Printing system and application program

Abstract

To provide a technology which allows a user desiring printing a two-dimensional code to generate the two-dimensional code and to print the two-dimensional code, even when the user does not have an account for developers.SOLUTION: A print system 1 comprises a printer 2, a print editing application 17, and a code generation server 3. The print editing application 17 acquires URL information to be encoded into a mini-application code, and transmits it to the code generation server 3. The code generation server 3 is logged in with a code generation account 5, and generates the mini-application code based on the URL information received from the print editing application 17, by using a code generation program 4. The print editing application 17 receives the mini-application code from the code generation server 3, transmits a print command of an image including the received mini-application code to the printer 2, and prints the mini-application code.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a printing system and an application program that causes a printer to print an image including a two-dimensional code. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technology in which an application program generates a two-dimensional code in which information is encoded into a two-dimensional graphic pattern, and causes a printer to print an image including the generated two-dimensional code. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an application program generates image data including a QR Code (registered trademark), and causes a label printer to print the QR code based on the image data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-144418 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Depending on the type of 2D code, a developer account with the authority to create the 2D code may be required. Requiring a developer account for users who want to print 2D codes is unreasonable, and there is room for improvement.

[0005] The technology disclosed in this specification aims to provide a technology that allows a user who wants to print a two-dimensional code to generate and print the two-dimensional code even if the user does not have a developer account. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a printing system that has been made to solve the above-described problems, the printing system having a printer, an application program that executes processing to cause the printer to print, and a server that can communicate with the application program, wherein a generation program that executes processing to generate a two-dimensional code in which startup information used to start a mini appli is encoded is installed on the server, the mini appli is a program that has some of the functions of a full appli, does not require installation, and is deleted after a predetermined period of time has passed, the mini appli is a program that is downloaded and started based on the startup information, the full appli is a program that requires installation, a specific account is required to execute processing of the generation program, the server can be logged in using the specific account, the application program acquires the startup information and transmits the acquired startup information to the server, the server receives the startup information transmitted from the application program, and, if logged in using the specific account, uses the generation program to generate the two-dimensional code in which the received startup information is encoded, and the printer prints the two-dimensional code generated by the server.

[0007] In the above printing system, a server is prepared on which a generation program for generating two-dimensional codes is installed, and the server is logged in with a specific account required to run the generation program. An application program used by a user who wants to print a two-dimensional code passes acquired startup information to the server, which then generates a two-dimensional code encoded with the startup information and causes the printer to print the two-dimensional code. Therefore, with the above printing system, even if the device on which the application program is installed does not have the specific account, it is possible to generate a two-dimensional code and have the printer print it.

[0008] A control method for realizing the functions of the above-described device, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program are also novel and useful. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The technology disclosed in this specification realizes a technology that allows a user who wants to print a two-dimensional code to generate and print that two-dimensional code even if they do not have a developer account. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a printing procedure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for code generation information acquisition processing. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen transition. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for a reception process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a mini appli object. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure for an editing process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printing system and an application program (hereinafter also referred to as "application") disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printing system 1 according to a first embodiment. The printing system 1 includes a printer 2, a code generation server 3, and an information processing device 10. A print and edit application 17 is installed in the information processing device 10 and receives a print instruction for printing to the printer 2. The code generation server 3 is an example of a "server." The edit and print application 17 is an example of an "application program."

[0013] The printer 2 is a device equipped with a communication function and a printing function. The printer 2 of this embodiment is, for example, a thermal label printer that prints on a print medium when it receives a print command from the print editing application 17. The print medium may be tape-like or may be a label cut to a predetermined size. The printer 2 can handle a predetermined size of print medium, and can create labels of different sizes by changing the print medium. The printer 2 can also change the tape color and print color by changing the print medium.

[0014] The information processing device 10 is a device equipped with a communication function. The information processing device 10 is, for example, a PC, a smartphone, or a tablet. The information processing device 10 is provided with a controller 11 equipped with a CPU 15 and a memory 16. The CPU 15 is an example of a "computer." The controller 11 may also be an example of a "computer." A communication interface (hereinafter referred to as a "communication IF") 12 and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as a "user IF") 13 are electrically connected to the controller 11.

[0015] The communication IF 12 includes hardware for communicating with external devices such as the printer 2 and the code generation server 3. The communication method of the communication IF 12 may be wired or wireless. The communication method of the communication IF 12 may be any standard method, such as a wide area network (WAN) 8, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or a local area network (LAN). The communication method of the communication IF 12 may also be a method for direct communication with devices, such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus), or NFC.

[0016] The user IF 13 is, for example, a touch panel, and has a display function for displaying information and an operation function for receiving data input. The user IF 13 may be divided into an operation unit such as a keyboard or mouse, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

[0017] The memory 16 includes a volatile memory area and a non-volatile memory area. Various programs and various data are stored in the memory 16. The memory 16 is used as a work area when various processes are executed, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The CPU 15 executes various processes in accordance with the programs read from the memory 16.

[0018] A print editing application 17 is installed in the memory 16. The print editing application 17 may be installed from the application server 200, the printer 2, or a storage medium that stores the print editing application 17.

[0019] The print editing application 17 has an editing function and a print control function. The print control function is a function for controlling printing by a printer. Information about the printer that performs printing is registered in the print editing application 17. In this embodiment, information about printer 2 is registered. The print editing application 17 accepts print settings. The print settings include, for example, settings for the print medium size and font size. The edit function is a function for editing the image to be printed. The print editing application 17 may also have a function for saving the edited image.

[0020] The print editing application 17 has a template database (hereinafter referred to as "template DB") 18. Template information indicating a plurality of templates is stored in the template DB 18. The editing function allows for simple editing of images to be printed using templates, and also allows for free editing of images to be printed without using templates.

[0021] The printer 2 and information processing device 10 are installed in, for example, a cafe. The information processing device 10 uses a print / edit application 17 to create an image of a label 22 to be affixed to a menu or the like, and causes the printer 2 to print it. For example, a text image 23 and a mini-appli code image 24 are printed on the label 22. The mini-appli code is a two-dimensional barcode in which URL information for launching the mini-appli 202 is encoded. The mini-appli code is an example of a "two-dimensional code." The URL information is an example of "launch information."

[0022] Application server 200 is installed on WAN 8 by a business that provides application download services (for example, Apple (registered trademark) or Google (registered trademark)). Application server 200 is a server that distributes applications specified by users of mobile terminals to those mobile terminals. Application server 200 stores full applications 201 and mini applications 202.

[0023] The mini appli 202 is an app that has some of the functions of the full appli 201, and is software that provides the user with some of the functions of the full appli 201 in a simplified manner. The mini appli 202 is an application program that has some of the functions of an application program (also called a "full appli") that requires installation on a device, but does not require installation on the device. Because installation is not required, even devices that restrict program installation can run the mini appli 202. The mini appli 202 is a smaller program than the full appli 201, and can be downloaded in a short time. After being downloaded, the mini appli 202 is automatically deleted by the OS, for example, after a predetermined time has passed, so it places a small load on memory. Furthermore, information entered into the mini appli 202 does not remain in memory when the mini appli 202 is deleted, providing a high level of security. By downloading the mini appli 202 when necessary, the user can use some of the functions of the full appli 201 without having to download and install the full appli 201.

[0024] The full application 201 of this embodiment has, for example, an ordering function, a store information providing function, and a coupon function. The mini application 202 is an application that executes the ordering function among these functions.

[0025] For example, when the mobile terminal 100 reads the mini app code printed on the label 22, it downloads and launches the mini app 202 from the app server 200 based on the URL information encoded in the mini app code. The mini app code includes information about the product name and size, such as "Large Coffee." The mini app 202 performs electronic payment based on this information and accepts the order. In other words, the customer can complete the order and payment simply by reading the mini app code printed on the label 22 with the mobile terminal 100, and can actually experience the ordering function of the full app 201.

[0026] This allows the customer to try out the mini appli 202 before installing the full appli 201, and depending on the results of the trial, decide whether or not to download the full appli 201. Note that when the full appli 201 is installed while a mini appli 202 is already stored, the already stored mini appli 202 is either incorporated into the full appli 201 as is, or deleted and replaced with the mini appli 202 included in the full appli 201. In addition, the OS (not shown) of the mobile terminal 100 automatically deletes the mini appli 202 from the mobile terminal 100 a predetermined time after it is downloaded.

[0027] Examples of mini appli 202 include AppClip (registered trademark) from Apple Inc. (a program executed on iOS) and InstantApps from Google Inc. (a program executed on Android). An example of mini appli code is AppClip code (a two-dimensional code for launching AppClips).

[0028] The mini-appli code is generated by a code generation program 4. Execution of the code generation program 4 requires a code generation account 5 for a developer with the authority to create the mini-appli code. The code generation program 4 is an example of a "generator." The code generation account 5 is an example of a "specific account." An example of the code generation program 4 is the App Clip Code Generator if the mini-appli code is an App Clip code.

[0029] The code generation program 4 and the code generation account 5 are stored in the code generation server 3, not in the information processing device 10 in which the print editing application 17 is installed. The code generation server 3 is installed on the WAN 8, for example, by the printer manufacturer that provides the print editing application 17. The print editing application 17 can access the code generation server 3 via the WAN 8 and generate a mini application code.

[0030] Next, the printing operation of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Here, an example will be described in which a user U creates a label 22 for a large-sized coffee. Note that although each process executed by the information processing device 10 is controlled by the CPU 15, the following description may be centered on the print editing application 17 or the information processing device 10. Furthermore, although each process executed by the printer 2 is executed by a computer built into the printer 2, the following description will be centered on the printer 2. Although each process executed by the code generation server 3 is executed by a computer built into the code generation server 3, the following description will be centered on the code generation server 3.

[0031] For example, when user U operates the startup icon for print editing application 17 displayed on user IF 13, information processing device 10 accepts a startup instruction for print editing application 17 (A11) and starts print editing application 17 (A12). The started print editing application 17 requests printer information from printer 2 registered with itself via communication IF 12 (A13). Printer 2 sends the printer information to print editing application 17 (A14).

[0032] When the print editing application 17 receives printer information from the printer 2 via the communication IF 12 (A14), it stores the printer information in the memory 16 (A15). The printer information includes, for example, capability information and print medium information. The capability information is information indicating the capabilities of the printer 2. Examples of capability information include the size and resolution of print media that the printer 2 can handle. The print medium information is information about the print medium set in the printer 2. The print medium information may be set in the printer 2 via the operation unit of the printer 2, or may be information obtained by the printer 2 from the print medium. The print medium information is, for example, the size, color, and print color of the print medium.

[0033] The print editing application 17 displays an editing screen on the user IF 13 (A16). The editing screen is a screen for editing an image to be printed. For example, the editing screen D10 shown in FIG. 3(a) displays an editing area SA11, an add object button SW11, a save button SW12, a print button SW13, and a size setting button SW15.

[0034] In the editing area SA11, an image IM11 indicating the print medium and an object range X11 indicating the range in which an object can be placed are displayed. The save button SW12 is an operator that accepts an instruction to save the edited image. The print button SW13 is an operator that accepts an instruction to print the edited image. The size setting button SW15 is an operator that selects the size of the print medium.

[0035] The Add Object button SW11 is an operator for selecting and adding an object. When the print editing application 17 accepts the operation of the Add Object button SW11, it causes the user IF 13 to display, for example, an object selection screen D20 shown in FIG. 3(b). The object selection screen D20 displays a list of objects SW21. Examples of objects include text, clip art, mini-application codes, and QR codes.

[0036] When the user U taps the "mini-appli code" operator SW22 on the object selection screen D22, the print editing application 17 receives an instruction to add the mini-appli code (A21) and executes a code generation information acquisition process (A22), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] The control procedure for the code generation information acquisition process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. First, CPU 15 of information processing device 10 generates a reception screen (S11). A memory area for print editing application 17 is reserved in memory 16 of information processing device 10. URL information used to generate mini-application code can be stored as code registration information in the memory area for print editing application 17. CPU 15 determines whether code registration information is stored in memory 16 (S12).

[0038] If the code registration information is not stored in the memory 16 (S12: NO), the CPU 15 displays a reception screen on the user IF 13 (S16).

[0039] For example, if the code registration information has not been registered, the reception screen D30 shown in Fig. 5(a) is displayed on the user IF 13. The reception screen D30 displays a type setting field SA31, a URL information setting field SA32, a complete button SW31, and a URL registration button SW32.

[0040] The type setting field SA31 is an input field for setting the type of mini appli code. For example, if the mini appli code is an AppClip code, examples of the type of mini appli code include a type corresponding to a camera and a type corresponding to NFC. The type of mini appli code is an example of "optional information." Other examples of optional information include the shape and color of the mini appli code. For example, if the mini appli code is an AppClip code, the presence or absence of a badge, the foreground color, and the background color could be examples of optional information. An input field for setting the shape of the mini appli code and an input field for setting the color of the mini appli code may be provided on the reception screen D30.

[0041] The URL information setting field SA32 is an input field for setting URL information to be encoded into the mini-application code. If no code registration information has been registered, the URL information setting field SA32 is displayed blank on the user IF 13.

[0042] The URL registration button SW32 is an operator that accepts a registration instruction to register URL information. When the user U taps the URL registration button SW32, the CPU 15 of the information processing device 10 accepts the registration instruction (S17: YES) and displays a registration screen on the user IF 13 (S18), as shown in FIG.

[0043] For example, the registration screen D40 shown in FIG. 5(b) displays a code registration information setting field SA41, a complete button SW41, and a cancel button SW42. The code registration information setting field SA41 is an input field for inputting URL information to be registered. At least basic URL information indicating the address of the mini appli 202, such as "miniapp / test," is input into the code registration information setting field SA41. URL parameters, such as "Menu" and "Size," may be added to the basic URL information in the code registration information setting field SA41.

[0044] The Complete button SW41 is an operator that accepts an instruction to complete registration. When the user U taps the Complete button SW41, the CPU 15 of the information processing device 10 determines that registration is complete (S19: Registration Complete), as shown in FIG. 4. The CPU 15 stores the URL information entered in the code registration information setting field SA41 in the memory 16. That is, the CPU 15 updates the code registration information (S20). Note that if the Cancel button SW42 is operated, the CPU 15 determines that the operation is cancelled (S19: Cancel), returns to the processing of S16, and displays the reception screen.

[0045] After updating the code registration information, the CPU 15 reads out the code registration information from the memory 16 (S12: YES, S13). The CPU 15 sets the read out code registration information in the URL information setting field SA32 (S14). The CPU 15 adds a parameter setting field based on the URL parameters included in the code registration information (S15). Then, the CPU 15 displays a reception screen (S16). Note that only one code registration information may be registered, or multiple code registration information may be registered. If multiple code registration information is to be registered, the user is prompted to select which code registration information to read out in S13.

[0046] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), when "Menu" and "Size" are set as URL parameters to be added to the URL information, the CPU 15 displays, on the user IF 13, a reception screen D50 having a Menu setting field SA53 and a Size setting field SA54, as shown in FIG. 5(c). The Menu setting field SA53 is an input field for setting the product name to be added as a URL parameter. The Size setting field SA54 is an input field for setting the size to be added as a URL parameter. Furthermore, the CPU 15 displays "miniapp / test / [Menu] / [Size]", which is registered as code registration information, in the URL information setting field SA32, thereby reducing the effort required to input URL information.

[0047] 4, when CPU 15 displays reception screen D50 and does not accept operation of URL information registration button SW32 but accepts operation of completion button SW31, it determines that input is complete (S21: YES). In this case, CPU 15 creates code generation information including the basic URL information and option information accepted via reception screen D50 (S22), and ends the code generation information acquisition process shown in FIG.

[0048] If the cancel button SW33 on the reception screen D50 is tapped (S21: Cancel), the CPU 15 ends the code generation information acquisition process without creating code generation information. The processes of S16, S21, and S22 are examples of "acquisition process" and "option acquisition process." The processes of S18 to S20 are examples of registration process.

[0049] Returning to FIG. 2, print / edit application 17 transmits the code generation information generated in the code generation information acquisition process of A22 to code generation server 3 (A31). The process of A31 is an example of a "transmission process." For example, at startup, code generation server 3 logs in using code generation account 5 (A1) and starts code generation program 4 (A2). When code generation server 3 receives code generation information from print / edit application 17 (A31), it executes code generation program 4 and generates a mini application code based on the received code generation information (A32). The generated mini application code may be one type or multiple types.

[0050] The code generation server 3 transmits the generated mini-application code to the print editing application 17. When the print editing application 17 receives the mini-application code from the code generation server 3 via the communication IF 12 of the information processing device 10 (A33), it executes a reception process (A34). The process of A33 is an example of a "reception process." The reception process is a process for receiving any one of an edit instruction, a save instruction, and a print instruction. An edit instruction is an instruction to edit the mini-application code. A save instruction is an instruction to save an image including the mini-application code. A print instruction is an instruction to print an image including the mini-application code. Note that the reception process may also receive other instructions.

[0051] The control procedure of the reception process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The CPU 15 of the information processing device 10 uses the print editing application 17 to execute the reception process.

[0052] The CPU 15 determines whether the mini application code received from the code generation server 3 has multiple forms (S31). For example, if a color is not specified, the code generation server 3 generates multiple mini application codes of different colors and sends them to the print editing application 17. For example, if a shape is not specified, the code generation server 3 similarly generates multiple mini application codes and sends them to the print editing application 17. On the other hand, if a color and a shape are specified, the code generation server 3 generates one mini application code that matches the color and shape and sends it to the print editing application 17. If the CPU 15 receives only one mini application code from the code generation server 3, it determines that the mini application code does not have multiple forms (S31: NO) and proceeds to S34.

[0053] When multiple mini-application codes are received from the code generation server 3, the CPU 15 determines that the mini-application code has multiple modes (S31: YES) and displays a selection screen on the user IF 13 (S32). The CPU 15 determines whether selection of a mini-application code is complete (S33). The CPU 15 waits until a mini-application code is selected (S33: NO).

[0054] For example, as shown in Fig. 7(a), selection screen D60 is displayed at the bottom of edit screen D10. As shown in Fig. 7(b), selection screen D60 displays a list of multiple mini-application codes M61a, M61b, M62a, M62b, M63a, M63b, M64a, and M64b received from code generation server 3. The mini-application codes M61a, M61b, M62a, M62b, M63a, M63b, M64a, and M64b have the same encoded URL information but different shapes and colors. For example, mini-application code M61a and mini-application code M61b have the same color but different shapes. Mini-application code M61a and mini-application code M62a have the same shape but different colors. Mini-application code M61b and mini-application code M62b have the same shape but different colors.

[0055] Selection screen D60 displays a Complete button SW61 to instruct the user to complete the selection. For example, to select mini appli code M61b, user U taps mini appli code M61b and then taps the Complete button SW61. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, CPU 15 determines that selection of the mini appli code is complete (S33: YES). CPU 15 creates a mini appli object (S34). The mini appli object is an object for displaying the mini appli code received from code generation server 3. The processes of S32 and S33 are an example of a "selection process." The process of S34 is an example of a "size change process."

[0056] For example, CPU 15 generates a mini appli object by adjusting the size of the selected mini appli code to match the size set by size setting button SW15. Also, for example, CPU 15 generates a mini appli code object based on the resolution included in the printer information acquired from printer 2. Also, for example, when generating an image to be printed using a template that includes a mini appli code among the templates stored in template DB 18, CPU 15 arranges the mini appli code received from code generation server 3 by adjusting it to the size specified in the template.

[0057] The CPU 15 determines whether the mini-application code whose size and layout have been adjusted can be read (S35). If the CPU 15 determines that the mini-application code can be read (S35: YES), it displays the generated mini-application code object via the user IF 13 (S36), for example, as shown in FIG. 8(a). For example, the CPU 15 combines an image IM71 of the mini-application code object with an image IM11 of the print medium, and displays a preview image in the editing area SA11. The CPU 15 then proceeds to S37.

[0058] On the other hand, if the CPU 15 determines that the edited mini-application code cannot be printed in a readable manner (S35: NO), it notifies an error (S43) and then proceeds to S37.

[0059] Specifically, the CPU 15 acquires printer information from the printer 2 at A14 in FIG. 2. The printer information includes, for example, print medium information about the print medium set in the printer 2. If the color of the mini appli object and the color of the print medium included in the print medium information are the same color or similar colors, there is a high possibility that the mini appli code will not be readable. In this case, the CPU 15 causes the user IF 13 to display an error message ER81, as shown in FIG. 8(b), to notify the user that the mini appli code may not be read properly or to prompt the user to replace the mini appli code. In this case, the error content can be visually notified by displaying a preview image in which the color of the print medium included in the print medium information is reflected on the print medium image IM11.

[0060] For example, when the size of the mini application code is changed to match the size set in the size setting button SW15, the mini application code may be reduced to a size smaller than the predetermined readable size. In this case, the CPU 15 causes the user IF 13 to display an error message ER91, as shown in Fig. 8(c), informing the user that a reading error may occur in the mini application code or prompting the user to change the tape width. In this case, too, the error content can be visually notified by displaying a preview image according to the size of the print medium.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 6, after displaying the mini appli object or notifying an error, the CPU 15 determines whether the edit button has been pressed (S37). For example, if any one of the add object button SW11, set size button SW15, replace button SW71, or re-input button SW72 shown in Fig. 8 has been pressed, the CPU 15 determines that the edit button has been pressed (S37: YES). In this case, the CPU 15 accepts the edit instruction (S38) and ends the acceptance process.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 6, when the save button SW12 on the edit screen D10 shown in Fig. 8 is pressed (S37: NO, S39: YES), the CPU 15 accepts a save instruction (S40) and ends the acceptance process. When the print button SW13 on the edit screen D10 shown in Fig. 8 is pressed (S37: NO, S39: NO, S41: YES), the CPU 15 accepts a print instruction (S42) and ends the acceptance process. The processes of S41 and S42 are an example of a "print acceptance process."

[0063] Returning to FIG. 2, when an editing instruction is received in the reception process of A34 (alt: editing instruction), the print and edit application 17 executes the editing process (A41).

[0064] The control procedure of the editing process will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9. The CPU 15 of the information processing device 10 determines the type of button pressed on the editing screen D10 shown in FIG. 8 (S51). When the CPU 15 receives an editing instruction by pressing the re-input button SW72 shown in FIG. 8(c) (S51: re-input button), it executes code generation information acquisition process (S52). This code generation information acquisition process is similar to the code generation information acquisition process shown in FIG. 4, and therefore its description will be omitted. The process of inputting URL information into the URL information setting field SA32 on the reception screen D30 or the reception screen D50 in the processes of S51 and S52 is an example of a "re-input process." The process of pressing the complete button SW31 on the reception screen D30 or the reception screen D50 in the process of S52 is an example of a "change acceptance process."

[0065] After generating the code generation information in the code generation information acquisition process, the CPU 15 transmits the generated code generation information to the code generation server 3 via the communication IF 12 (S53). The process of S53 is an example of a "retransmission process." After transmitting the code generation information, the CPU 15 determines whether or not it has received a mini application code via the communication IF 12 (S54). The processes of S53 and S54 are similar to A12 and A14 in FIG. 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. If the CPU 15 receives a mini application code via the communication IF 12 (S54: YES), it executes a reception process (S55). This reception process is similar to the reception process shown in FIG. 6, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. After executing the reception process, the CPU 15 ends the editing process shown in FIG. 9.

[0066] When the CPU 15 receives an editing instruction by pressing the replace button SW71 shown in FIG. 8(b) (S51: replace button), it performs a receiving process (S55) and ends the editing process shown in FIG.

[0067] When an edit button other than the Replace button SW71 or the Re-input button SW72, such as the Size Setting button SW15 or the Add Object button SW11 shown in FIG. 8(c), is operated, the CPU 15 determines that another edit button has been pressed (S51: Other Edit Button). In this case, the CPU 15 executes another process corresponding to the edit instruction (S56) and ends the edit process. For example, when the size of the print medium is changed via the Size Setting button SW15, the CPU 15 resizes the image IM71 of the mini-application code and the image IM11 of the print medium in accordance with the size change. For example, when the Add Object button SW11 is pressed, the CPU 15 displays the object selection screen D20 shown in FIG. 3(b). When the user U taps the “Text” operator SW21 displayed on the object selection screen D20, the CPU 15 displays a numeric keypad and accepts text input. That is, the CPU 15 can generate an image in which the text “Coffee Large Size 500 Yen” is added to a mini-application object, for example.

[0068] After completing the editing process shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 15 executes editing processes according to the instructions received in the receiving process, as shown at A42 in FIG.

[0069] 2, when a save instruction is received in the reception process of A34 (alt: save instruction), the print and edit application 17 stores the image data of the image edited on the edit screen D10 in a non-volatile area of ​​the memory 16 (A51). This makes it possible to use the saved mini appli object the next time an image including a mini appli code is generated, thereby shortening the time required to edit an image including a mini appli code.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 2, when the print editing application 17 receives a print instruction in the reception process of A34 (alt: print instruction), it sends a print command including image data of the image edited on the edit screen D10 to the printer 2 specified by the print editing application 17 (A61). The process of A61 is an example of a "print process." The printer 2 executes printing based on the image data included in the print command (A62). As a result, the printer 2 creates a label 22 including an image 24 of the mini-application code, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0071] As described above, in printing system 1 of the present embodiment, code generation server 3 is provided on which code generation program 4 for generating mini-application code is installed, and the user is logged in to code generation server 3 using code generation account 5 required to execute code generation program 4. Printing and editing application 17, used by a user who wants to print the mini-application code, passes acquired code generation information to code generation server 3, which then generates mini-application code by encoding the code generation information, and causes printer 2 to print the mini-application code. Therefore, according to printing system 1, even if information processing device 10 on which printing and editing application 17 is installed does not have code generation account 5, it is possible to generate mini-application code and cause printer 2 to print it.

[0072] Furthermore, in the printing system 1 of this embodiment, the mini-application code generated by the code generation server 3 is returned to the printing and editing application 17 (A33 in FIG. 2), which then causes the printing and editing application 17 to display an image including the mini-application code via the user IF 13, and a print instruction to print the image including the mini-application code can be accepted (A34, alt: print instruction, A61). This allows the user to decide whether or not to print the image 24 by looking at the image displayed on the user IF 13. Furthermore, when printing an image including the mini-application code, the user can decide the timing of printing. In particular, if the image including the mini-application code is stored in memory 16, it becomes easier to determine the timing.

[0073] (Second embodiment) A printing system according to a second embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 10, a printing system 1A according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that an information processing device 10 transmits code generation information to a code generation server 3, the code generation server 3 transmits the generated mini application code to a printer 2, and the printer 2 prints the mini application code. This embodiment will be described mainly with respect to configurations that differ from those of the first embodiment, and common configurations will be designated by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment and will not be described as appropriate.

[0074] In the printing system 1A, an information processing device 10, a first printer 2A, a second printer 2B, and a code generation server 3 are connected to a LAN 101. That is, in the first embodiment, the code generation server 3 is assumed to be a server of the printer manufacturer, but in the second embodiment, it is assumed to be an in-house server.

[0075] The template DB 18 is provided in each of the print editing application 17 and the code generation server 3. Therefore, the print editing application 17 and the code generation server 3 can mutually recognize templates via template identification information that identifies the template.

[0076] In printing system 1A, print editing application 17 acquires URL information to be encoded into the mini application code and option information that specifies the type, shape, and color of the mini application code, generates code generation information, and transmits the generated code generation information to code generation server 3. At this time, print editing application 17 adds printer identification information to the code generation information. Printer identification information is information that identifies the printer. Examples of printer identification information include an IP address, a MAC address, and an SSID. In this embodiment, print editing application 17 transmits the code generation information to which printer identification information that identifies first printer 2A has been added to the code generation server 3.

[0077] When the user U refers to templates in the print editing application 17 and selects a specific template, the print editing application 17 adds the template identification information assigned to the specific template in the template DB 18 to the code generation information sent to the code generation server 3.

[0078] The code generation server 3 is logged in using a code generation account 5. When the code generation server 3 receives code generation information from the print editing application 17, it executes the code generation program 4 and generates a mini-application code by encoding the received URL information. The mini-application code is generated with a type, shape, and color based on the option information. Based on the printer-specific information added to the code generation information, the code generation server 3 sends a print command including an image showing the generated mini-application code to the first printer 2A via LAN 101.

[0079] When code generation server 3 receives code generation information with template identification information added from print editing application 17, it compares the template identification information with template DB 18 and extracts a specific template. Code generation server 3 adjusts the size and placement of the generated mini application code to match the specific template and generates an image including the mini application code. Code generation server 3 sends a print command including image data of the generated image to first printer 2A.

[0080] The printer that will perform printing may be registered in advance in the code generation server 3. In this case, the code generation server 3 can send a print command including an image of the mini-application code to the registered printer even if it does not receive printer identification information from the print / edit application 17. When a printer is registered in advance in the code generation server 3, the code generation server 3 may store user identification information that identifies the user and printer information in association with each other. The print / edit application 17 sends code generation information to the code generation server 3, to which user identification information that identifies user U has been added. The code generation server 3 sends the print command to the printer associated with the user identification information. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the printer that performed the printing, eliminating the need to search for the printed material.

[0081] For example, the code generation server 3 may search for printers that can print the mini-application code and send a print command including the mini-application code to the printer that is found. In this case, the code generation server 3 may notify the print editing application 17 of information about the printer that sent the print command. This allows the user to know the printer that printed the mini-application code using the print editing application 17, which is convenient.

[0082] The first printer 2A receives the print command and prints the image containing the mini-application code.

[0083] As described above, according to the printing system 1A of this embodiment, for example, a print command is sent directly from the code generation server 3 to the first printer 2A. This eliminates the need for the user to operate the print editing application 17 for printing, thereby reducing the time and effort required for printing.

[0084] It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the present invention can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, a label writer is used as an example of a printer, but other models of printers, such as inkjet printers, laser printers, and multifunction peripherals, may also be used as examples of printers.

[0085] For example, the URL registration button SW32 on reception screen D30 and the processes from S17 to S21 in Fig. 4 may be omitted, and the user may always enter all URL information. However, if code registration information can be registered as in the above embodiment, the next time a mini appli code is generated in which similar URL information is encoded, the user can save time and effort in entering URL information compared to when all URL information is entered.

[0086] For example, print / edit application 17 may not accept input of option information and may send only URL information to code generation server 3. However, by sending URL information and option information to code generation server 3 as in the above embodiment, print / edit application 17 can cause code generation server 3 to generate various types of mini-application code, increasing the degree of freedom in the generated mini-application code. Furthermore, because code generation server 3 generates mini-application code according to the code generation information received from print / edit application 17, the load on code generation server 3 can be reduced compared to when the code generation server 3 is caused to generate multiple mini-application codes without sending option information.

[0087] 6 may be omitted, and the mini-application code may not be selected. However, as in the above embodiment, if the code generation server 3 generates multiple mini-application codes with different styles and the print / edit application 17 allows the user to select a mini-application code via the selection screen D60, the user can print the desired mini-application code without having to input option information if the user does not know the options or if entering the options is too much work. Also, for example, even if the user does not know the color suitable for reading the mini-application code, multiple types of mini-application codes with colors suitable for reading can be displayed on the user IF 13, allowing the user to select one.

[0088] 2, the print / edit application 17 may omit the processes A41 and A42 and not allow the user to re-enter URL information or change the size of the mini-application code. However, as in the above embodiment, URL information can be input even after the information processing device 10, on which the print / edit application 17 is installed, receives the mini-application code from the code generation server 3. If the URL information is re-entered, the code generation server 3 can be made to generate the mini-application code again, thereby enabling the user to correct the URL information and improving convenience. Furthermore, as in the above embodiment, making the size of the mini-application code resizable can improve convenience. Furthermore, if the size becomes smaller than a predetermined size, restricting size changes can reduce the possibility that the printed mini-application code will become unreadable.

[0089] For example, the process for restricting the change of size may be a process that does not allow the size to be smaller than a predetermined size, in addition to the error notification shown in S43 of FIG.

[0090] For example, if the color of the mini application code is the same or similar to the color of the tape and there is a possibility of a reading error, an error is notified (S43 in FIG. 2), but such a mini application code may be removed from the options on the selection screen D60 so that it cannot be selected, which reduces the effort required to reselect the mini application code.

[0091] For example, the method of acquiring URL information is not limited to the method of inputting URL information via the reception screens D30 and D50. For example, print / edit application 17 may acquire URL information by reading another graphic pattern (such as a QR code) that stores URL information. This eliminates the need to manually input URL information. For example, if there is a web page linked to print / edit application 17, URL information may be acquired when the web page is opened within print / edit application 17. This allows URL information to be acquired without the user having to manually input URL information. However, as in the above embodiment, URL information can be simply accepted by accepting input via the URL information setting field SA32. For example, basic URL information or URL information may be acquired from another application compatible with mini application 202. The other application may be provided by the same printer manufacturer as print / edit application 17, or by a different manufacturer.

[0092] 10 has an operation panel with display and operation functions, the mini-application code may be sent from the code generation server 3 to the first printer 2A, and the first printer 2A may store the image in its internal memory. The first printer 2A may also receive a print instruction to edit or print an image including the mini-application code via the operation panel, and then perform printing.

[0093] In any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, the execution order of multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed or can be executed in parallel as long as no contradiction occurs in the process content.

[0094] The processes disclosed in the embodiments may be executed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. The processes disclosed in the embodiments may also be realized in various ways, such as a recording medium on which a program for executing the processes is recorded, or a method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1...printing system, 2...printer, 3...code generation server, 4...code generation program, 5...code generation account, 10...information processing device, 15...CPU, 17...print editing application, 201...full application, 202...mini application

Claims

1. A printing system having a printer, an application program that executes a process for causing the printer to print, and a server that can communicate with the application program, a generation program is installed on the server, the generation program being capable of generating a two-dimensional code in which launch information used to launch a mini appli is encoded; the mini appli is a program having some of the functions of a full appli, does not require installation, and is deleted after a predetermined period of time has passed; the mini appli is a program that is downloaded and launched based on the launch information; the full appli is a program that requires installation; a specific account is required to execute the processing of the generation program; and the server can be logged in using the specific account; The application program Acquire the startup information and transmit the acquired startup information to the server; The server When the startup information transmitted from the application program is received and the specific account is logged in, the two-dimensional code is generated by using the generation program, in which the received startup information is encoded; The printer Printing the two-dimensional code generated by the server; A printing system configured to:

2. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, The server Returning the generated two-dimensional code to the application program; The application program receiving the two-dimensional code transmitted from the server, and accepting a print instruction to cause the printer to print an image including the received two-dimensional code, and when the print instruction is accepted, sending a print command to the printer to print the image including the received two-dimensional code; The printer When the print command transmitted from the application program is received, the image including the two-dimensional code is printed based on the received print command. A printing system configured to:

3. 2. The printing system according to claim 1, the server is also capable of communicating with the printer; The server Sending a print command to the printer to print an image including the generated two-dimensional code; The printer When the print command transmitted from the server is received, the image including the two-dimensional code is printed based on the received print command. A printing system configured to:

4. The computer of the information processing device executes an acquisition process for acquiring launch information used to launch a mini appli, the mini appli being a program having some of the functions of a full appli, not requiring installation, and being deleted after a predetermined period of time has passed, the mini appli being a program that is downloaded and launched based on the launch information, and the full appli being a program that requires installation; Furthermore, the computer a transmission process is executed to transmit the startup information acquired in the acquisition process to a server via a communication interface of the information processing device, a generation program capable of executing a process to generate a two-dimensional code in which the startup information is encoded is installed on the server, a specific account is required to execute the process of the generation program, the server can be logged in using the specific account, and when the server receives the startup information and is logged in using the specific account, the server uses the generation program to generate the two-dimensional code in which the received startup information is encoded and returns the generated two-dimensional code; Furthermore, the computer a receiving process of receiving the two-dimensional code transmitted from the server via the communication interface; a print receiving process for receiving a print instruction to cause a printer to print the image including the two-dimensional code received in the receiving process via a user interface of the information processing device; a printing process in which, when the printing instruction is accepted in the printing acceptance process, a printing command for printing the image including the two-dimensional code received in the receiving process is sent to the printer via the communication interface; Execute An application program configured to:

5. 5. The application program according to claim 4, In the acquisition process, displaying a screen for accepting input of the startup information on the user interface, and acquiring the startup information input on the screen; An application program configured to:

6. 6. The application program according to claim 5, The computer, executing a registration process for registering partial information indicating at least a part of the startup information; In the acquisition process, reading out the partial information registered in the registration process, and displaying the screen on the user interface with the read out partial information entered in the input field for the startup information; An application program configured to:

7. 7. The application program according to claim 4, wherein: The computer, Executing an option acquisition process to acquire option information indicating options used to generate the two-dimensional code; In the transmission process, If the option information has been acquired in the option acquisition process, the startup information acquired in the acquisition process is associated with the option information acquired in the option acquisition process and transmitted to the server via the communication interface; and if the option information is associated with the startup information transmitted from the application program, the server uses the generation program to generate the two-dimensional code in which the received startup information is encoded in accordance with the received option information, and returns the generated two-dimensional code. An application program configured to:

8. 7. The application program according to claim 4, wherein: The computer, When a plurality of the two-dimensional codes are received in the receiving process, a selection process is executed via the user interface to select the two-dimensional code to be printed from the received plurality of two-dimensional codes, the two-dimensional code has a plurality of modes, and the server generates a plurality of the two-dimensional codes having different modes and returns the generated plurality of two-dimensional codes; In the print reception process, receiving, via a user interface of the information processing device, the print instruction to cause the printer to print the image including the two-dimensional code selected in the selection process from the plurality of two-dimensional codes received in the reception process; An application program configured to:

9. 9. The application program according to claim 4, wherein: After receiving the two-dimensional code in the receiving process, a re-input process for re-inputting the startup information via the user interface; a change acceptance process for accepting an instruction to change the startup information via the user interface; a retransmission process of transmitting the startup information re-inputted in the re-input process to the server via the communication interface when the change instruction is accepted in the change acceptance process; Furthermore, the computer After the retransmission process, if the two-dimensional code is received in the reception process, the print acceptance process and the print process are executed. An application program configured to:

10. 10. The application program according to claim 4, The computer, executes a size change process to change the size of the two-dimensional code received in the receiving process; Furthermore, the computer If the size after the size change processing is smaller than a predetermined size, a process for restricting the change of the size of the two-dimensional code is executed. An application program configured to:

Images