Computer program for a terminal device, terminal device, and method executed by a terminal device

Abstract

To provide a technique which can improve user-friendliness.SOLUTION: A computer program for a terminal device according to the present invention may cause a computer of the terminal device to function as each of the following parts, that is, a linkage part for, when linkage instructions including designation of a first field name and a second field name are acquired, generating a linkage field name including the first field name and the second field name, and a second display control unit for displaying a second database display region when the linkage instructions are acquired. The second database display region includes the first field name, first texts of m associated with the first field name, the second field name, second texts of m associated with the second field name, the linkage field name, and linkage texts of m. Each of the linkage texts of m has one first text and one second text.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a technology for causing a label printer to execute printing using a database file. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses database printing of labels. In database printing, data read from a database is arranged in a predetermined position and printed. In particular, Patent Document 1 discloses printing using a concatenated format obtained by concatenating two or more fields in a database. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-268388 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification provides a technology that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a computer program for a terminal device. The computer program includes a first display control unit that causes a computer of the terminal device to display, on a display unit of the terminal device, a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by the label file in a state in which the following components are present: a label file in which one or more object regions in which objects to be printed are defined, and a database file associated with the label file, the database file including a first field name, m first texts (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) associated with the first field name, a second field name, and m second texts associated with the second field name, the label editing screen including a label editing area for editing the label image and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file, the first database display area including the first field name and the m first texts associated with the first field name, a linking unit that generates a linked field name including the first field name and the second field name when a linking instruction including a designation of the first field name and the second field name is acquired on the label editing screen; a second display control unit that displays a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the linking instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area including the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the second field name, the m second texts associated with the second field name, the linked field name, and m linked texts, each of the m linked texts including one first text and one second text; and a second display control unit that displays a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the linking instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area including the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the second field name, the m second texts associated with the second field name, the linked field name, and m linked texts, each of the m linked texts including one first text and one second text.The device may also function as a print data generation unit that, when a print instruction that is an instruction to print using the label file is acquired, generates n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer between 1 and m) concatenated texts out of the m pieces of concatenated texts, wherein, in each of the n pieces of print data, the concatenated text corresponding to that print data is written in a first object area associated with the concatenated field name, and a transmission unit that transmits the n pieces of print data to a label printer.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device receives a linking instruction including a specification of a first field name and a second field name, the terminal device displays a second database display area including a linked field name including the first field name and the second field name and m pieces of linked text. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the linked field name and the m pieces of linked text by looking at the second database display area. This improves user convenience.

[0007] This specification also discloses another computer program for a terminal device. The computer program includes a first display control unit that causes a computer of the terminal device to display, on a display unit of the terminal device, a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by a label file in a state in which one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are defined and a database file associated with the label file, the database file including a first field name and m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) first texts associated with the first field name, the label editing screen including a label editing area for editing the label image and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file, the first database display area including the first field name and the m first texts associated with the first field name; and a first display control unit that causes a computer of the terminal device to display, on a display unit of the terminal device, a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by the label file in a state in which the following components are present: the label file defining one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are to be placed and a database file associated with the label file, the database file including a first field name and m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) first texts associated with the first field name; a concatenation unit that, when a concatenation instruction including a specification of a field name and an arbitrary character string is acquired, generates a concatenated field name including the first field name and the character string; a second display control unit that, when the concatenation instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, displays a second database display area in place of the first database display area, the second database display area including the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the concatenated field name, and m concatenated texts, each of the m concatenated texts including one first text and the character string; and a print data generation unit that, when a print instruction that is an instruction for printing using the label file is acquired after the concatenation instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, generates n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer between 1 and m) concatenated texts out of the m concatenated texts,The print data generating unit may function as the print data generating unit and the sending unit that sends the n pieces of print data to a label printer, which are described in a first object area associated with the linked field name.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the terminal device receives a linking instruction including a specification of a first field name and an arbitrary character string, the terminal device displays a second database display area including a linked field name including the first field name and the character string and m pieces of linked text. Therefore, the user can visually confirm the linked field name and m pieces of linked text by looking at the second database display area. This improves user convenience.

[0009] A computer-readable recording medium storing the computer program, a terminal device implemented by the computer program, and a method executed by the terminal device are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 shows the configuration of a communication system. [Figure 2] The screen transition diagram for Case A is shown below. [Figure 3] The screen transition diagram continues from Figure 2. [Figure 4] The screen transition diagram continues from Figure 3. [Figure 5] The screen transition diagram continues from Figure 4. [Figure 6] The screen transition diagram for Case B is shown below. [Figure 7] The screen transition diagram for Case C is shown below. [Figure 8] The screen transition diagram continues from Figure 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Communication system configuration; Figure 1) 1, the communication system 2 includes a mobile terminal 10 and a label printer 50. The mobile terminal 10 and the label printer 50 establish a wireless connection with an AP (abbreviation for Access Point) 6. Therefore, the mobile terminal 10 and the label printer 50 can communicate with each other via the AP 6.

[0012] In this embodiment, a user uses each device 10, 50 to generate labels to be affixed to managed objects. The labels are generated by the label printer 50 printing a label image on an adhesive sticker. The mobile terminal 10 generates a label file, which is a data file representing the label image, and transmits print data obtained from the label file to the label printer 50. In particular, in this embodiment, the mobile terminal 10 can cause the label printer 50 to print using a CSV (abbreviation for Comma Separated Value) file associated with the label file.

[0013] (Configuration of mobile terminal 10; Figure 1) The mobile terminal 10 is a portable terminal device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, PDA, notebook PC, tablet PC, etc. The mobile terminal 10 includes a display unit 12, a wireless LAN interface 14, and a control unit 20. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0014] The display unit 12 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 12 also functions as a so-called touch panel. Therefore, the user can input various instructions to the mobile terminal 10 by operating a plurality of keys displayed on the display unit 12. In other words, the display unit 12 also functions as an operation unit.

[0015] The wireless LAN I / F 14 is an I / F for performing Wi-Fi communication according to the Wi-Fi system, and establishes a wireless connection with the AP 6. The Wi-Fi system is a wireless communication system based on, for example, the IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11 standard and standards equivalent thereto (for example, 802.11a, 11b, 11g, 11n, 11ac, etc.).

[0016] The control unit 20 includes a CPU 22 and a memory 24. The CPU 22 executes various processes in accordance with an OS (short for Operating System) program 28, a print application 30, and the like stored in the memory 24. The memory 24 is composed of volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and the like. Hereinafter, the OS program 28 and the print application 30 will be referred to as the "OS 28" and the "print app 30," respectively.

[0017] The OS 28 is a program for controlling various basic operations of the mobile terminal 10. The print application 30 is an application for using the mobile terminal 10 to print labels on the label printer 50. The print application 30 is, for example, an application provided by the vendor of the label printer 50, and is installed on the mobile terminal 10 from a server (not shown) on the Internet.

[0018] The memory 24 also stores a label file LF1 and a csv file CF1. The csv file CF1 is associated with the label file LF1.

[0019] In the csv file CF1, multiple texts are arranged in a matrix. The first line (i.e., the top line) of the csv file CF1 describes field names (i.e., the field names "Number" and "Name"). The csv file CF1 includes multiple texts associated with the field name "Number" (i.e., the texts "1" and "2") and multiple texts associated with the field name "Name" (i.e., the texts "AAA" and "BBB"). Note that in this embodiment, each field name is associated with two texts, but the number of texts associated with each field name may be one, or three or more.

[0020] The label file LF1 includes an object table OT and csv information CI. In the object table OT, object names indicating object areas (described later) are associated with field names. The csv information CI is information for identifying the csv file CF1 associated with the label file LF1 (for example, information indicating the file path of the csv file CF1).

[0021] (Configuration of label printer 50; Figure 1) The label printer 50 is a peripheral device (for example, a peripheral device of the mobile terminal 10) that has a printing function for printing a label image on a sticker to generate a label. The label printer 50 includes a display unit 52, a print execution unit 54, a wireless LAN I / F 56, and a control unit 60.

[0022] The display unit 52 is a display for displaying various information. The printing unit 54 is a so-called thermal transfer printing mechanism that generates labels by transferring a label image onto a sticker. In a modified example, the printing unit 54 may be an inkjet or laser printing mechanism. The wireless LAN I / F 56 is the same as the wireless LAN I / F 14 described above.

[0023] The control unit 60 includes a CPU 62 and a memory 64. The CPU 62 executes various processes in accordance with a program 70 stored in the memory 64. The memory 64 is configured by a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, or the like.

[0024] (Case A; Figures 2 to 5) Next, a description will be given of the process executed by the CPU 22 in accordance with the print application 30. First, case A will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In case A, one linked field name including two field names is generated.

[0025] When the print application 30 (i.e., the CPU 22) receives a user instruction to create a new label file, it creates a new label file LF1 representing a blank label image. The print application 30 then displays a preview screen (the screen at the upper left of FIG. 2) corresponding to the label file LF1 on the display unit 12. The preview screen includes a preview area PA showing a preview of the label image (currently blank), a database display area DA0 showing the CSV file associated with the label file LF1, and multiple buttons B1 to B5. The user can edit the label image in the preview area PA. Currently, no CSV file is associated with the label file LF1, so no information is displayed in the database display area DA0.

[0026] The multiple buttons B1 to B5 include a close button B1, a save button B2, a print button B3, a data button B4, and a menu button B5. The close button B1 is a button for closing the preview screen. The save button B2 is a button for saving the edited label image (i.e., the edited label file). The print button B3 is a button for printing the label image on the label printer 50. The data button B4 is a button for displaying an object screen (see FIG. 7), which will be described later. The menu button B5 is a button for selecting various menus related to the label file LF1.

[0027] At T10, the print application 30 accepts selection of the menu button B5 from the user. In this case, the print application 30 displays a menu screen MS on the already displayed preview screen (the screen at the bottom left of FIG. 2). The menu screen MS includes a connect button, a link button, and a settings button. The connect button is a button for associating a CSV file (e.g., CF1) with the label file LF1. The link button is a button for displaying a link screen (see FIG. 3) for linking field names. The settings button is a button for displaying a settings change screen (see FIG. 7) for changing settings related to the database display area.

[0028] At T12, the print application 30 accepts the selection of the connect button from the user and also accepts the selection of the CSV file CF1. In this case, the print application 30 displays a database display area DA1 (the screen at the upper right of FIG. 2 ) containing multiple pieces of text written in the CSV file CF1, instead of the database display area DA0. In the database display area DA1, the multiple pieces of text are displayed in a matrix. In particular, the field name "Number" and the field name "Name" are each written in the first row. The two pieces of text "1" and "2" associated with the field name "Number" are written in the second row and subsequent rows in the same column as the field name "Number." The two pieces of text "AAA" and "BBB" associated with the field name "Name" are written in the second row and subsequent rows in the same column as the field name "Name." This allows the user to easily recognize each of the multiple field names and the multiple pieces of text associated with that field name.

[0029] The database display area DA1 also includes check boxes corresponding to each row except for the row containing the field name. When the print button B3 is selected, the print application 30 generates print data using the text written in the checked rows, but does not generate print data using the text written in the unchecked rows. By default, all check boxes are checked.

[0030] At T14, the print application 30 accepts an object (hereinafter referred to as "OB") editing operation from the user. Specifically, first, the print application 30 accepts an operation of dragging and dropping the field name "Number" written in the database display area DA1 onto the preview area PA. As a result, the print application 30 generates an OB area OB1 associated with the field name "Number" in the preview area PA (see the screen at the lower right of FIG. 2). Next, the print application 30 accepts an operation of dragging and dropping the field name "Name" written in the database display area DA1 onto the preview area PA. As a result, the print application 30 generates an OB area OB2 associated with the field name "Name" in the preview area PA. In the OB area OB1, an OB name "Text1" is written, indicating that this is an OB area where text is placed (hereinafter may be referred to as a "text OB area"). Similarly, in the OB area OB2, an OB name "Text2" is written, indicating that this is a text OB area.

[0031] After generating the OB areas OB1 and OB2, the print application 30 generates an OB table OT in the label file LF1. In the OB table OT, the OB name "Text1" and the field name "Number" are stored in association with each other, and the OB name "Text2" and the field name "Name" are also stored in association with each other.

[0032] In this way, the print application 30 stores the OB name and the field name in association with each other in the OB table OT. With this configuration, the print application 30 can easily manage the association between the OB name and the field name. Also, because the OB table OT is stored in the label file LF1, the print application 30 can access the OB table OT more quickly than in a configuration in which the OB table OT is stored in a file different from the label file LF1.

[0033] Next, at T20, the print application 30 receives from the user the selection of the second line (that is, the line containing the text "1" and "AAA") in the csv file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA1.

[0034] (Continuation of Figure 2; Figure 3) When the print application 30 receives the selection of the second row from the user (T20 in FIG. 2), it updates the preview screen. Specifically, first, the print application 30 colors the background of the selected second row in the database display area DA1 (see the screen in the upper left of FIG. 3).

[0035] The print application 30 then displays in the preview area PA a label image containing the selected text written in the second line. In this case, since the OB name "Text1" and the field name "Number" in the OB area OB1 are associated in the OB table OT, the selected text "1" associated with the field name "Number" in the csv file CF1 is written in the OB area OB1. The selected text "AAA" associated with the field name "Name" in the csv file CF1 is written in the OB area OB2 (see the upper left screen in FIG. 3). This allows the user to confirm the label image containing the selected text. Although not shown, when the third line of the csv file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA1 is selected, the third line is colored, and in the preview area PA, the text "2" is written in the OB area OB1 and the text "BBB" is written in the OB area OB2.

[0036] At T22, after accepting selection of the menu button B5, the print application 30 accepts selection of the link button in the menu screen MS (see FIG. 2), and then displays a link screen (see the screen at the bottom left of FIG. 3). The link screen includes a field name selection field FS, a linked field name display field JS, an Add button B6, an OK button B7, and a Cancel button B8. When one field name is selected in the field name selection field FS, and the Add button B6 is selected, the field name is displayed in the linked field name display field JS.

[0037] In T24, the print application 30 acquires a linking instruction from the user to link the field names "Number" and "Name." Specifically, first, the print application 30 accepts selection of the Add button B6 when the field name "Number" is selected in the field name selection field FS. Thereafter, the print application 30 accepts selection of the Add button B6 when the field name "Name" is selected in the field name selection field FS. In this case, the print application 30 displays the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" in the linked field name display field JS (see the screen in the upper right of FIG. 3). In the linked field name, brackets "[ ]" are added to each field name, and a hyphen "-" is placed between each field name. When the print application 30 accepts selection of the OK button B7 in T30, it generates the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]."

[0038] Next, the print application 30 updates the preview screen (the screen at the lower right in FIG. 3). The updated preview screen includes a database display area DA2 instead of the database display area DA1. In addition to the multiple texts described in the CSV file CF1, the database display area DA2 includes linked field names and two linked texts associated with the linked field names. One of the linked texts is linked text "1-AAA," which includes the text "1" associated with the field name "Number" and the text "AAA" associated with the field name "Name." The other linked text is linked text "2-BBB," which includes the text "2" associated with the field name "Number" and the text "BBB" associated with the field name "Name."

[0039] In the database display area DA2, each piece of information is displayed in a matrix. Below, the column containing the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" is referred to as the linked field column JF1. In the linked field column JF1, the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" is written in the first row. The two linked texts "1-AAA" and "2-BBB" associated with the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" are written in the second and subsequent rows of the linked field column JF1. This allows the user to easily recognize the linked field name and the multiple linked texts associated with that linked field name.

[0040] In addition, in the database display area DA2, a mark M1 indicating the character string "concatenated" is displayed near the concatenated field name "[Number]-[Name]." By looking at this mark M1, the user can recognize that the field name is a concatenated field name (i.e., it is not a field name included in the csv file CF1).

[0041] Thereafter, at T40, the print application 30 accepts an OB editing operation from the user. Specifically, the print application 30 accepts an operation to delete the OB area OB2 arranged in the preview area PA and an operation to drag and drop the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" written in the database display area DA2 onto the OB area OB1 in the preview area PA. The operation to delete the OB area OB2 is, for example, an operation to select a delete button included in a screen (not shown) that is displayed by pressing and holding the OB area OB2 arranged in the preview area PA.

[0042] (Continuation of Figure 3; Figure 4) 4, when the print application 30 accepts the OB editing operation T40 in FIG. 3, it updates the OB table OT. Specifically, first, the print application 30 deletes the OB name "Text2" and the field name "Name" from the OB table OT. Next, the print application 30 associates the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" with the OB name "Text1" instead of the field name "Number."

[0043] Furthermore, the print application 30 deletes the OB area OB2 from the preview area PA. Next, the print application 30 changes the display content of the OB area OB1. Specifically, since the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" is associated with the OB name "Text1" in the OB area OB1 in the updated OB table OT, the print application 30 identifies the selected linked text "1-AAA" (i.e., linked text with a colored background) associated with the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" from the database display area DA2. Then, the print application 30 writes the identified linked text "1-AAA" in the OB area OB1.

[0044] Next, the printing application 30 accepts the user's selection of the print button B3 at T50. In this case, the printing application 30 generates two pieces of print data as follows. First, the printing application 30 generates the first print data based on the concatenated text (i.e., "1-AAA") in the second line included in the database display area DA2. Specifically, the printing application 30 identifies the OB name "Text1" associated with the concatenated field name "[Number]-[Name]" from the OB table OT. Then, the printing application 30 identifies the concatenated text "1-AAA" associated with the concatenated field name "[Number]-[Name]" from the database display area DA2. Then, the printing application 30 writes the identified concatenated text "1-AAA" in the OB area OB1 corresponding to the identified OB name "Text1." In this manner, the first print data is generated.

[0045] Next, the print application 30 generates second print data based on the concatenated text (i.e., "2-BBB") in the third line included in the database display area DA2. The method for generating the second print data is the same as the method for generating the first print data, except that the concatenated text "2-BBB" is used. This generates second print data in which the concatenated text "2-BBB" is written in the OB area OB1. The print application 30 sequentially transmits the first print data and the second print data to the label printer 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 14.

[0046] The label printer 50 sequentially receives the first print data and the second print data from the mobile terminal 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 56. The label printer 50 prints the label image represented by the first print data on a sticker to generate label LB1. The label printer 50 prints the label image represented by the second print data on a sticker to generate label LB2. In this way, the print application 30 can cause the label printer 50 to perform printing using a concatenated field name that includes two field names.

[0047] In addition, when the check box corresponding to the third line in the database display area DA2 in the preview screen of FIG. 4 is unchecked and then the print button B3 is selected, the print application 30 generates only the first print data and sends only the first print data to the label printer 50. In this case, only label LB1 is generated in the label printer 50. In addition, when the check box corresponding to the second line is unchecked and then the print button B3 is selected, the print application 30 generates only the second print data and sends only the second print data to the label printer 50. In this case, only label LB2 is generated in the label printer 50. In this way, the print application 30 can generate print data corresponding to one or two (i.e., two or less) of the two concatenated texts associated with the concatenated text name "[Number]-[Name]".

[0048] (Continuation of Figure 4; Figure 5) The preview screen shown at the top of FIG. 5 is the same as the preview screen shown in FIG. 4. The print application 30 accepts a database editing operation at T60 in FIG. 5. Specifically, the print application 30 first accepts an operation to change the concatenated text “1-AAA” displayed in the database display area DA2 to “3-CCC.” In this case, the print application 30 changes the text in the second line of the CSV file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA2. Specifically, the print application 30 first identifies the text “3” written before the hyphen “-” from the changed concatenated text “3-CCC” as the portion corresponding to the field name “Number,” and identifies the text “CCC” written after the hyphen “-” as the portion corresponding to the field name “Name.” The print application 30 then writes the identified text “3” in place of the text “1” written in the second line of the field name “Number” in the CSV file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA2. The print application 30 replaces the text "AAA" written in the second line of the field name "Name" in the csv file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA2 with the identified text "CCC" (see the lower screen in Figure 5). In this way, if the user changes the linked text, the user can also change the text in the csv file CF1. This improves user convenience.

[0049] Additionally, the print application 30 changes the text written in the OB area OB1 included in the preview area PA from the concatenated text "1-AAA" to "3-CCC." In this way, if the user changes the concatenated text, the user can also change the text written in the OB area OB1. This improves user convenience.

[0050] Next, the print application 30 accepts an operation to change the text "BBB" displayed in the database display area DA2 to the text "DDD." In this case, the print application 30 changes the linked text in the third row of the linked field column JF1. Specifically, the print application 30 changes the text "BBB," which is the part of the linked text "2-BBB" in the third row that corresponds to the field name "Name," to the text "DDD." In this way, if the user changes the text, the user can also change the linked text. This improves user convenience.

[0051] At T70, the print application 30 accepts selection of the print button B3 from the user. In this case, the print application 30 generates two pieces of print data (i.e., third and fourth print data). The method for generating the two pieces of print data is the same as the method for generating the first and second print data, except that the concatenated text used is "3-CCC" and "2-DDD." The print application 30 sequentially transmits the third print data and the fourth print data to the label printer 50 via the wireless LAN I / F 14.

[0052] The label printer 50 sequentially receives the third print data and the fourth print data from the mobile terminal 10 via the wireless LAN I / F 56. The label printer 50 prints the label image represented by the third print data on a sticker to generate label LB3. The label printer 50 prints the label image represented by the fourth print data on a sticker to generate label LB4. In this way, the print application 30 can cause the label printer 50 to perform printing using a concatenated field name that includes two field names.

[0053] (Effect of Case A) According to the above configuration, when the mobile terminal 10 receives a linking instruction (T24 in FIG. 3) including the field name "Number" and the field name "Name," it displays a database display area DA2 including a linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" including the field name "Number" and the field name "Name," and linked text "1-AAA" and "2-BBB" (see the screen at the bottom right of FIG. 3). Therefore, by looking at the database display area DA2, the user can visually confirm the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" and the linked text "1-AAA" and "2-BBB." This improves user convenience.

[0054] (Case B; Figure 6) Next, case B will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In case B, one linked field name including one field name and a character string is generated. FIG. 6 is a continuation of FIG. 2, and thereafter, the same operation as T22 in FIG. 3 (i.e., selection of menu button B5 followed by acceptance of link button selection) is performed. The screen in the upper left of FIG. 6 is the same as the screen in the lower left of FIG. 3.

[0055] In T124, the print application 30 acquires a concatenation instruction from the user to concatenate the field name “Name” and the character string “xxx.” Specifically, first, the print application 30 accepts selection of the Add button B6 while the field name “Name” is selected in the field name selection field FS. In this case, the print application 30 displays the character string "[Name]" in the concatenated field name display field JS, with brackets “[ ]” around the field name. Thereafter, the print application 30 accepts an operation to input the character string "[Name]" followed by the character string "[xxx]" in the concatenated field name display field JS. As a result, the print application 30 displays the concatenated field name "[Name]xxx" in the concatenated field name display field JS (see the screen at the bottom left of FIG. 6 ). In T130, when the print application 30 accepts selection of the OK button B7, it generates the concatenated field name "[Name]xxx."

[0056] Next, the print application 30 updates the preview screen (the screen in the upper right corner of FIG. 6). The updated preview screen includes a database display area DA2. The database display area DA2 displayed here is the same as the database display area DA2 displayed in FIG. 3, except that it includes a linked field column JF2 instead of the linked field column JF1. The linked field column JF2 includes a linked field name "[Name]xxx" and two linked texts, "AAAxxx" and "BBBxxx," that are associated with the linked field name "[Name]xxx." In the linked field column JF2, the linked field name "[Name]xxx" is written on the first line. The two linked texts, "AAAxxx" and "BBBxxx," that are associated with the linked field name "[Name]xxx" are written on the second and subsequent lines of the linked field column JF2.

[0057] The processing of T140 is the same as the processing of T40 in FIG. 3, except that the linked field name dragged and dropped into the OB area OB1 is "[Name]xxx". The processing of T150 is the same as the processing of T50 in FIG. 4, except that the linked text used is "AAAxxx" and "BBBxxx". As a result, labels LB5 and LB6 are generated in the label printer 50. In this way, the printing application 30 can cause the label printer 50 to print using a linked field name that includes one field name and a character string.

[0058] (Effect of Case B) According to the above configuration, when the mobile terminal 10 receives a linking instruction (T124 in FIG. 6) that includes the field name "Name" and the character string "xxx," it displays a database display area DA2 that includes a linked field name "[Name]xxx" that includes the field name "Name" and the character string "xxx," and linked text "AAAxxx" and "BBBxxx" (see the screen in the upper right corner of FIG. 6). Therefore, by looking at the database display area DA2, the user can visually confirm the linked field name "[Name]xxx" and the linked text "AAAxxx" and "BBBxxx." This improves user convenience.

[0059] (Case C; Figures 7 and 8) Next, case C will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Case C differs from case A in that the user selects whether or not to display the linked field name in the database display area. The preview screen in the upper left of Figure 7 is the same as the preview screen in the upper left of Figure 2.

[0060] In T210, the print application 30 accepts the selection of the menu button B5, and then accepts the selection of the settings button (see FIG. 2). In this case, the print application 30 displays a settings change screen (see the screen in the center left of FIG. 7). The settings change screen includes a message asking the user whether or not to display linked field names in the database display area, two options (i.e., "Display" and "Do not display"), and an OK button B9. Each option is associated with a check box, and in the initial state, the check box corresponding to "Display" is checked.

[0061] In T220, the print application 30 accepts the operation of checking the checkbox corresponding to "Do not display" in the setting change screen, and then accepts the selection of the OK button B9. In this case, the print application 30 again displays the same preview screen as the preview screen in the upper left of FIG.

[0062] 2 and T22 to T30 in FIG. 3 are then executed, generating the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" and updating the preview screen. In this case, the user has selected not to display the linked field name (see T220), so the updated preview screen includes the database display area DA1 (i.e., does not include the linked field column JF1). Note that if the OK button B9 is selected while the checkbox corresponding to "Display" is checked on the setting change screen, the updated preview screen will include the database display area DA2, as in Case A (see FIG. 3).

[0063] When the print application 30 accepts selection of the data button B4 in T230, it displays the OB screen (the screen in the center right of FIG. 7). The OB screen includes the OB name and field name stored in association with the OB table OT, an OK button B10, and a Cancel button B11. At this time, the OB name "Text1" and the field name "Number" are associated in the OB table OT, so these pieces of information are associated on the OB screen. Similarly, the OB name "Text2" and the field name "Name" are associated in the OB table OT, so the OB name "Text2" and the field name "Name" are associated on the OB screen.

[0064] In T240, the printing application 30 accepts an operation to select the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" as a field name to be associated with the OB name "Text1." Specifically, the printing application 30 first accepts selection of a triangle mark displayed to the right of the field name "Number" associated with the OB name "Text1" on the OB screen. In this case, the printing application 30 displays a field name list screen (not shown). The field name list screen includes the stored field name "Number," the field name "Name," and the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]." The printing application 30 then accepts selection of the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" from the field name list screen. As a result, the printing application 30 displays the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" instead of the field name "Number" as the field name associated with the OB name "Text1" (see the screen at the bottom right of FIG. 7).

[0065] The print application 30 accepts selection of the OK button B10 at T250. As a result, the print application 30 associates the OB name "Text1" with the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" and associates the OB name "Text2" with the field name "Name."

[0066] (Continuation of Figure 7; Figure 8) When the print application 30 accepts the selection of the OK button B10 (T250 in FIG. 7), it updates the preview screen (see the screen in the upper left of FIG. 8). Specifically, the print application 30 changes the display content of the OB area OB1. That is, since the linked field name "[Number]-[Name]" is associated with the OB name "Text1" in the OB area OB1 (see T240 in FIG. 7), the print application 30 writes linked text "1-AAA" including the selected text "1" and "AAA" (i.e., text with a colored background) in the OB area OB1. Note that the text "AAA" is written in the OB area OB2.

[0067] At T260, the print application 30 accepts an OB editing operation from the user. Specifically, the print application 30 accepts an operation to delete the OB area OB2 arranged in the preview area PA. As a result, the OB name "Text2" and the field name "Name" are deleted from the OB table OT, and the OB area OB2 is deleted from the preview area PA.

[0068] In T270, the print application 30 accepts selection of the print button B3 from the user. The process of T270 is the same as the process of T50 in Figure 4. As a result, labels LB1 and LB2 are produced in the label printer 50.

[0069] (Effect of Case C) In this way, when a link instruction is acquired (T24 in FIG. 3, which is referred to in FIG. 7), the user can select whether to display the database display area DA2 containing the linked field names or the database display area DA1 containing no linked field names. For example, a user who is knowledgeable about the label printer 50 can cause the label printer 50 to execute printing using the linked field names even if the database display area DA2 containing the linked field names is not displayed. For such a user, the database display area DA2 containing the linked field names may be redundant. With the above configuration, the user can select not to display the database display area DA2 containing the linked field names, thereby suppressing the display of potentially redundant information.

[0070] (Correspondence) The mobile terminal 10 and the label printer 50 are examples of a "terminal device" and a "label printer", respectively. The label file LF1 and the CSV file CF1 are examples of a "label file" and a "database file", respectively. Text is an example of an "object to be printed". The field names "Name" and "Number" are examples of a "first field name" and a "second field name", respectively. The two texts "AAA" and "BBB" are an example of "m pieces of first text". The two texts "1" and "2" are an example of "m pieces of second text". The concatenated field name "[Number]-[Name]" (and "[Name]xxx") is an example of a "concatenated field name". The two concatenated texts "1-AAA" and "2-BBB" (and the two concatenated texts "AAAxxx" and "BBBxxx") are an example of "m pieces of concatenated text". The concatenated text "1-AAA," the concatenated text "3-CCC," the concatenated text "2-BBB," and the concatenated text "2-DDD" are examples of a "first concatenated text" (and a "target concatenated text"), a "second concatenated text," a "third concatenated text," and a "fourth concatenated text," respectively. The text "BBB" and "DDD" are examples of a "target text among m first texts" and a "changed text," respectively. From another perspective, the text "AAA" and "CCC" are examples of a "target first text that is a first text included in a target concatenated text among m concatenated texts" and a "changed text," respectively. The character string "xxx" is an example of an "arbitrary character string." The preview area PA, the database display area DA1, and the database display area DA2 are examples of a "label editing area," a "first database display area," and a "second database display area," respectively. The OB area OB1 is an example of a "first object area." The first print data and the second print data are examples of "n pieces of print data." "2" is an example of "m" and "n." The up and down direction is an example of a "predetermined direction."

[0071] The preview screen in the upper left of Fig. 2 is an example of a "label editing screen." The operation of T14 in Fig. 2, the operation of T24 in Fig. 3, and the operation of T50 in Fig. 4 are examples of an "association instruction," a "linking instruction," and a "printing instruction," respectively. The operation of T60 in Fig. 5 is an example of a "first change instruction," a "second change instruction," and a "third change instruction."

[0072] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above examples are listed below.

[0073] (Variation 1) Even if the print application 30 accepts from the user the selection of the second line (i.e., the line containing the text “1” and “AAA”) of the csv file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA1 at T20 in FIG. 2 , it is not necessary for the print application 30 to display in the preview area PA a label image in which the selected text in the second line is written in the corresponding OB area. That is, the print application 30 may maintain the display of a label image in which the OB name “Text1” is written in the OB area OB1 and the OB name “Text2” is written in the OB area OB2 (see the screen at the lower right of FIG. 2 ). In this variation, the “description portion” can be omitted. In another variation, after accepting the OB editing operation at T14, a label image in which the text written in the first line excluding the field names (i.e., the second line) of the csv file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA1 is written may be automatically displayed in the preview area PA, even if the user does not accept the selection of any line in the csv file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA1.

[0074] (Variation 2) In T60 of FIG. 5, even if a database editing operation is accepted, the print application 30 may not change the text written in the OB area OB1. Similarly, in T60, even if the linked text is changed in response to the acceptance of a database editing operation, the print application 30 may not change the text in the CSV file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA1. Similarly, even if the text in the CSV file CF1 displayed in the database display area DA1 is changed in response to the acceptance of a database editing operation, the print application 30 may not change the linked text. In this variation, the "first change section," "second change section," and "third change section" can be omitted.

[0075] (Variation 3) In the database display area DA2 (see FIG. 3), the mark M1 does not have to be displayed near the linked field name. Generally speaking, in the second database display area, the linked field name and the first field name do not have to have different display modes. In another variation, instead of displaying the mark M1 near the linked field name, the color of the character string representing the linked field name may be different from the color of the character string representing the field name. In this variation, having different colors for the character string representing the field name and the character string representing the linked field name is an example of "having different display modes."

[0076] (Variation 4) In the above embodiment, among the pieces of information displayed in a matrix in the database display area DA1 and the database display area DA2, the field name (and linked field name) is written in the first row, and the text associated with the field name is written in the second row and subsequent rows in the same column as the field name. Alternatively, in a variation, each piece of information may be displayed in a matrix in the database display area, with the field name (and linked field name) written in the first column. Then, the text may be written in the second column and subsequent columns in the same row as the field name. In this variation, the left-right direction is an example of a "predetermined direction." Furthermore, in another variation, each piece of information does not have to be displayed in a matrix in the database display area DA1 and the database display area DA2.

[0077] (Variation 5) The "database file" is not limited to a CSV file, but may be any file that can display multiple texts in a table format. For example, it may be an Excel file.

[0078] (Variation 6) The various processes described above are realized by software (for example, the print application 30), but at least one of these processes may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0079] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives alone is technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 2: Communication system, 6: AP, 10: Mobile terminal, 12: Display unit (operation unit), 14, 56: Wireless LAN I / F, 20, 60: Control unit, 22, 62: CPU, 24, 64: Memory, 28: OS program, 30: Print application, 50: Label printer, 52: Display unit, 54: Print execution unit, 70: Program

Claims

1. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The computer of the terminal device is composed of the following parts: a first display control unit that, in a state in which a label file in which one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are defined and a database file associated with the label file exist, causes a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by the label file to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device, the database file includes a first field name, m pieces of first text (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) associated with the first field name, a second field name, and m pieces of second text associated with the second field name; the label editing screen includes a label editing area for editing the label image, and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file; the first display control unit, wherein the first database display area includes the first field name, the m pieces of first text associated with the first field name, the second field name, and the m pieces of second text associated with the second field name; a concatenation unit that generates a concatenated field name including the first field name and the second field name when a concatenation instruction including a designation of the first field name and the second field name is acquired on the label editing screen; a second display control unit that displays a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the link instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area includes the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the second field name, the m second texts associated with the second field name, the concatenated field name, and the m concatenated texts; the second display control unit, wherein each of the m concatenated texts includes one first text and one second text; a print data generation unit that, when a print instruction that is an instruction for printing using the label file is acquired after the concatenation instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, generates n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m) concatenated texts out of the m pieces of concatenated texts, wherein, in each of the n pieces of print data, the concatenated text corresponding to the print data is described in a first object area associated with the concatenated field name; a transmitting unit that transmits the n pieces of print data to a label printer; A computer program that functions as a

2. A computer program for a terminal device, comprising: The computer of the terminal device is composed of the following parts: a first display control unit that, in a state in which a label file in which one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are defined and a database file associated with the label file exist, causes a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by the label file to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device, the database file includes a first field name and m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) first texts associated with the first field name; the label editing screen includes a label editing area for editing the label image, and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file; the first display control unit, wherein the first database display area includes the first field name and the m pieces of first text associated with the first field name; a concatenation unit that, when a concatenation instruction including a designation of the first field name and an arbitrary character string is acquired on the label editing screen, generates a concatenated field name including the first field name and the character string; a second display control unit that displays a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the link instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area includes the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the linked field name, and the m linked texts; the second display control unit, wherein each of the m concatenated texts includes one first text and the character string; a print data generation unit that, when a print instruction that is an instruction for printing using the label file is acquired after the concatenation instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, generates n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m) concatenated texts out of the m pieces of concatenated texts, wherein, in each of the n pieces of print data, the concatenated text corresponding to the print data is described in a first object area associated with the concatenated field name; a transmitting unit that transmits the n pieces of print data to a label printer; A computer program that functions as a

3. The computer program further causes the computer to:

3. A computer program as described in claim 1 or 2, which functions as a memory control unit that stores the association between the first object area and the linked field name in the memory of the terminal device when an association instruction including the specification of the linked field name is acquired after the link instruction is acquired.

4. The computer program further causes the computer to:

4. The computer program according to claim 3, wherein when the linking instruction is acquired after the linking instruction is acquired, the computer program functions as a description unit that describes a first linked text among the m linked texts in the first object region.

5. The computer program further causes the computer to:

5. The computer program of claim 4, wherein when a first change instruction for changing the first linked text to a second linked text is acquired in the second database display area, the computer program functions as a first change unit that changes the first linked text written in the first object area to the second linked text.

6. The computer program product according to claim 1 , wherein in the second database display area, the linked field name has a display manner different from that of the first field name.

7. In the first database display area and the second database display area, each piece of information is displayed in a matrix form; 7. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein in the first database display area and the second database display area, the first field name is written first in a predetermined direction, and the m first texts are written second or later in the predetermined direction.

8. In the second database display area, each piece of information is displayed in a matrix format; 8. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein in the second database display area, the linked field name is written first in a predetermined direction, and the m linked texts are written second or later in the predetermined direction.

9. the second display control unit displays the second database display area in place of the first database display area when a user selects to display the second database display area in response to the connection instruction and the connection instruction is acquired on the label editing screen; 7. The computer program according to claim 1, wherein the second database display area is not displayed when the user selects not to display the second database display area in response to the connection instruction and the connection instruction is acquired on the label editing screen.

10. The computer program further causes the computer to:

10. The computer program of claim 1, wherein when a second modification instruction is acquired in the second database display area to modify a target first text among the m first texts to a modified first text, the computer program functions as a second modification unit that modifies a third linked text among the m linked texts included in the second database display area, the third linked text including the target first text, to a fourth linked text including the modified first text.

11. The computer program further causes the computer to:

11. A computer program as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, which functions as a third modification unit that modifies a target first text, which is a first text included in a target concatenated text among the m concatenated texts, to a modified first text when a third modification instruction is acquired in the second database display area.

12. A terminal device, a first display control unit that, in a state in which a label file in which one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are defined and a database file associated with the label file exist, causes a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by the label file to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device, the database file includes a first field name, m pieces of first text (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) associated with the first field name, a second field name, and m pieces of second text associated with the second field name; the label editing screen includes a label editing area for editing the label image, and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file; the first display control unit, wherein the first database display area includes the first field name, the m pieces of first text associated with the first field name, the second field name, and the m pieces of second text associated with the second field name; a concatenation unit that generates a concatenated field name including the first field name and the second field name when a concatenation instruction including a designation of the first field name and the second field name is acquired on the label editing screen; a second display control unit that displays a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the link instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area includes the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the second field name, the m second texts associated with the second field name, the concatenated field name, and the m concatenated texts; the second display control unit, wherein each of the m concatenated texts includes one first text and one second text; a print data generation unit that, when a print instruction that is an instruction for printing using the label file is acquired after the concatenation instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, generates n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m) concatenated texts out of the m pieces of concatenated texts, wherein, in each of the n pieces of print data, the concatenated text corresponding to the print data is described in a first object area associated with the concatenated field name; a transmitting unit that transmits the n pieces of print data to a label printer; A terminal device comprising:

13. A terminal device, a first display control unit that, in a state in which a label file in which one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are defined and a database file associated with the label file exist, causes a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by the label file to be displayed on a display unit of the terminal device, the database file includes a first field name and m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) first texts associated with the first field name; the label editing screen includes a label editing area for editing the label image, and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file; the first display control unit, wherein the first database display area includes the first field name and the m pieces of first text associated with the first field name; a concatenation unit that, when a concatenation instruction including a designation of the first field name and an arbitrary character string is acquired on the label editing screen, generates a concatenated field name including the first field name and the character string; a second display control unit that displays a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the link instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area includes the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the linked field name, and the m linked texts; the second display control unit, wherein each of the m concatenated texts includes one first text and the character string; a print data generation unit that, when a print instruction that is an instruction for printing using the label file is acquired after the concatenation instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, generates n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to m) concatenated texts out of the m pieces of concatenated texts, wherein, in each of the n pieces of print data, the concatenated text corresponding to the print data is described in a first object area associated with the concatenated field name; a transmitting unit that transmits the n pieces of print data to a label printer; A terminal device comprising:

14. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: a first display control step of displaying a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by a label file on a display unit of the terminal device in a state where a label file in which one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are defined and a database file associated with the label file exist, the first display control step comprising: the database file includes a first field name, m pieces of first text (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) associated with the first field name, a second field name, and m pieces of second text associated with the second field name; the label editing screen includes a label editing area for editing the label image, and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file; the first display control step, in which the first database display area includes the first field name, the m pieces of first text associated with the first field name, the second field name, and the m pieces of second text associated with the second field name; a concatenation step of generating a concatenated field name including the first field name and the second field name when a concatenation instruction including a designation of the first field name and the second field name is acquired on the label editing screen; a second display control step of displaying a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the link instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area includes the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the second field name, the m second texts associated with the second field name, the concatenated field name, and the m concatenated texts; the second display control step, in which each of the m concatenated texts includes one first text and one second text; a print data generating step of generating n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer between 1 and m) concatenated texts out of the m pieces of concatenated texts when a print instruction that is an instruction for printing using the label file is obtained after the concatenation instruction is obtained on the label editing screen, wherein in each of the n pieces of print data, the concatenated text corresponding to the print data is written in a first object area associated with the concatenated field name; a transmitting step of transmitting the n pieces of print data to a label printer; A method comprising:

15. A method performed by a terminal device, comprising: a first display control step of displaying a label editing screen for editing a label image represented by a label file on a display unit of the terminal device in a state where a label file in which one or more object areas in which objects to be printed are defined and a database file associated with the label file exist, the first display control step comprising: the database file includes a first field name and m (m is an integer equal to or greater than 1) first texts associated with the first field name; the label editing screen includes a label editing area for editing the label image, and a first database display area for displaying information related to the database file associated with the label file; the first display control step, in which the first database display area includes the first field name and the m pieces of first text associated with the first field name; a concatenation step of generating a concatenated field name including the first field name and an arbitrary character string when a concatenation instruction including the designation of the first field name and the arbitrary character string is acquired on the label editing screen; a second display control step of displaying a second database display area in place of the first database display area when the link instruction is acquired on the label editing screen, the second database display area includes the first field name, the m first texts associated with the first field name, the linked field name, and the m linked texts; the second display control step, in which each of the m concatenated texts includes one first text and the character string; a print data generating step of generating n pieces of print data corresponding to n (n is an integer between 1 and m) concatenated texts out of the m pieces of concatenated texts when a print instruction that is an instruction for printing using the label file is obtained after the concatenation instruction is obtained on the label editing screen, wherein in each of the n pieces of print data, the concatenated text corresponding to the print data is written in a first object area associated with the concatenated field name; a transmitting step of transmitting the n pieces of print data to a label printer; A method comprising:

Images