Display control method for application creation screen, program, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To easily create an application containing a print process while visually recognizing an action containing screen transition of the application.SOLUTION: A display control method of an application creation image arranges, in a creation area 300 in the application creation screen on the basis of a user operation, a first icon displayed on a device, arranges, in the creation area on the basis of the user operation, a second icon transited from the first icon in the device, and arranges an operation unit, in the creation area, being displayed together with the first icon. A specific user operation to the operation unit is set as a condition of transition from the first icon to the second icon in the device. A print process icon 4100 transited from the first icon or the second icon is arranged on the basis of the user operation for executing print in an external printer connected to the device, and a print layout is set by selecting an item constituting the print layout.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 41

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling display of an application creation screen, a program, and an information processing apparatus in a tool for creating an application to be executed on a device.

Background Art

[0002] When trying to create a desired application that operates on a device (e.g., a handy terminal for barcode reading), the user has to describe the application in a pre-determined language such as XML (eXtensible Markup Language) or HTML (HyperText Markup Language). High proficiency in the language is required for the description work. Therefore, it has been difficult for the user to create an application by themselves. The user has to outsource the creation of the application to other vendors. For users who use a large number of devices, the outsourcing cost is not a problem. However, for users who use a small number of devices, the outsourcing cost becomes a problem, which has dampened the willingness to purchase devices. On the other hand, according to Patent Document 1, as an editing tool for images and the like, a tool that can perform desired processing on the displayed image is provided.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If users can easily create applications for devices, outsourcing costs can be reduced and the willingness to purchase devices will increase. Also, even for users familiar with programming languages, it is preferable that the development work of programs becomes easier. In particular, it is convenient for users if they can easily create an application including a printing process while visually recognizing the operations including the screen transition of the application operating on the device. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to enable users to easily create an application including a printing process while visually recognizing the operations including the screen transition of the application operating on the device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In view of the above problems, a display control method for an application creation screen according to the present invention is Executed by the control unit of the information processing apparatus, a display control method for an application creation screen that assists in creating an application that operates on a predetermined device, the step of arranging a first icon that will be displayed on the device based on a user operation in a creation area within the application creation screen; the step of arranging a second icon that transitions from the first icon on the device in the creation area based on a user operation; Based on a user operation, transitioning from the first icon or the second icon, before the step of arranging a print processing icon that executes printing on an external printer connected to the device; the step of setting the print layout by selecting items that make up the print layout of the print and is characterized by having.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the user can create an application including a printing process while easily grasping the screen transition of the application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in the embodiments are essential for the invention. Any two or more of the features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. Also, the same or similar configurations are assigned the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

[0009] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example of an information processing system composed of an information processing apparatus 500 on which an application creation tool in this embodiment is installed and a device 400 (e.g., an information reading device, etc.) that installs and executes the created application. In this way, the information processing apparatus 500 outputs an application created by an application creation tool operating on the information processing apparatus 500 in a format such as XML, and transmits it to the device 400 via the server S or directly. The device 400 operates the application by executing the XML file of the application.

[0010] <Explanation of the Information Processing Apparatus for Operating the Application Creation Tool> As shown in FIG. 2, when the information processing apparatus 500 executes the application creation tool 506, the user can create an application while receiving assistance from the application creation tool 506.

[0011] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501 executes the application creation tool 506 stored in the storage device 505. The storage device 505 may include a RAM, a ROM, a hard disk drive (HDD), a flash memory, etc. The storage device 505 stores the application creation tool 506, the project data 507 of the application, and the XML file 508 of the application. The project data 507 is data for managing the creation of the application. The XML file 508 is the application itself, which is transferred to the device 400 and executed on the device 400.

[0012] The input device 502 is a device that accepts user operations, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc. The display device 503 is a liquid crystal display device, etc. The communication device 504 has a communication circuit that executes wired LAN (Local Area Network) communication, wireless LAN communication, and short-range wireless communication to communicate with the server S and the device 400.

[0013] <Application Creation Screen> FIG. 3 shows an example of the creation screen 1 of the application of the application creation tool 506 in the present embodiment. As described above, the application creation tool 506 in the present embodiment is installed and used in the information processing device 500. However, in the information processing device 500 network-connected to the cloud server, it may be configured to display and control an application creation tool operating on the cloud server via a WEB browser or the like. In any case, the application creation screen of the application creation tool is displayed on the display device 503 of the information processing device 500.

[0014] Figure 3 shows creation screen 1 during the creation of an application, which the CPU 501 displays on the display device 503 according to the application creation tool 506. The CPU 501 arranges various screen objects on creation screen 1 according to user operations input from the input device 502. The CPU 501 stores control information such as the positions of the arranged screen objects and transition conditions in the project data 507. When the project data 507 is completed and a user instruction to convert it to the XML file 508 is input, the CPU 501 converts the project data 507 to the XML file 508.

[0015] On creation screen 1 shown in Figure 3, pages 10, 11, 12, and 13 are arranged based on user operations. Pages 10, 11, 12, and 13 are display screens that are displayed on the display device of the device 400 as shown in Figure 4. Pages 10, 11, 12, and 13 may also be referred to as icons, page icons, or page objects.

[0016] In Figure 3, the transition display line 20 is a line object for visually enabling the user to understand that the page displayed on the display device of the device 400 transitions from page 11 to page 12.

[0017] The branch icon 30 is an object for visually enabling the user to understand that the transition destinations of page 10 are branched to page 12 and page 13, and it is set that the transition destinations of page 10 are branched to page 12 and page 13. When the first condition is satisfied while page 10 is being displayed on the device 400, the page transitions to page 12, and when the second condition is satisfied, the page transitions to page 13. The first condition and the second condition are stored in association with the branch icon 30.

[0018] The branch display line 31a is a line object connecting the branch icon 30 and page 13. The file operation icon 40 is an icon for instructing the execution of a file operation when transitioning from page 11 to page 12 and for enabling the user to understand it.

[0019] At the lower part of the creation screen 1, a command selection section 100 is displayed in a region surrounded by a dotted line. At the right part of the creation screen 1, an option selection section 200 is displayed in a region surrounded by a dotted line.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows details of page 10. Page 10 has an arrangement area 19 where a label LB, a text box TB, etc. to be described later are arranged. Further, the operation area 21 has four operation objects provided corresponding to the L key, F1 key, F2 key, and R key provided in the device 400. The colors of the L key, F1 key, F2 key, and R key provided as hard keys in the device 400 and the colors of the four operation objects correspond to each other. For example, the L key and the operation object corresponding to the L key may have the same or similar colors. The arrangement of each object in the operation area 21 and the arrangement of each key in the device 400 may be similar. That is, an image imitating the shapes and arrangements of a plurality of hard keys in the device 400 as they are may be displayed in the operation area 21.

[0021] Note that the number, color, and arrangement of hard keys may differ depending on the model of the device. The CPU 501 may receive the designation of identification information indicating the model of the device from a menu made selectable from the option selection section 200 or other parts, and display the operation area 21 having the number, color, and arrangement of hard keys corresponding to the identification information.

[0022] Now, the meaning of each part displayed in FIG. 3 will be described in more detail. First, on page 10, at the upper part, an arrangement area 19 which is a display screen part actually displayed on the display screen of the device on which the application operates is displayed, and at the lower part, an operation area 21 corresponding to the operation part of the device 400 is displayed. The operation part displayed in this operation area 21 corresponds to hard keys such as touch keys provided in the device 400 and its peripheral devices, and may also be soft keys displayed on the display screen.

[0023] On page 11, it shows that the page number PG is at the topmost part, the page title PT is below it, and the text input section TB and its corresponding label LB are displayed below that. When the page is arranged on the creation screen 1 by the user, the CPU 501 automatically assigns a page number. That is, the page number may be a consecutive number. The page title PT, the label LB, and the text input section TB are assigned to page 11 by using the commands prepared in the command selection section 100 in the method described later.

[0024] On the creation screen 1, a transition display line 20 extends from page 11 towards page 12. This transition display line 20 is drawn with the end of page 11 as the starting point and the end of page 12 as the ending point so as to extend from the R button 11a arranged within page 11 to the center of page 12, and a graphic such as an arrow is added so that it is visually understandable to transition from the R button 11a provided on page 11 to page 12. The operation area 21 including this R button 11a is displayed below together with the display screen section that displays on the display screen of the device 400 the display corresponding to the colored hard key provided on the device 400. The transition display line 20 may be drawn with a line of the same color as the color of the R button 11a. Thus, the user can intuitively grasp which button on the device 400 to press to transition to which screen.

[0025] Note that in this embodiment, in addition to the R button 11a, an F2 button 11b, an F1 button 11c, and an L button 11d are provided on page 11. These buttons correspond to the hard keys provided on the device 400 and are displayed in color as colored buttons displayed in the same color as the hard keys.

[0026] In this embodiment, the R button 11a is set to yellow, the F2 button 11b is set to green, the F1 button 11c is set to blue, and the L button 11d is set to red. This is displayed by referring to the hard keys of the device 400 set in advance on the application creation tool as the device on which the application operates. That is, the CPU 501 receives the input of the type and model name of the device 400 in the option setting function of the application creation tool 506, and arranges operation objects corresponding to the input type and model name of the device 400 in the operation area 21. Therefore, the number and color of the operation objects may vary depending on the type and model name of the device 400. The application creation tool 506 has information on the number and color of the operation objects in association with the type and model name of the device 400. Note that the information regarding the operation objects associated with the type and model name of the device 400 may be obtained from an external device.

[0027] The CPU 501 displays the transition display line 20 in the same color as the color of the associated hard key. In the example of FIG. 3, the transition display line 20 extending from the yellow R button 11a toward page 12 is displayed in yellow.

[0028] A branch icon 30 is displayed in the middle of the transition display line 20, indicating that the destination of the transition is different according to the set branch condition. In FIG. 3, it is set so that if text is input by the user to the text input section TB on page 11, the transition will be to page 12, and if no text is input, the transition will be to page 13. The branch icon 30 indicates that some branch condition is set. Note that when the user selects the branch icon 30, the CPU 501 may pop up and display the content of the conditional branch and accept changes to the content. Thereby, the user can confirm and change the branch condition.

[0029] Also, a file operation icon 40 is displayed ahead of the branch icon 30 on the transition display line 20. This file operation icon 40 indicates that it is set to operate a predetermined file at this point. For example, by specifying a predetermined file path and the data to be written, etc., it is possible to specify writing predetermined data to the specified file. As the data to be written, for example, the result read by the barcode reader of the device 400 can be set.

[0030] It may be set to execute data transfer by the file operation icon 40. For example, when the F1 key is pressed, it may be set that the device 400 scans an image or a code and transfers the scan result to a predetermined path as it is, returns to the same screen, or transitions to another screen.

[0031] Also, a command selection section 100 is displayed at the lower part of the creation screen 1. What is shown in FIG. 3 is an example thereof. When the cursor (mouse pointer) is placed on (e.g., mouse over, etc.) or specified for the icon surrounded by a circle, the CPU 501 displays the menu included in each icon. A command is selected when the user further selects it. Also, an option selection section 200 is displayed on the right part of the creation screen 1. What is shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and control instructions for the LED built in the device body, operation settings for the barcode reader, and the main body setting function of the device are assigned, and option operations can be specified by selecting them. Specifically, it will be described in the following explanation.

[0032] <New page layout> When the cursor is placed on the leftmost "page" in the command selection section 100 of FIG. 3, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 501 may display the menu 111 included in the "page" icon 110 so as to surround the "page" icon 110. Here, the menu 111 has only the "layout page function" indicated by "L". In FIG. 6, the cursor is placed on and selected the layout page icon indicating the "layout page function" in the menu 111. At this time, the CPU 501 may switch the character "page" displayed on the "page" icon 110 to the explanatory text of the selected command, that is, "layout page".

[0033] When the layout page icon "L" indicating this "layout page function" is selected and dragged to the upper creation area 300 and it is detected that it has been dropped, the CPU 501 arranges and displays page 10 as a new page. The position where the new page is arranged may be the dropped location, or as shown in FIG. 6, it may be automatically aligned based on the upper left of the screen or the like. FIG. 3 shows a state where this operation has been performed multiple times on the creation area 300, and in addition to page 10, pages 11, 12, and 13 are arranged.

[0034] <How to connect pages> Next, the method of connecting pages will be described. FIG. 7 shows a state where the R button 11a of page 11 arranged in the creation area 300 is selected. When the R button 11a is selected by the user, the CPU 501 displays the operation parameter 11e. The operation parameter 11e defines the content that the device 400 should execute when the R button 11a is pressed while the device 400 is displaying page 11.

[0035] FIG. 8 shows a state where a drag-and-drop is performed from the R button 11a toward page 12 in this state. In FIG. 8, the CPU 501 displays a transition display line 20 from the center coordinates of the R button 11a toward the center coordinates of page 12. In this way, when the CPU 501 detects a drag-and-drop to an arbitrary page from any operation object (button) or the like in the operation area 21 displayed at the lower part of page 11, the CPU 501 recognizes that the page to be transitioned to is specified when a hardware key or the like corresponding to the button is pressed (indicated), and stores this transition condition in the project data. That is, the user can specify page transitions by drag-and-drop. Note that the start point and the end point of the transition display line 20 are the center coordinates of the R button 11a and the center coordinates of page 12 as described above. However, only the portion from the end (edge) of page 11 to the end of page 12 may be actually drawn in the transition display line 20. Alternatively, the R button 11a and page 12 may be displayed in a superimposed manner after the transition display line 20 is drawn up to the center coordinates of the R button 11a and page 12. In either case, the appearance is the same.

[0036] A plurality of arrows pointing from the R button 11a toward page 12 may be displayed at predetermined intervals on the transition display line 20. This has the effect of making the direction of the screen transition easier to understand. In particular, when a branch icon 30 or a file operation icon 40 is displayed on the transition display line 20 as shown in FIG. 3, the visibility of the transition direction is improved. Also, in the present embodiment, as an example of arranging the transition display line 20, it has been described that a drag-and-drop is performed from the R button 11a toward page 12 in a state where the operation parameter 11e described above is displayed, but the transition display line 20 may be arranged even when the same operation is performed in a state where the operation parameter 11e is not displayed.

[0037] <Method for Selecting Display Layout of Each Page> Next, a method for selecting the display layout of each page will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, when the cursor is placed on the "layout" icon 120 included in the command selection unit 100, the CPU 501 displays a menu including "L: Label" 121, "T: Text Box" 122, and "C: Caption" 123 included in the "layout" icon 120. The display layout can be selected by selecting a desired function from this menu and dropping it onto the page to be set. Note that L is a command for arranging the label LB. T is a command for arranging the text box TB. C is a command for arranging the page title PT. Arbitrary text can be set for the label LB and the page title PT.

[0038] FIG. 10 shows a state in which the label icon 121 indicating the "L: Label" shown in FIG. 9 and the text box icon 122 indicating the "T: Text Box" are dropped onto page 11. In response to this user operation, the CPU 501 adds and displays the label LB and the text box TB on page 11. As a result, for example, when the R button 11a on page 11 is pressed, it becomes possible to set a branch condition corresponding to the input state in the text box and set a screen transition according to the result. Note that the CPU 501 stores the position of the label LB, the text content (character string), and the position of the text box TB on page 11 in the project data 507.

[0039] <How to Set the Check (Branch) Function> Next, the method of setting the check (branch) function will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the cursor is placed on "check" 130 included in the command selection unit 100, the CPU 501 displays the "check" menu. The "check" menu includes "I: Input Existence Check" 131, "D: Data Search" 132, and "T: Text Size Check" 133. "I: Input Existence Check" 131 is a command for determining whether text is input in the text box TB. "D: Data Search" 132 is a command for searching for the text input in the text box TB in another text box TB and checking whether it exists. Alternatively, "D: Data Search" 132 may check whether predetermined data exists in a specified file. "T: Text Size Check" 133 is a command for checking whether the size (number of characters) of the text input in the text box TB is within the specified size. The check function can be set by selecting a desired function from these and dropping it to the location (text box TB) to be set. For example, the CPU 501 associates the selected check function with the text TB and stores it in the project data 507. The drop position of the check function may be an operation object that triggers the check function.

[0040] As an example, an example of setting a conditional branch will be described. In FIG. 11, it is assumed that the data search icon 132 indicating "D: Data Search" is selected and dropped on the R button 11a on page 11. When the CPU 501 detects this user operation, as shown in FIG. 12, the branch icon 30 is arranged on the transition display line 20 extending from the R button 11a.

[0041] When this branch icon 30 is clicked and selected, the CPU 501 accepts user input for condition settings for conditional branching. In this case, since "D: Data Search" is specified, it is set as a condition that predetermined data exists in a predetermined file. That is, when the condition set for the branch icon 30 is satisfied when the R button 11a is pressed in the device 400, it is set that the device 400 transitions to page 12. If the condition is not satisfied, it remains in a state where it does not transition from page 11.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, it is also possible to set the transition destination when the condition of the branch icon 30 is not satisfied to be other than page 11. By adding a new page 13 in the state of FIG. 12 and dragging and dropping from the branch icon 30 towards page 13, the branch display line 31a shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. When set in this way, when the condition in the branch icon 30 is not satisfied, it can be set to transition to page 13. The CPU 501 stores in the project data 507 that when the condition in the branch icon 30 is not satisfied, it transitions to page 13.

[0043] Note that the place where an icon indicating a desired function is dropped when setting the check function is not limited to the above-described R button 11a, etc., and it may be possible to register by dropping it on the transition display line 20. It can also be made possible to register for the branch display line 31a, etc., and it is also easy to set so that in the case where the condition is not satisfied by the branch icon 30, another condition judgment is made and the screen to transition to changes according to the result.

[0044] <How to Set File Operations> Next, the method of setting file operations will be described. When the cursor is placed on "data" 140 included in the command selection unit 100, as shown in FIG. 13, the CPU 501 displays a data save icon 141 corresponding to the "S: Data Save" command included in the "data" menu. By dropping the data save icon 141 at the location where "S: Data Save" is to be set, the device 400 can be set to execute data saving at the dropped position. This "Data Save" menu is an example of a file operation, and other file operations may be configured to be settable.

[0045] In FIG. 13, when it is detected that the data save icon 141 has been dropped on the R button 11a, as shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 501 arranges a file operation icon 40 on the transition display line 20 extending from the R button 11a.

[0046] When this file operation icon 40 is clicked and selected, the CPU 501 accepts user input regarding the content setting of the file operation. In this case, since "S: Data Save" is specified, it may be set to save predetermined data to a predetermined file path. The predetermined file path may be, for example, a file path in the storage device of the device 400, a file path of a network drive, or a file transmission address.

[0047] Note that the location where an icon indicating a desired function is dropped when setting the file operation function is not limited to the above-described R button 11a, etc., and may be on the transition display line 20.

[0048] <How to Set Option Functions> Next, the method of setting the optional functions will be described. As described above, an option selection section 200 is displayed on the right side of the creation screen 1. This includes menus such as "Device Settings", "External Printer Printing", "LED Control", and "Barcode Reading Settings". "Device Settings" means the operation settings of the device 400. "External Printer Printing" means the printing settings (e.g., setting of the printing layout, etc.) in the external printer connected to the device 400. "LED Control" means the setting of the lighting control of the light-emitting diodes provided in the device 400. "Barcode Reading Settings" means the reading settings (e.g., 1D, 2D, etc.) of the barcode reader provided in the device 400.

[0049] As an example thereof, the "LED Control" function will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, when an LED control menu 210 indicating the "LED Control" function is selected from the option selection section 200 by mouse over or the like, the CPU 501 further displays an additional icon 211. When the additional icon 211 is clicked, the CPU 501 adds and displays an LED icon 212.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 15, when it is detected that the LED icon 212 is dropped on the R button 11a, the CPU 501 arranges a notification icon 51 with respect to a transition display line 20 extending from the R button 11a, as shown in FIG. 16. An operation of lighting the LEDs provided in the device 400 to give various notifications to the user is set for this notification icon 51.

[0051] The default setting is adopted immediately after the LED icon 212 is dropped, but when the notification icon 51 is clicked and selected, the CPU 501 accepts the change of the default setting. As a result, it is possible to change the lighting conditions for lighting the LEDs provided in the device 400. A popup for making detailed settings on how to operate the LEDs may be displayed by clicking the LED icon 212.

[0052] Note that by dropping the LED icon 212 onto the R button 11a, the notification icon 51 is placed on the leading side (the R button 11a side) of the transition display line 20, but this is just an example. By redropping the notification icon 51 to another location on the transition display line 20, for example, behind the file operation icon 40, the timing at which the LED operates can be changed. Also, the location where an icon indicating a desired function is dropped when setting the notification setting function is not limited to the above-described R button 11a, etc., and may be the transition display line 20. As a result, notifications are executed at desired timings.

[0053] As described above, it has been explained that various operations can be set by dropping each icon onto the R button 11a. Additionally, operations for other buttons can be set. In that case, as described above, by showing the transition display line indicating screen transitions with lines of the same color as each button, the operations based on the program can be visually and easily recognized by the user. Note that although it is expressed as a "line", the transition display line does not necessarily have to be a line, and it may be a set of figures such as a continuous series of other shapes like a circle, and all that can be visually recognized as transitioning from page 11 to page 12 is included.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 17, a transition display line 27 may be arranged by dragging and dropping the R button 11a onto itself. In this example, it means that even if the hard key corresponding to the R button 11a provided on the device 400 is pressed, no page (screen) transition occurs. If the above-described file operation icon 40 or an icon related to option settings is dropped onto this transition display line 27 to add a desired function, it can be set to cause the device 400 to execute only the desired function without a screen transition.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 18, by dragging and dropping the L button 10d onto the data transfer icon 52, the CPU 501 may arrange the transition display line 22 from the L button 11d towards the data transfer icon 52. Note that this data transfer icon 52 has been previously selected from the option selection unit 200 and added to the creation screen 1. When the hard key corresponding to the L button 11d provided on the device 400 is pressed, the transition display line 22 and the data transfer icon 52 mean that the device 400 executes data transfer. In FIG. 18, a notification icon 51 for executing a success notification (e.g., lighting of an LED, etc.) when the data transfer is successful is also arranged. In this case, when the data transfer is successful, it is shown by the transition display line 23 that the page transitions to page 10.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 19, by dragging and dropping the L button 10d onto the data transfer icon 52, the transition display line 22 is arranged from the L button 10d towards the data transfer icon 52. It is preferable that both the color of the L button 10d and the color of the transition display line 22 are the same color (e.g., red). By dragging and dropping the F1 button 10c onto page 13, the transition display line 24 is arranged from the F1 button 10c towards page 13. It is preferable that both the color of the F1 button 10c and the color of the transition display line 24 are the same color (e.g., blue). By dragging and dropping the F2 button 10b onto page 12, the transition display line 25 is arranged from the F2 button 10b towards page 12. It is preferable that both the color of the F2 button 10b and the color of the transition display line 25 are the same color (e.g., green). By dragging and dropping the R button 10a onto page 11, the transition display line 26 is arranged from the R button 10a towards page 11. It is preferable that both the color of the R button 10a and the color of the transition display line 26 are the same color (e.g., yellow). These colors may be the same as or similar to the colors of the hard keys provided on the device 400.

[0057] In this embodiment, the character "Send" indicating data transfer is displayed on the L button 10d, and the character "L" is displayed above the L button 10d. The character "Inventory" indicating inventory count is displayed on the F1 button 10c, and the character "F1" is displayed above the F1 button 10c. The character "Return" indicating return is displayed on the F2 button 10b, and the character "F2" is displayed above the F2 button 10b. The character "Lend" indicating lending is displayed on the R button 10a, and the character "R" is displayed above the R button 10a. Also, the meaning of each button may be displayed in larger characters by the label LB. Note that these characters can be edited in the dialog box displayed by selecting each button. Such display in this embodiment is an example and is not limited to these.

[0058] <Flowchart of Application Creation Tool> ● Creation of Project Data FIG. 20 shows the process of creating project data that the CPU 501 executes according to the application creation tool 506. The order of each process can be freely swapped as long as there is no contradiction and no technical contradiction occurs. When the application creation tool 506 is launched, the creation screen 1 including the command selection unit 100, the option selection unit 200, and the creation area 300 is displayed on the display device 503.

[0059] In S1, the CPU 501 determines whether the user instruction input from the input device 502 is an instruction to add a page. When the "page" icon 110 is clicked or moused over and the "Layout Page Function" in the menu 111 is selected, the CPU 501 determines that an instruction to add a page has been input and proceeds to S2. If the "Layout Page Function" is not selected, the CPU 501 proceeds to S3.

[0060] In S2, the CPU 501 adds pages according to the user instruction input from the input device 502. Here, a plurality of pages may be added. The CPU 501 may move the position of the page in the creation area 300 according to the user instruction input from the input device 502.

[0061] In S3, the CPU 501 determines whether the user instruction input from the input device 502 is a drag-and-drop of an operation button (operation object). For example, when any operation object (button) etc. in the operation area 21 of a certain page is dragged and dropped to another page etc., the CPU 501 proceeds to S4. As shown in FIG. 17, drag-and-drop within the same page is also possible. If it is not a drag-and-drop of an operation button (operation object), the CPU 501 proceeds to S5.

[0062] In S4, the CPU 501 arranges the transition display line 20 extending from the operation object of a certain page to another page according to the user instruction input from the input device 502.

[0063] In S5, the CPU 501 determines whether the user instruction input from the input device 502 is a drag-and-drop of any command in the command selection section 100. The commands may be, for example, "L: Label" 121, "T: Text Box" 122, "C: Caption" 123 which are commands in the "layout" icon 120. Or they may be "I: Input Existence Check" 131, "D: Data Search" 132, "T: Text Size Check" 133 which are commands in the "check" 130. It may be the data save icon 141 which is a command in the "data" 140. Or it may be any command in the option selection section 200. If the user instruction is a drag-and-drop of any command in the command selection section 100, the CPU 501 proceeds to S6. The same applies to any command in the option selection section 200. If it is not a drag-and-drop of a command, the CPU 501 proceeds to S7.

[0064] In S6, the CPU 501 places the icon of the command selected by the user at the position where the command is dropped. For example, the branch icon 30, the file operation icon 40, the notification icon 51, etc. may be placed on the transition display line 20.

[0065] In S7, the CPU 501 determines whether the user instruction input from the input device 502 is an instruction for detailed settings. The detailed settings include character settings for labels, branch condition settings, detailed conditions for notification settings, etc. If it is an instruction for detailed settings, the CPU 501 proceeds to S8. If it is not an instruction for detailed settings, the CPU 501 proceeds to S9.

[0066] In S8, the CPU 501 accepts the detailed settings according to the user instruction input from the input device 502.

[0067] In S9, the CPU 501 determines whether the user instruction input from the input device 502 is to save the project data 507. If it is not to save the project data 507, the CPU 501 returns to S1. If it is to save the project data 507, the CPU 501 creates the project data 507 including the setting contents of each page arranged in the creation area 300 and the transition contents of each operation button, and saves it in the storage device 505. Note that the saving of the project data 507 may be executed at an arbitrary timing. The setting contents of the page include the position of the label within the page, the character of the label, the color of the label, the position and size of the text box, the condition of the conditional branch, the destination page for each operation object, and the like. In any case, all the information necessary for describing each page in XML format is stored in the project data 507.

[0068] ●Conversion to XML file FIG. 21 shows the conversion process from the project data 507 executed by the CPU 501 according to the application creation tool 506 to the XML file 508.

[0069] In S11, the CPU 501 converts the project data 507 into the XML file 508.

[0070] In S12, the CPU 501 tests whether the XML file 508 can be normally executed on the device 400. For example, the CPU 501 detects the presence or absence of inappropriate page transitions or command executions that cannot be normally executed on the device 400. Also, it is verified whether the transitions between all pages and options can be correctly executed.

[0071] In S13, the CPU 501 determines whether the XML file 508 is executable based on the test results. If the XML file 508 is executable, the CPU 501 proceeds to S14. In S14, the CPU 501 may save the XML file 508 in a pre-specified folder and transfer the XML file 508 to the device 400. If the XML file 508 is not executable, the CPU 501 proceeds to S15. In S15, the CPU 501 notifies the user of the error. The CPU 501 may display on the display device 503 a notification indicating on which page the error exists or in which command setting the error exists.

[0072] <Others> In the above-described embodiment, in the application creation tool, an operation area was displayed below each page. However, this is merely an example. When each button is assigned to a hardware key of the device 400, an XML file 508 may be generated that is set so that the operation area is not displayed on the display screen of the device 400.

[0073] In this way, the user can set a series of screen transitions using visual icons and the like. Therefore, the user can set an application that operates on the device without the need for programming by text input as in the prior art. This can improve the convenience regarding the creation of the user's program.

[0074] In addition, although all pages and icons are arranged in the creation area 300, a layer function may be adopted. By adopting the layer function, the user can arrange pages and icons for each layer. The CPU 501 activates the layer specified by the user and arranges pages and icons on the activated layer. For example, it may be possible to set names and attributes for the layers, and only the pages and icons included in the specified names and attributes are made active and displayed. In this case, although the CPU 501 also displays the objects arranged on the layers that are not active, it may prohibit the user from arranging those objects.

[0075] <Description of the device that operates the application> Using FIGS. 22, 23, and 24, the device 400 on which the application created by the application creation tool operates will be described. As an example, the device 400 will be described as an information reading device that reads a code such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code. The device 400 is, for example, a barcode reader, a mobile phone (smartphone), a tablet terminal, a handy terminal, etc., and an information terminal capable of reading a code is the target.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 22, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401 executes the code reading program 411 and the application program (XML file 508) stored in the storage device 405. The storage device 405 may have a non-volatile storage medium such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or a flash ROM in addition to the RAM.

[0077] The input device 402 includes hard keys corresponding to the operation objects arranged in the operation area 21. As shown in FIG. 23, the input device 402 includes an R key 480a, an F2 key 480b, an F1 key 480c, an L key 480d, etc.

[0078] The display device 403 is a liquid crystal display device or the like. By executing the XML file 508, the CPU 401 displays various pages on the display device 403. Also, when any key on the input device 402 is pressed, the CPU 501 displays on the display device 403 the page that is the transition destination associated with that key.

[0079] The notification device 409 is a light-emitting element such as an LED or a speaker that outputs sound. When the lighting condition according to the notification icon 51 is satisfied, the CPU 501 lights the LED shown in FIG. 23, which is an example of the notification device 409.

[0080] The communication device 404 includes a communication circuit for the device 400 to communicate with the server S or the information processing device 500. The communication device 404 has, for example, a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) controller, a short-range wireless communication circuit, a modem connected to a public line, a wireless communication circuit for 5G or IoT, and the like.

[0081] The scanner device 410 includes a marker light irradiation means and a lighting means using an LED or the like (not shown), and optically reads a code using an image sensor such as a CCD. As shown in FIG. 24, the reading window of the scanner device 410 may be provided on the back side of the device 400.

[0082] <Summary> [Viewpoint 1] According to the above-described embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling the display of an application creation screen (e.g., creation screen 1) that assists a user in creating an application that operates on a predetermined device 400. The CPU 501 arranges a first icon (e.g., page 11, etc.) including an arrangement area 19 that will be displayed on the device 400 based on a user operation in a creation area 300 within the application creation screen. The CPU 501 arranges a second icon (e.g., page 12, etc.) that transitions from the first icon on the device 400 in the creation area 300 based on a user operation. The CPU 501 displays an operation area including an operation object corresponding to the operation unit of the device 400 together with the first icon. Here, a specific user operation on the operation unit is set as a condition for transitioning from the first icon to the second icon. The CPU 501 displays a line (e.g., transition display line 20) connecting the first icon and the second icon in response to a drag operation (e.g., drag and drop) on the second icon from the operation object. As a result, the user can easily create an application while visually recognizing the operations including the screen transition of the application operating on the device 400.

[0083] [Viewpoints 2, 3] The line (e.g., transition display line 20) may be displayed in a manner that allows the user to recognize the transition from the first icon to the second icon. For example, the line may include an arrow pointing from the first icon to the second icon. This will make it easier for the user to visually understand the relationship between the source icon and the destination icon of the transition.

[0084] [Viewpoints 4 - 6] The starting point of the line may be an operation object in the creation area 300. The starting point of the line may be the center coordinates of the operation object in the creation area 300. The ending point of the line may be the center coordinates of the second icon in the creation area. Among the lines, the part overlapping with the operation object may not be displayed, and the part overlapping with the second icon may not be displayed either. As a result, the operation object that triggers the transition becomes easier for the user to visually understand. Also, the icon at the transition destination becomes easier for the user to visually understand. Furthermore, since the line does not overlap with the icon or the operation object, the icon and the operation object can be made easier for the user to see.

[0085] [Viewpoint 7] The color of the line and the color of the operation part may be the same color. As a result, the relationship between the operation object that triggers the transition and the relationship between the transition destination and the transition source becomes easier for the user to visually understand.

[0086] [Viewpoint 8] The color of the operation button provided on the device and the color of the operation part may be the same or similar colors. As a result, the user can more easily visually understand the relationship between the object in the GUI (Graphical User Interface) and the actual operation button on the device 400.

[0087] [Viewpoint 9] The CPU 501 may arrange a third icon (e.g., Page 13) that will be displayed on the device based on a user operation in the creation area 300. The CPU 501 may arrange a branch icon (e.g., Branch Icon 30) indicating a conditional branch as to whether to transition from the first icon to the second icon or to the third icon in the middle of the line. In this case, the CPU 501 may display a second line (e.g., Branch Display Line 31a) connecting the branch icon and the third icon. As a result, the user can more easily visually understand at which transition timing the conditional branch occurs.

[0088] [Viewpoint 10] Based on the user operation, the CPU 501 may place a file operation icon (e.g., file operation icon 40) in the middle of the line to instruct the execution of a file operation when transitioning from the first icon to the second icon on the device. This makes it easier for the user to visually understand at which transition timing the file operation occurs.

[0089] [Aspect 11] Based on the user operation, the CPU 501 may place a notification icon (e.g., notification icon 51) in the middle of the line to instruct the display of a notification when transitioning from the first icon to the second icon on the device. This makes it easier for the user to visually understand at which transition timing the notification occurs.

[0090] [Aspect 12] Based on the user operation, the CPU 501 may place a data transfer icon (e.g., data transfer icon 52) in the middle of the line to instruct the execution of data transfer when transitioning from the first icon to the second icon on the device. This makes it easier for the user to visually understand at which transition timing the data transfer occurs.

[0091] [Second Embodiment] Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Many of the configurations in this embodiment are common to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for the common configurations, and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0092] FIG. 25 shows a state in which the transition display line 20 is also displayed from other than the lower part of the page depending on the position where the destination page is arranged in the creation area 300.

[0093] For the transition from the source page 611 to the destination page 612, four transition display lines 20 are connected corresponding to the four buttons: the R button 611a, the F2 button 611b, the F1 button 611c, and the L button 611d. In this embodiment, corresponding to the four buttons, the side (the right side in FIG. 25) including the starting point of the transition display line 20 on the source page 611 is divided into four regions, and the transition display lines 20 are arranged such that the starting points of the transition display lines 20 are located in their respective regions. In FIG. 25, from the upper part to the lower part of the right side of the source page 611, the order is the L button 611d, the F1 button 611c, the F2 button 611b, and the R button 611a, that is, it corresponds to the direction from left to right at the lower part of the source page 611. Therefore, for example, the transition display line 20 from the L button 611d is arranged such that its starting point is included in the uppermost region on the right side of the source page 611.

[0094] Note that it may be set in the reverse order of this embodiment, that is, the transition display lines 20 may be arranged in order from the bottom to the top on the right side of the source page 611 in the order of the L button 611d, the F1 button 611c, the F2 button 611b, and the R button 611a. Also, it is preferable that the right and left sides and the upper and lower sides of adjacent pages are in the same order respectively. In that case, even when transition display lines connecting a plurality of regions are arranged, the lines can be prevented from intersecting each other. As an example, the transition display line connecting the right side of page 613 and the left side of page 614 in FIG. 25 is arranged in such a way, and it can be seen that the visibility is improved.

[0095] Also, in this embodiment, the position of the starting point (the edge on the source page 611) from which the transition display line 20 is drawn is dynamically switched according to whether the destination page 612 is included in any of the four regions (up, down, left, or right) relative to the source page 611.

[0096] In FIG. 25, since the destination page 612 is included in the area on the right side of the source page 611, the transition display line 20 is drawn from the right edge of the source page 611. By doing so, even when branch icons 30, file operation icons 40, etc. are arranged on the transition display line 20, it is possible to prevent them from being hidden behind the source page 611.

[0097] As an example of other states, in FIG. 25, since the destination page 617 is included in the area above the source page 615, by displaying the transition display line 20 from the upper side of the source page 615, the visibility of the transition display line 20 itself can be improved. In FIG. 25, the destination pages are arranged above, below, left, and right with respect to the source page 615, and the transition display line 20 is drawn as described above. Note that the side from which the transition display line 20 is drawn on the source page is controlled to dynamically switch according to the change in the relative position accompanying the movement of the source page or the destination page.

[0098] Also, when it is set to transition mutually by selecting the same button in the operation area 21 between two pages, the positions of the two transition display lines 20 connecting the destination page and the source page may be arranged at a constant interval. Thereby, even when the transition display lines 20 are displayed from the same position, it is possible to prevent the transition display lines 20 from overlapping each other, and the visibility can be improved.

[0099] For example, for pages 613 and 614 in FIG. 25, in order from the top, the transition display line 621 indicating the transition to page 614 when the L button of page 613 is selected and the transition display line 622 indicating the transition to page 613 when the L button of page 614 is selected are shown. Corresponding to each button in the operation area 21, the remaining six transition display lines are arranged in the same manner.

[0100] These transition display lines 621 and 622 are connected between the uppermost region at the right edge of page 613 and the uppermost region at the left edge of page 614 based on the above-described law. The start points and end points of these two transition display lines are controlled to be arranged at a predetermined distance within the regions where they are respectively arranged.

[0101] In addition, when there is one transition display line connecting each page, the start point and end point may be arranged at the center of the side of each page where the transition display line is arranged. When only one transition display line is arranged in the divided region on the side of each page, the start point and end point may be arranged at the center of each region.

[0102] Also, as shown by the transition display line 627 in FIG. 26, for the transition to the same page, the visibility is improved by arranging the transition display line 627 in a circular shape such that the line extending from above the button of the transition source returns to the button of the transition source. In the transition display line representing such a transition to the same page (loop transition), as shown by the transition display line 628, it is preferable to change the radius and size of the circularly displayed transition display line depending on whether a file operation icon 40 or the like is arranged on the line or, as shown by the transition display line 627, nothing is arranged. As shown in FIG. 26, by reducing the radius of the transition display line 627 in a state where nothing such as the file operation icon 40 is arranged on the line, it is easier to recognize the loop transition itself, and it is possible to prevent a decrease in the visibility of other objects.

[0103] Also, FIG. 27 shows that the display control is similarly performed even in cases other than page transitions.

[0104] In FIG. 27, by dragging and dropping the L button 610d onto the data transfer icon 652, a transition display line 629 is shown arranged from the L button 610d towards the data transfer icon 52. In this state, for the data transfer icon 652 arranged in the lower region with respect to the source page 610 of the transition, both the lower side of the source page 610 of the transition and the upper side of the data transfer icon 652 are divided into regions in order from the left side, and it can be seen that the start point and the end point of the transition display line 629 are arranged in the leftmost region corresponding to the L button 610d.

[0105] Similarly, for the transition display line 630 connecting the source page 610 of the transition and the destination page 620, the start point and the end point are respectively arranged in the lower region corresponding to the R button 610a.

[0106] Although the description is omitted, the same applies to the transition display lines to other pages and the way of dividing the regions.

[0107] In this way, in the present embodiment, based on the relative positional relationship between the two pages connected by the transition display line, where the transition display line is drawn from in each page (where the start point and the end point are arranged) is dynamically changed. With this configuration, the visibility of the creation screen is improved, and while moving the page and confirming that the positions of the start point and the end point of the transition display line are changed, the arrangement of the pages can be determined, and the user can select the desired display.

[0108] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0109] For example, although the label and the text box are configured to be arranged as different objects from another object, they may be configured to be arranged at once as a text box with a label.

[0110] Further, a combination of the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be used. For example, control may be performed to change the display according to the number of transition display lines connected to the source page. For example, when there is one transition display line connected to the source page, the starting point is arranged so that the transition display line extends from the button in the operation area as in the first embodiment. When there are a plurality of transition display lines connected to the source page, control may be performed to arrange the starting point so that the transition display line extends from the side on the destination page side of the source page as in the second embodiment. Further, the present invention is not limited to this, and the display control according to the first embodiment and the display control according to the second embodiment may be switched according to some conditions.

[0111] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Many of the configurations of this embodiment are common to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the common configurations, and only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the "LED control" function was described as an example of the method of setting the option function. In the third embodiment, the "external printer printing" function will be described. Note that "external printer printing" means printing processing (e.g., setting of print layout, etc.) in an external printer connected to the device 400.

[0113] FIG. 28 shows a process of setting a printing process (external printer printing) executed by the CPU 501 according to the application creation tool 506.

[0114] In S2801, as shown in FIG. 31, when the print layout menu 220 indicating the "print layout" function is selected from the option selection unit 200 by mouse over or the like, the CPU 501 further displays an additional icon 221. When the additional icon 221 is clicked, the CPU 51 displays a screen for selecting an external printer as shown in FIG. 32.

[0115] In S2802, the user selects an external printer. Here, it is assumed that the external printer has been registered in advance. By selecting the external printer and pressing the check button 3200, the selection of the external printer is confirmed. In the following description, it is assumed that the function is confirmed by pressing the check button, but the check button is just an example, and any button or the like can be used as long as it can confirm the function.

[0116] In S2803, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 33 is displayed to perform the setting of the print layout. The process of setting the print layout will be described later with reference to FIG. 29.

[0117] In S2804, for example, the screen shown in FIG. 39 is displayed to perform the setting of the print process. The process of setting the print process will be described later with reference to FIG. 30.

[0118] FIG. 29 shows the process of setting the print layout that the CPU 501 executes according to the application creation tool 506.

[0119] When the selection of the external printer is confirmed, the print layout setting screen shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. In the paper length selection section 3300 displayed in the detailed setting column, the length of the paper can be selected as "changed according to the print data" (variable length) or "fixed length" (fixed length). In the preview 3310 showing the preview area, a print preview corresponding to the selected paper length is displayed.

[0120] FIG. 34 shows an example when "changed according to the print data" is selected as the paper length, and FIG. 35 shows an example when "fixed length" is selected. As shown in the preview 3310, it can be seen that even with the same layout configuration, the lengths of the papers displayed are different.

[0121] In S2901, the CPU 501 determines whether variable (changed according to the print data) is selected for the paper length. If it is determined to be variable (YES in S2901), the process proceeds to S2903.

[0122] When it is determined that it is not variable (NO in S2901), in S2902, the width and length of the paper are set (for example, FIG. 35), and the process proceeds to S2903.

[0123] In S2903, from the item display area 3340 shown in FIG. 33, items (label 4510, data list 4520, barcode 4530, line 4540, rectangle 4550, etc.) that constitute the print layout as shown in FIG. 45 are selected, and by clicking on the print area 3320, the selected items are added to the print layout. Note that the items in FIG. 45 are just an example, and for example, insertion of a figure (insertion of an image, photograph, etc.) may be used and is not limited to this.

[0124] The label 4510 shown in FIG. 45 is an icon for adding a label (character string) to be printed by an external printer. Specifically, the background color, character color, frame line, thickness of the frame line, color of the frame line, character size, printing method of the character (standard, bold, italic, etc.), type of the label (text, serial number, date, time, version information, file data reference, text box reference, etc.), display position, size, position, etc. of the character string can be set.

[0125] The data list 4520 is an icon for adding a data list that reads data from a file and performs a list display. Specifically, the file name of the file that the data list refers to, print settings (from the beginning, the line with the indicated character, number of columns, etc.), maximum number of printed lines, font size, up to which line to print (fix the number of printed lines, print for the amount of data, etc.), item display (change of the item name of the file specified in the file name), character size, maximum number of lines, print position of the data list, etc. can be set.

[0126] The barcode 4530 is an icon that can add barcodes to be printed by an external printer. Specifically, barcode types (such as Code39, QRCode (registered trademark), etc.), barcode data (data specification, text box reference, file reference, maximum data length, files to be searched, columns to be searched, columns to be replaced, etc.) can be set.

[0127] The line 4540 is an icon that can add lines to be printed by an external printer. Specifically, the thickness of the line, the color of the line, the start position, the end position, etc. can be set.

[0128] The rectangle 4550 is an icon that can add rectangles to be printed by an external printer. Specifically, the thickness of the line, the color of the line, the fill color, the presence or absence of filling, the size, the position, etc. can be set.

[0129] In S2904, the CPU 501 determines whether to refer to data (such as text boxes, files, etc.). For example, when the barcode 4530 is selected in S2903, a barcode setting screen as shown in FIG. 44 is displayed. In the barcode data 4410, "data specification", "text box reference", "file reference" can be selected, and the barcode setting is confirmed by pressing the check button 4400. When "text box reference" or "file reference" is set, the CPU 501 determines to refer to the data.

[0130] When it is determined not to refer to the data (NO in S2904), in S2905, data is input into the data 4420, and the process proceeds to S2907.

[0131] When it is determined to refer to the data (YES in S2904), in S2906, reference settings for the data (setting text boxes and combo boxes for obtaining the data of the barcode to be printed, specifying the file for referring to the barcode data, etc.) are performed, and the process proceeds to S2907.

[0132] At S2907, it is determined whether or not the check button 3330 in FIG. 33 has been pressed. If it is determined that the check button has been pressed (YES in S2907), at S2908, the CPU 501 registers it as a print layout. Note that in order to identify a plurality of print layouts, a name (for example, printPage1, printPage2, etc.) may be assigned to each print layout.

[0133] If it is determined that the check button has not been pressed (NO in S2907), the process returns to S2901 and the series of processes is repeated. Also, if it is determined that the print layout setting screen has been closed without pressing the check button, the process ends.

[0134] Note that the order of the processes of S2901 to S2908 is not limited to this, and any order may be used. Also, the processes of S2901, S2904, and S2907 may be executed in parallel, respectively.

[0135] FIG. 37 is an example of a diagram in which a print layout is registered, and shows a state in which three print layouts (printPage1, printPage2, printPage3) are registered in the print layout menu 220. Also, by clicking on the icon of the print layout, detailed settings are displayed and it is also possible to re-edit the print layout. FIG. 37 shows a state in which the print layout of "printPage1" is selected and the detailed settings are displayed below it.

[0136] Also, as a print layout setting, for example, as indicated by the dotted line in the print area 3320 of FIG. 34, the position of the cut-off line indicating the print end may be set. Also, even when the color of a line, a character string, etc. is selected, if the specified external printer does not support color, the preview 3310 and the print area 3320 may be displayed in grayscale. Also, sample data (for example, incoming inventory information, outgoing inventory information, etc.) may be registered in advance as a print layout setting.

[0137] FIG. 30 shows a process of setting a printing process that the CPU 501 executes according to the application creation tool 506.

[0138] When one or more print layouts are set and registered, as shown in FIG. 38, when the cursor is placed on the "Page" icon 110 included in the command selection unit 100, the CPU 501 can display a menu of "P: Print Page" 3800 on the "Page" icon 110.

[0139] When "P: Print Page" 3800 is selected, as shown in FIG. 39, a screen 3900 for setting the printing process is displayed. The registered print layouts are displayed within the "Layout List" frame.

[0140] In S3001, select the layout for which printing is to be performed from the print layouts displayed within the "Layout List" frame, and in S3002, move the selected print layout to the area displayed within the "Layout for Printing" frame by drag and drop. Note that the layout for which printing is to be performed may be one, as shown in FIG. 40(a), or may be a plurality of combined layouts, as shown in FIG. 40(b). Also, by moving the print layout to the "Layout for Printing", the check button 4000 is enabled and the check button 4000 can be pressed. By pressing the check button 4000 shown in FIG. 40(a), the setting of the printing process can be confirmed.

[0141] In S3003, the CPU 501 determines whether an external printer is connected to the information processing apparatus 500 in which the application creation tool 506 is executed. If not connected (NO in S3003), the process proceeds to S3009.

[0142] When an external printer is connected (YES in S3003), the "Test Print" button 4100 is enabled and can be pressed. In S3004, the CPU 501 determines whether the "Test Print" button on the screen 3900 for setting the printing process has been pressed. If not (NO in S3004), the process proceeds to S3009.

[0143] When the "Test Print" button is pressed, a test print screen (Fig. 36(a)) is displayed, and as a method of performing test printing, "No Data" or "Temporary Data" can be selected (Fig. 36(b)). If "No Data" is selected, test printing is performed without data. For example, when the printed content includes actual performance data, etc., selecting "No Data" can prevent inadvertent printing. Also, if "Temporary Data" is selected (Fig. 36(c)), test printing is performed with temporary data (e.g., a character string such as abcdef···) entered in the printed content. By selecting temporary data, the number of digits displayed when actually printed can be confirmed.

[0144] In S3005, the CPU 501 determines whether "Temporary Data" has been selected as the method of performing test printing. If not (NO in S3005), the process proceeds to S3007. If it is determined that temporary data has been selected (YES in S3005), in S3006, the CPU 501 sets temporary data in the printed content and proceeds to S3007.

[0145] In S3007, the CPU 501 determines whether the print button 3600 has been pressed. If the print button 3600 has not been pressed (NO in S3007), the process proceeds to S3009. If it is determined that the print button has been pressed (YES in S3007), in S3008, test printing is executed on the selected printer.

[0146] In S3009, the CPU 501 determines whether the check button 4000 has been pressed. If it is determined that the check button has been pressed (YES in S3009), it is registered as the print process setting.

[0147] When it is determined that the check button has not been pressed (NO in S3009), the process returns to S3001 and a series of processes are repeated. Also, when it is determined that the print processing settings screen has been closed without pressing the check button, the process ends.

[0148] Note that the order of the processes from S3003 to S3010 is not limited to this, and any order may be used. Also, the processes of S3003, S3004, S3005, S3007, and S3009 may be executed in parallel respectively.

[0149] When the check button 4000 on the print processing settings screen 3900 is pressed, the setting of the print processing is completed, and as shown in FIG. 41, a print processing icon 4100 is arranged in the creation area 300. That is, the print processing icon 4100 is selected in advance from the option selection unit 200 and added to the creation screen 1. Note that the transition display line 4110 and the print processing icon 4100 mean that when a hard key corresponding to the R button provided on the device 400 is pressed on page 2, print processing is executed on an external printer connected to the device 400. Also, by dragging and dropping the R button onto the print processing icon 4100, the CPU 501 may arrange the transition display line 4110 from the R button toward the print processing icon 4100.

[0150] When the print processing icon 4100 is clicked, as shown in FIG. 42, detailed settings are displayed, and the screen transition destinations at the time of successful or failed printing, the presence or absence of display of the print result, etc. may be set.

[0151] Also, as shown in FIG. 43, the detailed settings of the printer may be displayed and the details of the external printer body may be set.

[0152] As described above, by selecting the items (such as the label 4510, the data list 4520, the barcode 4530, the line 4540, the rectangle 4550, etc.) that constitute the print layout, the print layout can be freely set.

[0153] Also, by connecting an external printer to the information processing apparatus 500 on which the application creation tool 506 runs, test printing can be performed without going through the device 400, so that the user can easily perform test printing. Further, since "no data (no data is printed on the printed content)" or "dummy data (predetermined data is printed on the printed content)" can be test-printed, the convenience for the user is good. Note that if an external printer is not connected, the test print button is not enabled, so the visibility for the user is good.

[0154] Also, since the print layout can be specified by dragging and dropping (transitioning) the print layout from the layout list, the convenience for the user is good.

[0155] Also, the length of the paper to be printed (fixed length or variable length) can be specified. For example, when a fixed length (fixed length) is specified, if the print data is long, it can be seen that it does not fit within the print range in the preview, and the visibility for the user is good.

Description of Signs

[0156] 10: Page, 20: Transition display line, 30: Branch display icon, 40: File operation icon 100: Command selection section, 200: Option selection section

Claims

A method for controlling the display of an application creation screen that assists in creating an application that operates on a predetermined device and is executed by a control unit of an information processing apparatus, comprising: placing a first icon that will be displayed on the device based on a user operation in a creation area within the application creation screen; placing a second icon that transitions from the first icon on the device in the creation area based on a user operation; placing a print processing icon that executes printing on an external printer connected to the device and transitions from the first icon or the second icon based on a user operation; setting the print layout by selecting items that make up the print layout of the print; A method for controlling the display of an application creation screen, characterized by comprising the above steps.

2. Further, an operation unit, and arranging an operation area corresponding to the operation unit, which is set as a condition for a specific user operation on the operation unit to transition from the first icon to the second icon on the device, in the creation area together with the first icon; arranging a line connecting the first icon and the second icon in the creation area in response to a drag operation on the second icon from the operation area; The method for controlling the display of an application creation screen according to claim 1, characterized by comprising the above steps.

3. Further, having a step of instructing the external printer to perform a test print based on the print layout, The method for controlling the display of an application creation screen according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the test print does not print data on the print content or prints predetermined data on the print content.

4. The method for controlling the display of an application creation screen according to claim 3, characterized in that the test print can be performed without passing through the device by connecting the external printer to the information processing apparatus on which the application creation screen is displayed.

5. Further, having a step of determining whether or not the external printer is connected, The method for controlling the display of an application creation screen according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that when it is determined in the determining step that the external printer is not connected, the instruction for the test print cannot be given.

6. The method for controlling the display of an application creation screen according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the test print can specify a print layout for instructing a test print by selecting the print layout.

7. Furthermore, the setting of the print layout has a step of specifying the length of the paper to be printed, The method for controlling the display of an application creation screen according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the length of the paper is a fixed length or a length based on print data.

8. A program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute the method for controlling the display of an application creation screen according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. An information processing apparatus that displays an application creation screen for assisting in creating an application that operates on a predetermined device, means for arranging a first icon to be displayed on the device based on a user operation in a creation area within the application creation screen; means for arranging a second icon that transitions from the first icon on the device in the creation area based on a user operation; means for arranging a print processing icon that executes printing on an external printer connected to the device and transitions from the first icon or the second icon based on a user operation; means for setting the print layout by selecting items constituting the print layout of the print An information processing apparatus characterized by comprising.

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