Program

Abstract

To provide a technology for an application program that realizes a function of allowing a user to select an image to be printed from previously stored images in a device capable of communicating with a printing apparatus so that the selected image can be printed smoothly.SOLUTION: A label creation application 20 incorporated in a device 10 acquires type information of a cartridge 40 attached to a printing apparatus 30 to be controlled by the device 10. Then, among images (label data) stored in the device 10, the application searches for and extracts an image that satisfies the acquired type information based on search information 74 stored in association with the image. The application displays a list of the extracted images and accepts selection of an image to be printed from among the images displayed in the list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a program installed in an information processing apparatus, and pertains to a technology that allows a user to select label data to be printed from among a plurality of label data.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a known technology in which label data for printing on a label printer in advance is stored, and then the user is allowed to select the label data to be printed from among the stored label data, and the selected label data is read out. For example, in Patent Document 1, in a tape printing apparatus, editing data based on input information is registered as a file, and further, the user is allowed to select a file to be printed from among the registered files in the tape printing apparatus, and a configuration for reading out the selected file is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, an application program installed in an information processing apparatus that can communicate with a label printer and is compatible with various label printers is known. In such an application program, label data corresponding to various media that can be attached to the label printer can be created.

[0005] However, in the above-described application program, since it handles label data corresponding to various media, when the user selects label data to be printed from among the label data stored in advance, the label data may not correspond to the characteristics of the media installed in the label printer. In that case, even if an attempt is made to print the selected label data as it is, the printing of the label data will not be performed immediately.

[0006] This specification discloses an application program that realizes a function of allowing a user to select label data to be printed from among label data stored in advance in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a label printer, and a technology capable of smoothly printing the selected label data.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] In a program made for the purpose of solving the above-described problems, it is a program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, and the program corresponds to a plurality of models of label printers. Cause the computer to execute a media acquisition process for acquiring first media information indicating the characteristics of the media installed in the currently selected label printer as a control target, and an extraction process for extracting label data associated with second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among a plurality of label data stored in a predetermined storage area, and the second media information indicating the characteristics of the corresponding media is associated with the label data stored in the predetermined storage area. Furthermore, cause the computer to execute a display process for displaying a list of the label data extracted in the extraction process on the user interface of the information processing apparatus, and a selection process for allowing the user to select the label data to be printed from among the label data extracted in the extraction process using the user interface. is characterized by.

[0008] According to the above-described configuration, the label data listed as options for the label data to be printed is limited to the label data corresponding to the medium mounted on the currently selected label printer. As a result, label data that does not correspond to the medium mounted on the currently selected label printer is not selected as the printing target. As a result, it is less likely that an error regarding a medium mismatch will occur, and the possibility that the selected label data will be printed immediately is increased.

Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, an application program that realizes a function of allowing a user to select label data to be printed from among label data stored in advance in an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a label printer is provided, and a technology that enables smooth printing of the selected label data is realized.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the printing system in which the present invention is implemented will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment.

[0012] The printing system 1 is composed of a device 10 and a printing device 30. The device 10 is composed of a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc., and is an example of an information processing device. Also, the type of the device may be composed of, for example, a personal computer instead of a smartphone, a tablet computer, etc. Note that the printing device 30 is an example of a label printer.

[0013] The device 10 has a control unit 11. The control unit 11 is responsible for the center of control for the device 10. The control unit 11 includes a CPU 12, a ROM 13, and a RAM 14. The CPU 12 is a central processing unit that executes various control programs and is an example of a computer. The ROM 13 stores various control programs executed by the CPU 12 and permanent data. The RAM 23 temporarily stores the calculation results of control programs by the CPU 12. Note that the control unit 11 in FIG. 1 is a general term for the hardware and software used for the control of the device 10, and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware actually existing in the device 10.

[0014] In addition, the device 10 has a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 15, a camera 16, and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF") 17. The communication IF 15 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as a printing device 30 and a server 50 via a local area network N. The communication method of the communication IF 15 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc. Note that the device 10 of this embodiment may have a function of connecting to the Internet via the communication IF 15. In that case, the printing device 30 and the server 50 may be connected via the Internet.

[0015] The camera 16 is connected to the control unit 11 and can capture an arbitrary subject. Further, the camera 16 includes hardware having an imaging function, and may be incorporated in the main body of the device 10 or may be separate and connectable to the device 10.

[0016] The user IF 17 is constituted by a touch panel having both a display function and an operation reception function, and is connected to the control unit 11. The user IF 17 is an example of a display unit and an example of an input interface. Note that the user IF 17 may include a combination of a display for displaying information and a keyboard, a mouse, etc. for receiving an input operation by the user.

[0017] In addition, the device 10 has a storage device 18. As the storage device 18, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive) can be used. The storage device 18 stores an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") 19, a label creation application program (hereinafter referred to as "label creation app") 20, an image database (hereinafter referred to as "image DB") 21, a print history database (hereinafter referred to as "print history DB") 22, and the like.

[0018] OS19 is, for example, any one of Windows (registered trademark), macOS (registered trademark), Linux (registered trademark), iOS (registered trademark), and Android (registered trademark).

[0019] The label creation application 20 is a program for creating various labels using the printing device 30. The label creation application 20 is an example of a program. The label creation application 20 receives instructions from the user such as creation, editing, and printing of an image to be printed by the printing device 30, and based on the received instructions, executes display of the image on the user IF17 and transmission of a print job to the printing device 30.

[0020] In addition, the label creation application 20 can receive instructions from the user and select the printing device 30 that executes printing. Note that the label creation application 20 may be an independently executable program based on the user's execution instruction, or may be a program called and executed from another program, for example, various programs such as a document creation program, a spreadsheet program, and a web browser program during the execution of those programs.

[0021] The image DB 21 is a storage area that stores various image data used in the label creation application 20. In the image DB 21, for example, a plurality of template images displayed in the label creation application 20, a plurality of usage example images showing respective usage examples corresponding to each template image, and edited images obtained by the user editing the template images are stored. Note that each of the image data of the template image, the usage example image, and the edited image is an example of label data, and the image DB 21 is an example of the first storage area and the third storage area.

[0022] The template image used in the label creation application 20 is image data in the form of a template for label creation, and includes, for example, a character string, a code image, a frame image, and a sample of an illustration. Note that the image data stored in the image DB 21 may be stored permanently or may be acquired from the server 50 or the like as needed.

[0023] The print history DB22 is a storage area that stores image data printed by the printing device 30. Note that the print history DB22 is an example of a second storage area.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing an example of a printing device. That is, in FIG. 2, the printing device 30 generally includes a cartridge holder 31 that houses a cartridge 40, a printing unit 32 having a print head (for example, a thermal head) 321, a cutting unit 33, a control unit 34, a storage unit 35, and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "communication IF") 36. The printing device 30 is connected to the device 10 via the communication IF 36. Note that the communication method of the communication IF 36 may be wireless or wired, and may be any standard method such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB, LAN, etc.

[0025] In this embodiment, the printing device 30 is a label creating device capable of printing on a long film wound and stored in the cartridge 40.

[0026] The print head 321 includes a number of heating elements and is attached to a head attachment portion (not shown) erected at the cartridge holder 31 portion.

[0027] The cartridge holder 31 is formed in the housing of the printing device 30 and detachably houses the cartridge 40.

[0028] The cartridge 40 includes a cartridge housing 401, a long base tape 402 wound around a first roll, a long transparent cover film 403 having substantially the same width as the base tape 402 and wound around a second roll, an ink ribbon 404 having substantially the same width as the base tape 402, wound and held on a ribbon supply side roll, and wound by a ribbon take-up roller, and a tape feed roller 405 rotatably supported near the tape discharge portion of the cartridge 40.

[0029] Note that a base tape 402 is adhered to a cover film 403 to form a printing medium T. Further, a thermal transfer ribbon or the like is used for the ink ribbon 404, but it is not necessary when the tape to be printed is a thermal tape. Further, although detailed drawings are omitted, the base tape 402 has, for example, a four-layer structure. For example, from the side wound on the inside toward the opposite side, an adhesive layer made of an appropriate adhesive, a colored base film (base material layer) made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, an adhesive layer for attachment made of an appropriate adhesive, and a release paper are laminated in this order.

[0030] On the other hand, a roller holder (not shown) is pivotally supported by a support shaft on the housing of the printing device near the cartridge holder 31 and can be switched between a printing position (contact position) and a release position (separation position) by a switching mechanism. A platen roller 37 and a tape pressure contact roller 38 are rotatably disposed on this roller holder. When the roller holder is switched to the printing position, the platen roller 37 and the tape pressure contact roller 38 are pressed against the printing head 321 and the tape feed roller 405.

[0031] Note that the platen roller 37 and the tape pressure contact roller 38 are rotationally driven by a driving device (not shown) such as a motor whose rotation is controlled by the control unit 34.

[0032] Therefore, when the platen roller 37 is rotationally driven in a state where the roller holder is positioned at the printing position (contact position) by the switching mechanism, the cover film 403 and the ink ribbon 404 are supplied between the platen roller 37 and the printing head 321 in a combined state as the platen roller 37 rotates. In this state, the control unit 34 causes heat generation by sequentially energizing a plurality of heating elements (corresponding to dots) of the printing head 321. As a result, printing based on the print data is sequentially performed along the conveyance direction on the back surface of the cover film 403. Thereafter, the cover film 403 is conveyed toward the tape pressure contact roller 38.

[0033] Thereafter, the printed cover film 403 is conveyed between the tape pressure contact roller 38 and the tape feed roller 405 in a state of being combined with the base tape 402. Next, as the tape pressure contact roller 38 rotates, the tape pressure contact roller 38 and the tape feed roller 405 press and bond the base tape 402 and the printed cover film 403 to form the printed medium T, and convey the printed medium T in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2 (left direction in FIG. 2). Note that the printed medium T is an example of the medium.

[0034] The cutting part 33 is arranged near the tape discharge part of the cartridge 40 and has a function of fully cutting the printed medium T. The cutting part 33 includes a fixed blade 331 and a movable blade 332, and the movable blade 332 includes a drive mechanism (not shown) controlled by the control part 34. Therefore, when the control part 34 moves the movable blade 332 toward the fixed blade 331 via the drive mechanism, the movable blade 332 cooperates with the fixed blade 331 to cut all layers of the printed medium T (the cover film 403 and the base tape 402 described above) in the thickness direction to create the label L.

[0035] Then, the cut label L is discharged out of the housing through a discharge port (not shown) formed in the housing of the printing device 30.

[0036] In this embodiment, as the cartridge 40, there are a plurality of types of cartridges 40 in which the type, tape width, color of the printed medium T (label L), and the color of the characters printed on the printed medium T are different from each other.

[0037] Specifically, as the type of the medium to be printed T, for example, as described above, there is a so-called laminate type in which the medium to be printed T is composed of a base tape 402 and a cover film 403. In addition to this, as the type of the medium to be printed T, there is a so-called self-laminating type which is the same as the laminate type but the printing position of the characters is offset to one side in the vertical direction. Also, there is a so-called vinyl tube type in which a vinyl tube (not shown) is used instead of the cover film 403 and the base tape 402 is eliminated. Further, there is a so-called heat shrink tube type in which a heat shrink tube type (not shown) is used instead of the cover film 403 and the base tape 402 is eliminated. Of course, in addition to the above, as the types of the medium to be printed T, there may be various types such as a thermal transfer type or a cloth type using a hot melt type adhesive as an adhesive layer for pasting, other than the types described above.

[0038] Also, as the sheet width of the medium to be printed T (the width perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the medium to be printed T), for example, there are types such as 36 mm, 24 mm, 18 mm, 12 mm, etc., and even if the configuration of the medium to be printed T (label L) is the same, there is a cartridge 40 corresponding to the type of the tape width. Of course, the sheet width may be greater than 36 mm or may be less than 12 mm.

[0039] Also, as the color of the medium to be printed T, for example, in the laminate type medium to be printed T, the color of the base tape 402 is different. Specifically, as the color of the base tape 402, there are colors such as white, red, yellow, blue, etc. Also, in the tube type medium to be printed T, as the color of the tube, there are colors such as white, red, yellow, blue, etc. Also, in the heat shrink type medium to be printed T, as the color of the heat shrink tube, there are colors such as white, red, yellow, blue, etc.

[0040] In addition, as the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T, for example, as the color of the ink ribbon 404, there are colors such as black, red, yellow, and blue. Therefore, the type of the cartridge 40 is specified by a combination of the type of the printing medium T, the sheet width of the printing medium T, the color of the printing medium T, and the color of the characters on the printing medium T. Note that the first media information is configured by a combination of the type of the printing medium T, the sheet width of the printing medium T, the color of the printing medium T, and the color of the characters on the printing medium T.

[0041] The cartridge 40 is provided with an IC tag 406, and type information corresponding to a plurality of types of the cartridge 40 is recorded in the IC tag 406. Specifically, in the IC tag 406, as the type information, the type of the printing medium T, the sheet width of the printing medium T, the color of the printing medium T, and the color of the characters on the printing medium T, which are actually loaded in the cartridge 40, are respectively stored. Alternatively, as the type information, model number information that can distinguish them is stored.

[0042] In the cartridge 40 shown in FIG. 2 of this embodiment, as the type of the printing medium T, the laminate type, as the sheet width of the printing medium T, 24 mm, as the color of the printing medium T, white, and as the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T, black, are recorded in the IC tag 406 as the type information.

[0043] The printing device 30 is provided with a reading sensor 39 at a portion corresponding to the IC tag 406 of the cartridge holder 31 in a state where the cartridge 40 is housed. Therefore, the control unit 34 reads out the type information of the cartridge 40 recorded in the IC tag 406 via the reading sensor 39 and stores it in the storage unit 35. Note that the timing at which the control unit 34 reads out the type information of the cartridge 40 from the IC tag 406 may be, for example, the timing when the cartridge 40 is attached to the cartridge holder 31 by the user, or the timing when there is a request for the type information of the cartridge 40 from the device 10.

[0044] Further, the control unit 34 acquires a print job from the device 10 and stores the print job in a storage unit 35 such as a RAM. Note that a print material (label) creation program according to the present embodiment is also stored in the storage unit 35 and is processed by the control unit 34.

[0045] In the printing system 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of types of printing devices 30 can be connected to the device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, each printing device 30 is classified into non - compatible, compatible, and recommended according to the type of the printing medium T and the sheet width of the printing medium T.

[0046] As described above, the cartridge 40 shown in FIG. 2 of this embodiment is of the laminate type as the type of the printing medium T and has a sheet width of 24 mm for the printing medium T. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, it can be mounted on the cartridge holder 31 of any model of the printing device 30. In particular, as the model names of the printing devices 30, PT - E5××× and PT - P7××× are the recommended models.

[0047] The explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS. 4(A) to 4(C) are explanatory diagrams for explaining a series of processes for a user to create an edited image by editing a plurality of template images and usage example images stored in the image DB 21. The explanatory diagrams are display screens displayed on the user IF 17 of the device 10 by the label creation application 20. Note that the plurality of template images and usage example images may include various template images and usage example images defined by various standards, which were created in advance by the manufacturer of the printing device 30.

[0048] FIG. 4(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a creation screen 71 displayed on the user IF 17 of the device 10 by the label creation application 20. The creation screen 71 is displayed when the user taps a creation button displayed on a home screen (not shown) displayed on the user IF 17. Note that this process is an example of an acceptance process.

[0049] On the creation screen 71 shown in Fig. 4(A), a selection area 711 for selecting the type of the printing medium T, a new creation button 712, a creation button 713, a my label button 714, etc. are displayed. In this embodiment, in the selection area 711, types such as "self-laminating", "heat shrink tape", "PVC tape", "laminate", etc. are displayed as the type of the printing medium T. Also, the user can select one type of the printing medium T by tapping on the display area.

[0050] For example, here, when the user taps on the display area of "self-laminating", the template image selection screen 72 shown in Fig. 4(B) is displayed on the user IF17 of the device 10. Also, an image selection area 721, a new self-laminating creation button 722, etc. are respectively displayed on the template image selection screen 72.

[0051] In the image selection area 721, all the template images and usage example images belonging to "self-laminating" as the type of the printing medium T are read from the image DB21 and displayed as thumbnail images 723.

[0052] Thus, in this embodiment, since all the template images and usage example images belonging to "self-laminating" as the type of the printing medium T are displayed as thumbnail images 723 in the image selection area 721, it becomes easier for the user to select the target template image and usage example image.

[0053] Note that in this embodiment, all the template images and usage example images belonging to "self-laminating" are displayed as corresponding thumbnail images 723. However, the type information of the cartridge 40 mounted on the cartridge holder 31 of the printing device 30 connected to the device 10 can be acquired, and only the template images and usage example images that match the type information can be read from the image DB21 and displayed in the image selection area 721 as thumbnail images 723, which is also acceptable.

[0054] In this case, when selecting the template image and the example image, currently, only the template image and the example image corresponding to the type of the cartridge 40 mounted on the cartridge holder 31 from the printing device 30 are displayed in the image selection area 721. Therefore, there is no risk that the user will select a template image and an example image that cannot be printed immediately, improving convenience.

[0055] In addition, the image corresponding characters 724 respectively displayed below each thumbnail image 723 represent the type of the printing medium T and the size of the printing medium T when the template image and the example image corresponding to each thumbnail image 723 are printed. For example, in FIG. 4(B), the image corresponding character 724 of "SL 1line_24×20_0015" displayed below the thumbnail image 723 displayed at the uppermost part of the image selection area 721 is the template image and the example image used for printing on the self-laminating type of printing medium T. As characters, it is composed of one line. Also, it represents that the size of the printing medium T when the template image and the example image are printed is such that the tape width is 24 mm and the tape length is 20 mm.

[0056] Therefore, by looking at the thumbnail image 723 and the image corresponding character 724 displayed below it, the user can understand the template image and the example image including the size. Therefore, the convenience when the user selects the thumbnail image 723 is improved.

[0057] In FIG. 4(B), when the user taps the thumbnail image 723 in the image selection area 721, for example, the thumbnail image 723 displayed at the uppermost part, the editing screen 73 shown in FIG. 4(C) is displayed on the user IF17 of the device 10. And on the editing screen 73, an editing area 731, a tape width selection button 732, a tape length selection button 733, a color selection button 734, a database connection button 735, a return button 736, a save button 737, a print button 738, etc. are displayed.

[0058] In the editing area 731, the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 corresponding to the thumbnail image 723 selected on the template image selection screen 72 shown in FIG. 4(B) is displayed. Therefore, the user can edit the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 as needed via the user IF17. Specifically, characters and the like of the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 can be changed.

[0059] At this time, the user can change the tape width by tapping the tape width selection button 732. Also, the user can change the tape length by tapping the tape length selection button 733. Further, the user can change the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T by tapping the color selection button 734.

[0060] In this embodiment, the color selection button 734 is configured to be able to select collectively as a combination of the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T. Therefore, the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T cannot be selected independently, but they may be configured to be able to be selected independently. Note that the state shown in FIG. 4(C) shows a state in which 24 mm is selected as the tape width, 20 mm is selected as the tape length, white is selected as the color of the printing medium T, and black is selected as the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T.

[0061] Also, the user can cancel the editing on the editing screen 73 and return to the original state by tapping on the back button 736. Also, the user can store the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 edited on the editing screen 73 as an edited image together with the file name in the image DB 21 by tapping on the save button 737. Also, when the user taps on the database connection button 735, the characters inserted into the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 can be obtained from the database file. The database file is obtained from the server 50 or the like. Note that this process is an example of the label creation process.

[0062] Also, the user can print the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 edited on the editing screen 73 by the printing device 30 connected to the device 10 by tapping on the print button 738. At this time, the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 edited on the editing screen 73 can be stored in the print history DB 22 together with the file name as a print history image.

[0063] Also, in this embodiment, when the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 is stored in any of the image DB 21, the print history DB 22, and the server 50, the search information 74 is stored in an associated manner. That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the search information 74 is composed of the type of the printing medium T, the tape width of the printing medium T at the time of printing, the tape length, the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T, and the model name of the printing device 30. Note that the search information 74 is an example of the second media information. Also, the model name of the printing device 30 is stored when the user taps on the print button 738 and the template image 739 or the usage example image 739 edited on the editing screen 73 is printed by the printing device 30 connected to the device 10.

[0064] The explanatory diagrams shown in FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are explanatory diagrams for explaining a series of processes for printing after a user edits an edited image stored in the image DB 21 and a print history image stored in the print history DB 22 as needed to create an edited image. The explanatory diagrams are display screens displayed on the user IF 17 of the device 10 by the label creation app 20.

[0065] FIG. 6(A) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a selection screen 81 displayed on the user IF 17 of the device 10, and is displayed when the user taps the my label button 714 displayed on the screen in the creation screen 71 shown in FIG. 4(A).

[0066] On the selection screen 81 shown in FIG. 6(A), a display area 811, a save label selection button 812 for displaying an example image or an edited image stored in the image DB 21 in the display area 811, and a print history selection button 813 for displaying a print history image stored in the print history DB 22 in the display area 811, and a menu button 814 are respectively displayed.

[0067] The selection screen 81 shown in FIG. 6(A) shows a state in which the save label selection button 812 is selected, and this state is the initial state. Therefore, a plurality of edited images stored in the image DB 21 are displayed as thumbnail images 815 in the display area 811 of the selection screen 81. Also, when the user taps the print history selection button 813, the print history image stored in the print history DB 22 is displayed as a thumbnail image (not shown) in the display area 811. Also, below each thumbnail image 815, the file name 816 of the example image or edited image corresponding to each thumbnail image 815 is displayed. Also, below the thumbnail image of the print history image, the file name of the print history image (not shown) is similarly displayed.

[0068] Also, after the user taps the menu button 814 and selects the filtering search function, a pop-up screen 82 shown in FIG. 6(B) is displayed on the selection screen 81. On the pop-up screen 82, a display order selection button 821 for selecting the display order, a filtering execution button 822 for executing the filtering search, and a condition selection button 823 for selecting whether to add the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters printed on the print medium T as search conditions are respectively displayed.

[0069] The state shown in FIG. 6(B) indicates a state where the user has selected the update date and time order by tapping the display order selection button 821, and the user has selected to add the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters printed on the print medium T as search conditions by tapping the condition selection button 823. In a state where it is selected to add the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters printed on the print medium T as search conditions, when the user taps the condition selection button 823 again, adding the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters printed on the print medium T as search conditions is cancelled. Note that this process is an example of the setting process.

[0070] Thus, in this embodiment, since the user can select whether to add the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters printed on the print medium T as search conditions, the search conditions can be changed according to whether it is necessary to create the label L in strict accordance with the purpose of printing, that is, the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters printed on the print medium T, improving the convenience.

[0071] The search result display screen 83 shown in FIG. 6(C) is displayed when the user taps the narrowing-down execution button 822 shown in FIG. 6(B). That is, the search result display screen 83 includes a search result display area 831. In the search result display area 831, in the narrowing-down search executed by the user tapping the narrowing-down execution button 822, the search result images that hit the search conditions are displayed as thumbnail images 832. Also, below the thumbnail image 832, the file name 833 of the search result image is displayed.

[0072] In this embodiment, in the cartridge 40 attached to the printing apparatus, as the type of the printing medium T, the laminate type, as the sheet width of the printing medium T, 24 mm, as the color of the printing medium T, white, and as the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T, black, are stored in the IC tag 406 as type information. Therefore, the search result images that match the type information are displayed as thumbnail images 832.

[0073] Also, in this embodiment, in a state where adding the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T as search conditions is canceled, when the user taps the narrowing-down execution button 822, among the type information, the search result images in which the type and the sheet width of the printing medium T match are displayed as thumbnail images 832.

[0074] Here, when the user taps one of the thumbnail images 832 of the search result images displayed in the search result display area 831, the screen shifts to the editing screen 73 shown in FIG. 4(C). Here, similar to the template image 739 described above, the user can edit the selected search result image via the user IF17 as needed.

[0075] Further, the user can print the search result image edited on the editing screen 73 by tapping on the print button 738 using the printing device 30 connected to the device 10. At this time, the search result image edited on the editing screen 73 can be stored in the print history DB 22 together with the file name as a print history image.

[0076] Also, the user can store the search result image edited on the editing screen 73 in the image DB 21 together with the file name as an edited image by tapping on the save button 737.

[0077] Next, regarding the procedure of the search process executed on the device 10 in the printing system 1 of this embodiment, its details will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Note that the search process is executed by the CPU 12 of the device 10 and is repeatedly executed at a predetermined interval after the user taps the menu button 814 and selects the narrowing-down search function. Also, the search process of this embodiment is a process by the label creation application 20.

[0078] In the search process, first, in S10 shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 12 determines whether the user has tapped the narrowing-down execution button 822 shown in FIG. 6(B). Here, when the user taps the narrowing-down execution button 822, the CPU 12 determines that the user has tapped the narrowing-down execution button 822 (S10: YES) and proceeds to the next S11.

[0079] On the other hand, if the user has not tapped the narrowing-down execution button 822, the CPU 12 determines that the user has not tapped the narrowing-down execution button 822 (S10: NO), and then proceeds to the next S12 where the CPU 12 executes other processes.

[0080] Next, in S11, the CPU 12 determines whether the printing device 30 is connected. Here, if the printing device 30 selected by the user in the label creation application 20 is connected to the device 10, the CPU 12 determines that the printing device 30 is connected (S11: YES) and proceeds to the next S13. Note that the processing of S11 is an example of a determination process.

[0081] On the other hand, if the printing device 30 selected by the user in the label creation application 20 is not connected to the device 10, the CPU 12 determines that the printing device 30 is not connected (S11: NO) and proceeds to the next S14. Then, in S14, after the CPU 12 displays an error message "Printing device not connected" on the display unit of the user IF 17, this search process ends. Note that the processing of S14 is an example of a notification process.

[0082] As described above, in this embodiment, when the printing device 30 is not connected to the device 10, a plurality of edited images stored in the image DB 21 are not displayed as thumbnail images 815 in the display area 811 of the selection screen 81 shown in FIG. 6(A). Therefore, the user cannot select an image that cannot be printed, improving convenience.

[0083] In this embodiment, when the printing device 30 is not connected, an error message "Printing device not connected" is displayed on the display unit of the user IF 17. However, other notification modes such as outputting voice guidance for notification or displaying a warning lamp or the like on the screen for notification may be used instead.

[0084] Next, in S13, the type information of the cartridge 40 is acquired from the printing device 30 connected to the device 10 and stored in the RAM 14 or the storage device 18. Here, the type information of the cartridge 40 is the information that the control unit 34 of the printing device 30 reads from the IC tag 406 via the reading sensor 39 and stores in the storage unit 35. Note that the process of S13 is an example of media acquisition processing. Also, at this time, in addition to the type information of the cartridge 40 from the printing device 30, the model name information of the printing device 30 may be acquired. Note that the model name information of the printing device 30 is an example of the first model information.

[0085] Next, in S15, the CPU 12 determines whether the type information of the cartridge 40 has been acquired. Here, if the type information of the cartridge 40 has been normally acquired in the previous S13, the CPU 12 determines that the type information of the cartridge 40 has been acquired (S15: YES) and proceeds to the next S16.

[0086] Next, in S16, the CPU 12 searches for and extracts an image that matches the type information of the cartridge 40. In this embodiment, as the type information of the cartridge 40, as the type of the printing medium T, the laminate type, as the sheet width of the printing medium T, 24 mm, as the color of the printing medium T, white, and as the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T, black, are stored in the RAM 14 or the storage device 18. Therefore, based on the search information 74 shown in FIG. 5, an edited image that satisfies the type information of the cartridge 40 is searched for and extracted. Note that the process of S16 is an example of extraction processing.

[0087] Note that in this embodiment, it is configured to search for and extract an edited image that satisfies the type information of the cartridge 40, but it may be configured to search for and extract an edited image based on the type information of the cartridge 40 and the information of the printing device, specifically the model name.

[0088] In this case, when the printing device is also limited in the edited image, it becomes possible to appropriately extract the edited image that matches the printing device.

[0089] Next, in S17, the CPU 12 determines whether the condition selection button 823 is selected. Here, if the user has not tapped the condition selection button 823, the CPU 12 determines that the condition selection button 823 is not selected (S17: NO) and proceeds to the next S18.

[0090] Next, in S18, the CPU 12 additionally extracts usage example images and edited images where only the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters do not match, and after adding them to the edited image extracted in S16, proceeds to the next S19.

[0091] That is, in this embodiment, the extraction process in S16 searches using the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters printed on the printing medium T as search conditions. Therefore, among the type information of the cartridge 40, usage example images and edited images where the type of the printing medium T and the sheet width of the printing medium T match, but the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters do not match, are not extracted. Thus, when the condition selection button 823 is not selected, after adding the edited image where the type of the printing medium T and the sheet width of the printing medium T match, but the color of the printing medium T and the color of the characters do not match, among the type information of the cartridge 40, to the image extracted in S16, the process proceeds to the next S19. Note that the process of S18 is an example of the extraction process.

[0092] On the other hand, in S17, if the CPU 12 determines that the condition selection button 823 is selected (S17: YES), it proceeds to the next S19.

[0093] Next, in S19, after the CPU 12 displays the extracted image on the display unit of the user IF 17, it proceeds to S31 shown in the following FIG. 8. That is, in this embodiment, among the plurality of edited images stored in the image DB 21, the edited images that can be printed by the cartridge 40 mounted on the printing apparatus 30 currently connected to the device 10 are displayed as thumbnail images 832 indicating the search results in the search result display area 831 of the search result display screen 83 shown in FIG. 6(C). Note that the process of S19 is an example of a display process.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, since the edited images that can be printed by the cartridge 40 mounted on the printing apparatus 30 currently connected to the device 10 are displayed as search results in the search result display area 831, the possibility of printing by the printing apparatus 30 currently connected to the device 10 is increased, and the convenience is improved.

[0095] On the other hand, in S15, when the type information of the cartridge 40 could not be normally acquired in the previous S13, the CPU 12 determines that the type information of the cartridge 40 could not be acquired (S15: NO) and proceeds to the next S20.

[0096] Next, in S20, after the CPU 12 displays an error message "Failed to acquire cartridge type information" on the display unit of the user IF 17, it proceeds to the next S21.

[0097] Note that in this embodiment, when the type information of the cartridge 40 could not be normally acquired, an error message "Failed to acquire cartridge type information" is displayed on the display unit of the user IF 17. However, other notification modes such as outputting voice guidance for notification or displaying a warning lamp or the like on the screen for notification may be used instead.

[0098] Next, in S21, the CPU 12 extracts, from among the plurality of edited images stored in the image DB 21, an edited image that matches the information of the printing device 30 currently connected to the device 10, specifically the model name, based on the search information 74 shown in FIG. 5, and then proceeds to S19. As described above, in S19, the CPU 12 displays the extracted edited image in the search result display area 831 of the search result display screen 83 shown in FIG. 6(C) as an edited image printable by the printing device 30 currently connected to the device 10 (search result image shown in the thumbnail image 832).

[0099] In this case, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, when the model of the printing device 30 is specified, the type of the cartridge 40 that can be mounted on the printing device 30 is specified. Therefore, in S21, the CPU 12 may be configured to search for and extract a wide range of printable usage example images and edited images based on the specified type information of the cartridge 40 and the search information 74 shown in FIG. 5.

[0100] As described above, in the present embodiment, since the edited image printable by the printing device 30 currently connected to the device 10 is displayed in the search result display area 831, the possibility of printing by the printing device 30 currently connected to the device 10 is increased, and the convenience is improved.

[0101] Next, in S31 shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 12 determines whether an image has been selected. That is, in the present embodiment, when the user taps one of the thumbnail images 832 displayed in the search result display area 831 of the search result display screen 83 shown in FIG. 6(C), the CPU 12 determines that an image has been selected (S31: YES) and proceeds to the next S32.

[0102] On the other hand, if the user has not tapped the thumbnail image 832 displayed in the search result display area 831 of the search result display screen 83 shown in FIG. 6(C), in S31, the CPU 12 determines that no image has been selected (S31: NO) and proceeds to the next S33. Then, in S33, the CPU 12 determines whether any other operation has been received. Here, if the user has not tapped any part of the display unit of the user IF 17, the CPU 12 determines that no other operation has been received (S33: NO) and returns to S31. Also, if the user has tapped any part of the display unit of the user IF 17, the CPU 12 determines that another operation has been received (S33: YES), and in the next S34, the CPU 12 executes other processing.

[0103] Next, in S32, the CPU 12 displays the search result image shown in the one thumbnail image 832 selected by the user's tap on the display unit of the user IF 17 and accepts editing by the user. That is, in this embodiment, one search result image selected by the user's tap is displayed on the editing screen 73 shown in FIG. 4(C). Then, the user can edit the search result image selected by the user as needed via the user IF 17.

[0104] Next, in S35, the CPU 12 determines whether printing has been selected. That is, in this embodiment, when the user taps on the print button 738 displayed on the editing screen 73 shown in FIG. 4(C), the CPU 12 determines that printing has been selected (S35: YES) and proceeds to the next S36.

[0105] On the other hand, if the user does not tap on the print button 738, the CPU 12 determines that printing is not selected (S35: NO) and proceeds to the next S37. In S37, the CPU 12 determines whether it has received any other operations. Here, if the user has not tapped on any part of the display section of the user IF 17, the CPU 12 determines that it has not received any other operations (S37: NO) and returns to S35. Also, if the user has tapped on any part of the display section of the user IF 17, the CPU 12 determines that it has received other operations (S37: YES), and in the next S38, the CPU 12 executes other processes.

[0106] Next, in S36, the CPU 12 determines whether the condition selection button 823 is selected. Here, if the user has not tapped on the condition selection button 823, the CPU 12 determines that the condition selection button 823 is not selected (S36: NO) and proceeds to the next S39.

[0107] Next, in S39, the CPU 12 changes the color of the print medium T of the image and the color of the text to the color of the print medium T of the image and the color of the text included in the cartridge type information, and proceeds to the next S40. The process of S39 is an example of a change process.

[0108] Specifically, in a state where the user does not tap on the condition selection button 823, when the narrowing execution button 822 for executing a narrowing search is tapped, among the search result images displayed in the search result display area 831 of the search result display screen 83 shown in FIG. 6(C), there may be search result images that match the type of the print medium T and the sheet width of the print medium T among the type information of the cartridge 40, but do not match the color of the print medium T and the color of the text. In that case, printing is not possible with the cartridge 40 currently installed in the printing apparatus 30. Therefore, the color of the print medium T of the search result image and the color of the text are changed to the color of the print medium T of the image and the color of the text included in the cartridge type information.

[0109] Thus, in this embodiment, when the user does not tap the condition selection button 823, the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters in the search result image are changed to the color of the print medium T and the color of the characters included in the cartridge type information. Therefore, the possibility of printing in the printing apparatus 30 is improved, and the convenience is improved.

[0110] Next, in S40, the CPU 12 transmits the print job of the image selected by the user to the printing apparatus 30 and stores the image selected by the user in the print history DB 22. Specifically, after transmitting the print job of the search result image selected by the user among the search result images to the printing apparatus 30 and storing the search result image selected by the user among the search result images in the print history DB 22, this process ends. Note that the process of S40 is an example of a transmission process and a history storage process.

[0111] Thus, in this embodiment, since the image printed after the user makes a selection is stored in the print history DB 22, on the selection screen 81 shown in FIG. 6(A), by tapping the print history selection button 813, the image for which printing has been completed can be searched again and used, improving the convenience for the user.

[0112] Note that this embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be variously improved and modified without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the devices 10 and the printing apparatus 30 constituting the printing system 1 of this embodiment are not limited to one, and there may be a plurality of them.

[0113] Also, in this embodiment, thumbnail images are displayed in FIGS. 4(B) and 6(A) to (C), but it is not limited thereto, and for example, the file name, words associated with the image, associated images, etc. may be displayed.

[0114] In addition, in this embodiment, the printing device 30 is a printing label creating device capable of printing on a long film wound and stored in the cartridge 40. However, in addition to plain paper, for example, a printing device 30 capable of printing on roll paper, laminated paper, labels, cardboard, cloth, etc. may also be used.

[0115] Also, in any processing procedure disclosed in the embodiment, in any plurality of steps, the plurality of processes can be arbitrarily changed in execution order or executed in parallel within a range where there is no contradiction in the processing content.

[0116] Also, the processing procedure disclosed in the embodiment may be executed by a single CPU, a plurality of CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Also, the processing procedure disclosed in the embodiment can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the processing, or a method.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0117] 1 Printing system 10 Device 30 Printing device 12 CPU 18 Storage device 15 Communication IF 17 User IF 40 Cartridge 74 Search information T Printed medium

Claims

1. A program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, the program corresponding to a plurality of models of label printers, causing the computer to perform media acquisition processing for acquiring first media information indicating characteristics of media mounted on a currently selected label printer as a control target, perform extraction processing for extracting label data associated with second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition processing from among a plurality of label data stored in a predetermined storage area, the second media information indicating characteristics of the corresponding media being associated with the label data stored in the predetermined storage area, further causing the computer to perform display processing for displaying a list of the label data extracted in the extraction processing on a user interface of the information processing apparatus, perform selection processing for causing a user to select, using the user interface, the label data to be printed from among the label data extracted in the extraction processing, further causing the computer to perform model acquisition processing for acquiring first model information indicating a model of a currently selected label printer as a control target, the second media information and second model information indicating a model of the corresponding label printer being associated with the label data stored in the predetermined storage area, in the extraction processing, when the acquisition of the first media information is successful in the media acquisition processing, extracting label data associated with the second media information and the second model information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition processing and the first model acquired in the model acquisition processing from among the plurality of label data stored in the predetermined storage area, when the acquisition of the first media information fails in the media acquisition processing, extracting label data associated with the second model information corresponding to the first model information acquired in the model acquisition processing from among the plurality of label data stored in the predetermined storage area, A program characterized by the above.

2. In the program according to claim 1, causing the computer to Execute a label creation process that accepts label editing using the user interface, creates label data indicating the edited label, and stores the created label data in a first storage area. The first storage area can store a plurality of the label data. In the extraction process, Extract label data associated with the second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among the plurality of label data stored in the first storage area which is the predetermined storage area. A program characterized by the above.

3. In the program according to claim 1, Cause the computer to Execute a transmission process of transmitting a print job based on the currently selected label data to the currently selected label printer, and Execute a history storage process of storing the currently selected label data in a second storage area when the print job is transmitted in the transmission process. The second storage area can store a plurality of the label data. In the extraction process, Extract label data associated with the second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among the plurality of label data stored in the second storage area which is the predetermined storage area. A program characterized by the above.

4. In the program according to claim 1, Cause the computer to Execute a reception process of accepting a display instruction for a template using the user interface, and in response to accepting the display instruction, execute the extraction process. A plurality of label data indicating label templates are stored in a third storage area. In the extraction process, Extract label data associated with the second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among the plurality of label data stored in the third storage area which is the predetermined storage area. A program characterized by the above.

5. In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, Cause the computer to When there is a display instruction to display a list of label data via the user interface, attempt communication with the currently selected label printer, and execute a determination process to determine whether the label printer is connected, and further cause the computer to, when it is determined in the determination process that the label printer is connected, execute the media acquisition process, the extraction process, and the display process, when it is determined in the determination process that the label printer is not connected, execute a notification process of notifying, using the user interface, that the currently selected label printer is not connected, and not execute the media acquisition process, the extraction process, and the display process, A program characterized by the above.

6. In the program according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, cause the computer to, execute a screen display process of displaying on the user interface a screen including an operator for receiving a display instruction of label data, and when the operator is operated, execute the extraction process and the display process, A program characterized by the above.

7. A program executable by a computer of an information processing apparatus, the program corresponding to a plurality of models of label printers, and cause the computer to, execute a media acquisition process of acquiring first media information indicating the characteristics of the media mounted on the currently selected label printer as a control target, and execute an extraction process of extracting label data associated with second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among a plurality of label data stored in a predetermined storage area, wherein the second media information indicating the characteristics of the corresponding media is associated with the label data stored in the predetermined storage area, and further cause the computer to, execute a display process of displaying the label data extracted in the extraction process in a list on the user interface of the information processing apparatus, and execute a selection process of allowing the user to select, using the user interface, the label data to be printed from among the label data extracted in the extraction process, and further, the characteristics of the media indicated by the first media information and the second media information include the color of the label. In the extraction process, from among the plurality of the label data stored in the predetermined storage area, label data associated with second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process is extracted, further, from among the plurality of the label data stored in the predetermined storage area, color-different label data which is label data associated with second media information where the color of the label does not match but other characteristics than the color of the label match among the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process is extracted, A program characterized by the above.

8. In the program according to Claim 7, the computer is caused to execute a setting process of accepting a setting as to whether to extract label data where the color of the label does not match and storing the accepted setting content, In the extraction process, from among the plurality of the label data stored in the predetermined storage area, label data associated with second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process is extracted, further, when the setting of extracting color-different label data is stored, color-different label data is extracted from among the plurality of the label data stored in the predetermined storage area, and when the setting of not extracting label data where the color of the label does not match is stored, the color-different label data is not extracted, A program characterized by the above.

9. In the program according to Claim 7 or Claim 8, the computer is caused to execute a change process of changing the color of the label among the second media information associated with the color-different label data to the color of the label indicated by the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process when the color-different label data is selected in the selection process, A program characterized by the above.

10. In the program according to Claim 7, the computer is caused to execute a label creation process of accepting editing of a label using the user interface, creating label data indicating the edited label, and storing the created label data in a first storage area, and the first storage area can store a plurality of the label data, In the extraction process, Extract label data associated with the second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among the plurality of label data stored in the first storage area which is the predetermined storage area. A program characterized by the above. **Claim 11** In the program according to claim 7, Cause the computer to perform a transmission process of transmitting a print job based on the currently selected label data to the currently selected label printer, and when the print job is transmitted in the transmission process, perform a history storage process of storing the currently selected label data in a second storage area, and the second storage area can store a plurality of the label data. In the extraction process, Extract label data associated with the second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among the plurality of label data stored in the second storage area which is the predetermined storage area. A program characterized by the above. **Claim 12** In the program according to claim 7, Cause the computer to execute a reception process of receiving a display instruction for a template using the user interface, and in response to receiving the display instruction, execute the extraction process. A plurality of label data indicating label templates are stored in a third storage area. In the extraction process, Extract label data associated with the second media information corresponding to the first media information acquired in the media acquisition process from among the plurality of label data stored in the third storage area which is the predetermined storage area. A program characterized by the above. **Claim 13** In the program according to any one of claims 7 to 12, Cause the computer to when there is a display instruction for instructing a list display of label data via the user interface, attempt communication with the currently selected label printer and execute a determination process for determining whether or not it is connected to the label printer. Furthermore, cause the computer to when it is determined in the determination process that it is connected to the label printer, execute the media acquisition process, the extraction process, and the display process. When it is determined in the determination process that the connection to the label printer is not established, a notification process is executed to perform a notification indicating that the connection to the currently selected label printer is not established using the user interface, and the media acquisition process, the extraction process, and the display process are not executed. A program characterized by the above.

14. In the program according to any one of Claims 7 to 13, on the computer, a screen display process is executed to display on the user interface a screen including an operator for receiving an instruction to display label data, and when the operator is operated, the extraction process and the display process are executed. A program characterized by the above.

Images