible cartridge information indicating conditions of the tape cartridge that is compatible with each of the plurality of tape printing devices; a second discrimination unit that, when it is determined by the first discrimination unit that the plurality of tape printing devices does not include the mounted tape printing device, discriminates whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a compatible tape printing device that is compatible with the target tape cartridge based on the compatible cartridge information of the plurality of tape printing devices and the target tape information; Equipped with The tape printing system is characterized in that, when the second discrimination unit determines that the compatible tape printing device is included in the multiple tape printing devices, the display control unit displays on the display unit compatible device information indicating the compatible tape printing device and replacement notification information prompting the user to replace the tape cartridge of the compatible tape printing device.

6. A method for controlling an information processing device in which a plurality of tape printing devices capable of mounting a tape cartridge are communicatively connected, comprising the steps of: The information processing device, acquiring, for each of the plurality of tape printing devices, mounted cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge mounted in each of the tape printing devices; obtaining target tape information indicating a type of target tape that is a tape desired by a user to be printed on; determining whether the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and the target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; when it is determined that the mounting tape printing device is included in the plurality of tape printing devices, displaying mounting device information indicating the mounting tape printing device on a display unit; acquiring compatible cartridge information indicating conditions of the tape cartridge compatible with each of the plurality of tape printing devices; A step in which a first determination unit determines whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and the target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; When the first determination unit determines that the plurality of tape printing devices does not include the mounted tape printing device, the compatible cartridge information of the plurality of tape printing devices; and a step of determining, by a second determination unit, whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a compatible tape printing device that is compatible with the target tape cartridge, based on the target tape information; A control method for an information processing device, characterized by executing a step of, when the second discrimination unit determines that the compatible tape printing device is included in the multiple tape printing devices, displaying on the display unit compatible device information indicating the compatible tape printing device and replacement notification information prompting replacement of the tape cartridge of the compatible tape printing device.

7. A plurality of tape printing devices capable of mounting tape cartridges are connected to an information processing device in a communicable manner. acquiring, for each of the plurality of tape printing devices, mounted cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge mounted in each of the tape printing devices; obtaining target tape information indicating a type of target tape that is a tape desired by a user to be printed on; determining whether the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and the target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; when it is determined that the mounting tape printing device is included in the plurality of tape printing devices, displaying mounting device information indicating the mounting tape printing device on a display unit; acquiring compatible cartridge information indicating conditions of the tape cartridge compatible with each of the plurality of tape printing devices; A step in which a first determination unit determines whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a mounted tape printing device in which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is mounted, based on the mounted cartridge information and the target tape information of the plurality of tape printing devices; When the first determination unit determines that the plurality of tape printing devices does not include the mounted tape printing device, the compatible cartridge information of the plurality of tape printing devices; and a step of determining, by a second determination unit, whether or not the plurality of tape printing devices includes a compatible tape printing device that is compatible with the target tape cartridge, based on the target tape information; a program for executing a step of displaying, on the display unit, compatible device information indicating the compatible tape printing device and replacement notification information prompting replacement of the tape cartridge of the compatible tape printing device when the second discrimination unit determines that the compatible tape printing device is included in the multiple tape printing devices.

Images