Image creation device and image processing program

Abstract

To provide a technique for printing label images while switching the printers used, according to the user's intended purpose.SOLUTION: A label printer 2 has a CPU 23a. The CPU 23a performs a step S25 of creating a label image that can be printed in a prescribed size with the label printer 2, a step S10 of receiving designation of a printer to print the created label image, and a step S45 and a step S65 of outputting a printing command to, when receiving designation of the label printer 2, print the label image on a label tape TP of a cartridge 5 installed in the label printer 2, and to, when receiving designation of a page printer 6, print the label image in a prescribed position on a print paper sheet PS fed by the page printer 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image creating apparatus and an image processing program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a tape printing apparatus capable of creating a label by printing a large number of characters such as Chinese characters, hiragana, katakana, and alphabetic characters on a printing tape having a predetermined tape width.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By using a label printer as in the above prior art, a user can create a label by printing a desired label image on a tape. However, depending on the intended use of the label to be created by the user, there may also be a need, for example, to print the same label image as described above on a sheet of paper of a predetermined size using an inkjet page printer.

[0005] In the above prior art, printing a label image on a page printer has not been particularly considered, and it is difficult to say that it sufficiently meets various needs of users.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that can print a label image by switching the printer to be used according to the intended use of the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides an image creation device having a control unit, the control unit performing: a creation process to create label image data representing a label image of a predetermined size; a reception process to receive a designation of a printing device; and an output process to output a print instruction to the printing device designated in the reception process, wherein, if the reception process receives a designation of a label printer as the printing device, the print instruction is an instruction to print the label image data on a printing medium corresponding to the predetermined size mounted in the label printer; and if the reception process receives a designation of a page printer as the printing device, the print instruction is an instruction to place the label image at a predetermined size on a sheet of paper fed by the page printer and print it.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the image processing program of the present invention causes the arithmetic unit provided in the information processing device to execute: a creation process to create label image data representing a label image of a predetermined size; a reception process to receive the designation of a printing device; and an output process to output a print instruction to the printing device designated in the reception process, wherein, if the reception process receives the designation of a label printer as the printing device, the print instruction is to print the label image data onto a printing medium corresponding to the predetermined size mounted in the label printer; and if the reception process receives the designation of a page printer as the printing device, the print instruction is to position the label image at the predetermined size on the paper fed by the page printer and print it.

[0009] According to the present invention, in response to the designation of a label printer or page printer, a print instruction for label image data is output to the designated printer, allowing users to easily print label images by switching the printer used according to their intended use.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to image creation devices and image processing programs, but can be appropriately applied to, for example, image processing methods executed by image processing programs, image creation systems, etc. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, the printer used can be switched according to the user's intended use to print label images. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a label printer and a page printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of printed materials printed by a label printer and a page printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of printed materials printed by a label printer and a page printer in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure performed by the CPU of a label printer in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows an example of the detailed contents of the print preview process in step S100. [Figure 7] This diagram shows an example of a preview screen when a label printer is specified. [Figure 8] This diagram shows an example of a preview screen when a page printer is specified. [Figure 9] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen when the orientation of the print paper is changed. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a preview screen when a label image is divided and displayed on multiple sheets of paper. [Figure 11]It is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an information terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] In the second embodiment of the present invention, it is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure executed by the CPU of the information terminal.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is an embodiment in which label image data is created by a label printer, and the label image data is printed by designating the label printer or a page printer.

[0014] <Overall System Configuration> FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a label printer 2 and a page printer 6. The label printer 2 is a printing device that prints label image data on a label tape TP to create a printed label L, and has a display unit 21 and an input unit 22. The page printer 6 is a printing device that prints label image data on printing paper PS, and has a display unit 61. The label printer 2 and the page printer 6 are connected so as to be able to mutually transmit and receive information via, for example, wireless communication. Note that they may also be connected via wired communication.

[0015] <Label Printer> FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the label printer 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the label printer 2 includes the above-mentioned display unit 21 and input unit 22, a control circuit 23, a cartridge holder 24, a cartridge sensor 25, a communication control unit 26, a printing head 27, a large-capacity storage device 28, and a cutter 29. The label printer 2 is an example of a printing device.

[0016] The display unit 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display and displays various information and messages. The display unit 21 has a color display function that allows it to display label images in color. Note that the display unit 21 is not limited to color display; it may also display in monochrome. The input unit 22 consists of multiple buttons, etc., and receives instructions and information from the user. The input unit 22 is an example of an operation unit.

[0017] The control circuit 23 includes a CPU 23a, RAM 23b, ROM 23c, etc. The CPU 23a is an example of a control unit. The control circuit 23 creates label image data representing a label image of a predetermined size based on user editing. The size includes the width dimension and the length dimension. The control circuit 23 receives a specification from the user for a printer to print the label image data. If label printer 2 is specified, the control circuit 23 outputs a print command to the print head 27 to print the label image data onto the label tape TP loaded in label printer 2, and creates a printed label L. If page printer 6 is specified, the control circuit 23 outputs a print command to page printer 6 to place the label image at a predetermined size in a predetermined position on the printing paper PS fed by page printer 6 and print it.

[0018] The cartridge holder 24 detachably mounts the cartridge 5 that supplies the label tape TP. The cartridge sensor 25 is provided on the cartridge holder 24 and detects information about the cartridge 5 by mechanical detection or optical / magnetic detection, or any other known and appropriate method. The information about the cartridge 5 includes the tape width, which is the widthwise dimension of the label tape TP supplied from the cartridge 5, the tape color, and the print color, which is defined by the color of the ink ribbon provided in the cartridge 5. The tape color is an example of a media color. The communication control unit 26 controls the communication between the cartridge and the page printer 6.

[0019] The large-capacity storage device 28 stores a print program and various data for the CPU 23a to execute each step of the sequence shown in Figure 5, etc., described later. The various data includes multiple label image data stored when the page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination. The print program and various data may also be stored in the RAM 23b or ROM 23c of the control circuit 23. The large-capacity storage device 28 is an example of a storage unit.

[0020] The print head 27 prints label image data onto the label tape TP. The cutter 29 cuts the long label tape TP, which has been printed on by the print head 27, to a predetermined length to create a printed label L. The print head 27 is an example of a printing unit, and the label tape TP is an example of a printing medium.

[0021] <Page printer> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the page printer 6. As shown in Figure 2, the page printer 6 includes the display unit 61, the control unit 62, the tray 63, the transport unit 64, the communication control unit 65, the print head 66, and the mass storage device 67. The page printer 6 is an example of a printing device.

[0022] The display unit 61 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information and messages. The control unit 62 has, for example, a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. (not shown). When the control unit 62 receives a print command from the label printer 2, it places the label image data created by the label printer 2 at a predetermined size on the print paper PS and prints it.

[0023] The tray 63 is attached to and detached from the housing of the page printer 6 by inserting and removing it. The tray 63 holds multiple stacked sheets of printing paper PS of a predetermined size (for example, cut sheets of A4 size). The transport unit 64 transports the printing paper PS contained in the tray 63 one sheet at a time and feeds it to the print head 66. The transport unit 64 has, for example, multiple rollers. The communication control unit 65 controls the communication that takes place with the label printer 2.

[0024] The large-capacity storage device 67 stores the print program and various data. The print program and various data may also be stored in the RAM or ROM of the control unit 62.

[0025] The print head 66 places a label image corresponding to the label image data created by the label printer 2 at a predetermined position on the print paper PS fed by the transport unit 64, and prints it at a predetermined size. The predetermined size is a size that fits within the tape width of the label tape TP printed by the label printer 2. Print paper PS is an example of paper.

[0026] <Printed materials produced by label printers and page printers> Label printer 2 creates label image data representing a label image based on user editing. Label printer 2 is also an example of an image creation device. Label printer 2 can specify from among multiple printers which printer to create or print the created label image data on. Multiple printer information is pre-registered in label printer 2, and the printer to print to is specified based on the printer information selected via the input unit 22 from among the registered printer information. Printer information includes, for example, printer-specific information such as an IP address, or information that can identify the type of printer, such as the model name or model number. In this embodiment, label printer 2 itself and page printer 6 are registered as printers to print to. Page printer 6 prints on printing paper PS of a specific size, such as A4, B5, or A3. The printing method of page printer 6 is not particularly limited and may be inkjet or laser, for example. The printer information of page printer 6 is registered with information on the size and orientation of the printing paper PS to be printed on by page printer 6. Note that three or more types of printers may be registered.

[0027] For example, if a user-created label is to be used in an application where it is likely to get wet, the label printer 2 can be specified as the print output destination, and a highly water-resistant label can be created by using, for example, a laminate-type cartridge 5. Alternatively, if a user-created label is to be used in an application where high durability is not required, the page printer 6 can be specified as the print output destination, and a low-cost label can be created using, for example, sticker paper or other printing paper (PS). In this way, the printer used can be switched according to the user's intended use to print the label image.

[0028] Figures 3 and 4 show examples of printed materials produced by the label printer 2 and page printer 6 in this embodiment. Figure 3 shows examples of cases where the label printer 2 and the page printer 6 are specified as the print output destination when creating a single label image. When the label printer 2 is specified as the print output destination, even if there is only one label image, the label tape TP can be used efficiently to create the printed label L. On the other hand, when the page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination, the printing paper PS is fed in page units and printing is performed, so if multiple label images are not printed together, unnecessary margins BS will be created on the printing paper PS. However, even if unnecessary margins BS are created on the printing paper PS, if the label image is needed immediately, the printed material can be obtained at the time the print command is given.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an example where, when the page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination, the label printer 2 stores multiple label image data before sending it to the page printer 6 for printing. As shown in Figure 4, when the label printer 2 is specified as the print output destination, the process is the same as in the example shown in Figure 3. However, when the page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination, multiple label image data is stored before being sent to the page printer 6 for printing, which reduces unnecessary margins on the print paper (PS) and saves print paper (PS). When the page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination, the user can be given a setting in advance to decide whether or not to store the label image data before printing, allowing the system to switch between printing as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4. In the following explanation, we will use the example shown in Figure 4, where multiple label image data is stored before being sent to the page printer 6.

[0030] <Control Procedure> An example of a control procedure executed by the CPU 23a of the label printer 2 to realize the above-mentioned printing function in this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 5 and 6.

[0031] In step S5, the CPU 23a displays an editing screen on the display unit 21 and accepts editing of the label image by the user.

[0032] In step S10, the CPU 23a receives a specification for a printer to print the print data created in step S25, described later, which includes label image data representing the label image edited in step S5. Specifically, the CPU 23a receives a specification for a printer based on one printer selected via the input unit 22 from among a plurality of pre-registered printer information. In this embodiment, either label printer 2 or page printer 6 is specified. Step S10 is an example of the reception process.

[0033] In step S15, the CPU 23a determines whether the user has issued a preview command to display a print image of the label image edited in step S5 on the display unit 21. If the CPU 23a determines that no preview command has been issued (step S15: No), it proceeds to step S20, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the CPU 23a determines that a preview command has been issued (step S15: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S100.

[0034] In step S100, the CPU 23a performs a print preview process to display a print image of the label on the display unit 21. Details of the print preview process will be described later.

[0035] In step S20, the CPU 23a determines whether or not a print command has been issued by the user. If the CPU 23a determines that no print command has been issued (step S20: No), it returns to step S5. Thus, the CPU 23a repeats steps S5 to S15 and step S100 until a print command is issued by the user. On the other hand, if the CPU 23a determines that a print command has been issued (step S20: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S25.

[0036] In step S25, the CPU 23a creates print data for printing the label image data, which represents the label image edited in step S5, onto a label tape TP corresponding to the size of the label image. The print data includes the label image data as well as size information for the label image. The size information includes the size of the label image in the tape width direction and the print length. Step S25 is an example of the creation process.

[0037] In step S30, CPU 23a determines whether page printer 6 was specified as the printer to print to in step S10. If label printer 2 is specified as the printer to print to (step S30: No), CPU 23a proceeds to step S35.

[0038] In step S35, the CPU 23a acquires information about the cartridge 5 mounted in the cartridge holder 24, which has been detected by the cartridge sensor 25. The information about the cartridge 5 includes tape width information, which is the width dimension of the label tape TP supplied from the cartridge 5. Step S35 is an example of the acquisition process.

[0039] In step S40, the CPU 23a determines whether the tape width information obtained in step S35 matches the tape width size of the print data created in step S25, or in other words, whether the type of cartridge 5 installed in the cartridge holder 24 corresponds to the print data. If the CPU 23a determines that the tape width of cartridge 5 matches the tape width size of the print data (step S40: Yes), it proceeds to step S45. Step S40 is an example of a decision process.

[0040] In step S45, a print command is output to the print head 27 to print the print data created in step S25 onto the label tape TP supplied from the cartridge 5 mounted in the cartridge holder 24. The print data is then printed onto the label tape TP to create the printed label L. Step S45 is an example of the output process. After this, this flowchart ends.

[0041] In step S40, if the CPU 23a determines that the tape width of cartridge 5 does not match the tape width size of the print data (step S40: No), it proceeds to step S50.

[0042] In step S50, the CPU 23a displays an error message on the display unit 21 indicating that the tape width of the installed cartridge 5 does not match the tape width size of the print data. After that, this flowchart is terminated.

[0043] In step S30 above, if the page printer 6 is specified as the printer to print to (step S30: Yes), the CPU 23a proceeds to step S55.

[0044] In step S55, the CPU 23a obtains information on the size and orientation of the PS paper used by the page printer 6. The CPU 23a may obtain the above size and orientation information associated with the printer information of the page printer 6 that has been registered in advance, or it may communicate with the page printer 6 to obtain the current size and orientation information in real time.

[0045] In step S60, the CPU 23a determines, for example, whether one page of print data, in which multiple label images corresponding to multiple label image data are arranged on a single sheet of print paper PS, has been stored in the mass storage device 28, based on the size and orientation information of the print paper PS obtained in step S55. For example, if the orientation of the print paper PS is vertical, the multiple label images are arranged so that the tape width direction coincides with the longitudinal direction of the print paper PS, and the longitudinal direction of the tape is aligned with the short direction of the print paper PS. Also, for example, if the orientation of the print paper PS is horizontal, the multiple label images are arranged so that the tape width direction coincides with the short direction of the print paper PS, and the longitudinal direction of the tape is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the print paper PS. The CPU 23a determines, for example, that one page of print data has been stored if the remaining margin in the direction corresponding to the tape width direction of the label images on the print paper PS is smaller than the minimum tape width of a predetermined label tape TP. If the CPU 23a determines that one page of print data has been stored (step S60: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S65.

[0046] In step S65, the CPU 23a outputs a print command to the page printer 6, instructing it to place the label images at predetermined positions and sizes on the print paper PS fed by the page printer 6, using the print data created in step S25. Specifically, based on the size and orientation information of the print paper PS acquired in step S55, the CPU 23a outputs a print command to the page printer 6 that includes print data for one page with multiple label images. As a result, the page printer 6 places the label images at predetermined positions and sizes on the print paper PS and prints them. Step S65 is an example of the output process. After this, this flowchart ends.

[0047] In step S60, if the CPU 23a determines that there is no print data for one page (step S60: No), it proceeds to the next step S70.

[0048] In step S70, the CPU 23a stores the print data, including the label image data to be printed, in a mass storage device 28, for example. Step S70 is an example of the storage process. After that, the process returns to step S5.

[0049] Figure 6 shows an example of the details of the print preview process in step S100 described above.

[0050] In step S105, CPU 23a determines whether page printer 6 was specified as the printer to print to in step S10. If label printer 2 is specified as the printer to print to (step S105: No), CPU 23a proceeds to step S110.

[0051] In step S110, the CPU 23a acquires information about the cartridge 5 mounted in the cartridge holder 24, which has been detected by the cartridge sensor 25. The information about the cartridge 5 includes the tape width, which is the widthwise dimension of the label tape TP supplied from the cartridge 5, the tape color, and the print color, which is defined by the color of the ink ribbon provided in the cartridge 5.

[0052] In step S115, the CPU 23a obtains a single label image data representing the label image edited in step S5 above.

[0053] In step S120, the CPU 23a reduces the number of colors in the label image data acquired in step S115, based on the information of cartridge 5 acquired in step S110, as needed. In color printing using cartridge 5, it is only possible to print a maximum of two-color images, using the tape color of the label tape as the background and the printing color of the ink ribbon. Therefore, if the label image is a full-color image or an image using three or more colors, the CPU 23a reduces the number of colors in the label image data so that the label image becomes an image with two or fewer colors, such as a monochrome image. However, if the label image is a monochrome image or an image with two or fewer colors, the label image data is not reduced in color.

[0054] In step S125, the CPU 23a displays a print image of the label corresponding to the label printer 2 on the display unit 21. At this time, the CPU 23a displays a print image that will be printed on a single printable label L, regardless of the lengthwise dimensions of the label image. Specifically, the CPU 23a displays the print image of the label on the display unit 21 using the tape color of the cartridge 5 installed in the label printer as the background and an image of the print color of the cartridge 5. Step S125 is an example of the display process. After that, the process proceeds to step S20 shown in Figure 5. In the subsequent step S25, print data is generated that includes label image data reflecting the print image from step S125.

[0055] Figure 7 shows an example of the preview screen in step S125 described above. In the example shown in Figure 7, a print image of a printed label L with, for example, a cherry design and the text "Kubo Sakura" representing the name is displayed. In Figure 7, the outline of the cherry is drawn in black, but if, for example, the original label image is a cherry filled in red, the above-mentioned color reduction processing may be performed and the cherry may be drawn as a cherry filled in the same color as the text "Kubo Sakura," for example, black.

[0056] Returning to Figure 6, in step S105 above, if the page printer 6 is specified as the printer to print to (step S105: Yes), the CPU 23a proceeds to step S130.

[0057] In step S130, the CPU 23a obtains information on the size and orientation of the PS paper used by the page printer 6. The CPU 23a may obtain the above size and orientation information associated with the printer information of the page printer 6 that has been registered in advance, or it may communicate with the page printer 6 to obtain the current size and orientation information in real time.

[0058] In step S135, the CPU 23a acquires multiple label image data corresponding to the print data accumulated in step S70. If no label images have been accumulated yet, the CPU 23a acquires a single label image data.

[0059] In step S140, the CPU 23a determines whether there are any label images among the label image data acquired in step S135 whose longitudinal length exceeds the width of the printing paper PS. The width of the printing paper PS corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the label image on which it is placed. For example, if the orientation of the printing paper PS is vertical and the width of the printing paper PS is the short direction, the CPU 23a determines whether there are any label images whose longitudinal length exceeds the width of the printing paper PS. For example, if the orientation of the printing paper PS is horizontal and the width of the printing paper PS is the longitudinal direction, the CPU 23a determines whether there are any label images whose longitudinal length exceeds the length of the printing paper PS. If the CPU 23a determines that there are no label images among the label image data whose longitudinal length exceeds the width of the printing paper PS (step S140: No), it proceeds to the next step S145.

[0060] In step S145, the CPU 23a displays a print image of the label image corresponding to the page printer 6 on the display unit 21. Specifically, the CPU 23a displays a print image of a page printed on a single sheet of PS paper using the colors set in the label image data edited in step S5. For example, if the label image data is full-color and uses many colors, a print image using those many colors will be displayed. Step S145 is an example of the display process. After that, the process proceeds to step S20 shown in Figure 5. In the subsequent step S25, print data is generated that includes label image data reflecting the print image from step S145.

[0061] Figure 8 shows an example of the preview screen in step S145 described above. In the example shown in Figure 8, a print image is displayed in which, for example, two printed labels L1 with a cherry design and the name "Kubo Sakura" printed on them, two printed labels L2 with a tulip design and the name "Oishi Marie" printed on them, two printed labels L3 with a train design and the name "Sakurai Koichi" printed on them, and one printed label L4 with a lion design and the name "Hasegawa Shunsuke" printed on it are arranged so that the tape width direction of each printed label matches the longitudinal direction of the printing paper PS.

[0062] Returning to Figure 6, in step S140, if the CPU 23a determines that there is a label image in the label image data whose longitudinal length exceeds the width of the printing paper PS (step S140: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S150.

[0063] In step S150, CPU 23a changes the orientation of the print paper PS to one that increases the width. Specifically, if the orientation of the print paper PS is vertical, for example, because the normal print orientation is set to portrait, CPU 23a changes the print orientation to landscape, i.e., the orientation of the print paper PS to landscape. If the orientation of the print paper PS is already set to landscape, changing the orientation of the print paper PS will not increase the width, so S150 and S155 are skipped and the process proceeds to S160. Also, when changing the orientation of the print paper PS in S150, a message screen is displayed on the display unit asking whether to change the paper orientation, and the orientation of the print paper PS is changed only when the user instructs to change the orientation of the print paper PS. In this case, in the subsequent process of acquiring paper orientation information in S55, etc., the orientation information of the print paper PS that was changed here will be acquired.

[0064] In steps S140 and S150 described above, the CPU 23a determines the orientation of the label image on the printing paper PS according to the length of the label image. Steps S140 and S150 described above are an example of the determination process.

[0065] In step S155, the CPU 23a determines whether, with the orientation of the print paper PS changed, any of the label image data acquired in step S135 have a corresponding label image whose longitudinal length exceeds the width of the print paper PS. If the CPU 23a determines that there are no label image data where the longitudinal length exceeds the width of the print paper PS (step S155: No), it proceeds to step S145 and displays a print image of the label image with the orientation of the print paper PS changed on the display unit 21. After that, it proceeds to step S20 shown in Figure 5. In the subsequent step S25, print data is generated that includes label image data reflecting the print image from step S145.

[0066] Figure 9 shows an example of a preview screen when the determination in step S155 is not met and the process proceeds to step S145. In the example shown in Figure 9, for example, when the print paper PS is oriented vertically, the length of the print label L2, which has a tulip design and the text "Oishi Marie" representing the name printed on it, exceeds the width of the print paper PS. In this case, by changing the orientation of the print paper PS to horizontal, the length of the print label L2 becomes less than or equal to the width of the print paper PS, and it can be accommodated on the print paper PS. Therefore, in step S145, the preview screen on the right side of Figure 9 is displayed. Note that when the orientation of the print paper PS is changed from vertical to horizontal, the size of the label image in the tape width direction on the print paper PS decreases. As a result, print labels that can no longer be placed on the print paper PS are stored as data for the next print. In the example shown in Figure 9, print label L4 is stored as data for the next print.

[0067] Returning to Figure 6, in step S155, if the CPU 23a determines that there is a label image in the label image data whose longitudinal length exceeds the width of the printing paper PS (step S155: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S160. Note that the width of the printing paper PS in step S155 is the longitudinal size of the printing paper PS.

[0068] In step S160, the CPU 23a divides the label image, whose length in the longitudinal direction exceeds the width of the print paper PS, and displays the divided print image across multiple pages. Step S160 is an example of the display process. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S20 shown in Figure 5. In the following step S25, print data is generated that includes label image data reflecting the print image from step S160.

[0069] Figure 10 shows an example of the preview screen in step S160 described above. In the example shown in Figure 10, for example, when the print paper PS is oriented vertically, the length in the longitudinal direction of the print label L2, which has, for example, a tulip design and the text representing the name "Oishi Marie" printed on it, exceeds the width of the print paper PS. Furthermore, even when the print paper PS is changed to a horizontal orientation, the length in the longitudinal direction of the print label L2 exceeds the width of the print paper PS. Therefore, the label image of the print label L2 is divided, and a print image is displayed in which the divided print label L2 is placed across two pages of print paper PS. In the example shown in Figure 10, for example, the tulip design and the text "Oishi Marie" of the print label L2 are placed on the first page of print paper PS1, and the remaining part of the print label L2 is placed on the second page of print paper PS2. In step S160 described above, a preview screen showing the divided print label L2 is displayed. In Figure 10, a preview screen is displayed showing the print paper PS in landscape orientation and the print label L2 divided. However, if the length of the print label exceeds the width of the print paper PS even after changing the print paper PS to landscape orientation, the orientation of the print paper PS changed in S150 may be reverted to its original orientation. In other words, in S160, a preview screen may be displayed showing the print paper PS in portrait orientation and the print label L2 divided.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above case, if page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination, since page printer 6 can print in full color, for example, no color reduction processing will be performed on the label image data. However, if the printing function of page printer 6 is monochrome, or if monochrome printing is set, color reduction processing may be performed on the label image data even if page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination.

[0071] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to the embodiment described above, in response to the designation of either label printer 2 or page printer 6, the print command is output to the designated printer, allowing users to easily switch printers according to their usage and print label images.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the page printer 6 feeds the print paper PS on a page-by-page basis and performs printing, it is possible to reduce unnecessary margins by accumulating multiple label image data before printing, thereby saving print paper PS.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user only needs to select and specify one printer from the pre-registered printer information, thus improving convenience.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user specifies a page printer 6, a print instruction is output that includes print data for one page with multiple label images arranged on it, based on the size information of the print paper PS registered in association with the page printer 6, so that printing can be performed smoothly on the page printer 6.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the print command is output to the print head 27 only after determining the consistency between the tape width information of the cartridge 5 installed in the designated label printer 2 and the width of the edited label image, printing can be performed smoothly and reliably by the label printer 2.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user specifies the label printer 2, which is used as an image creation device, as the print output destination, the print head 27 can print the label image data onto the label tape TP to create a printed label L. This enables normal label printing.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment in particular, the user can visually confirm the print image of the label image to be printed on the specified printer by issuing a preview command.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user specifies label printer 2 as the print output destination, a print image is displayed using the tape color of cartridge 5 as the background and the print color as the image. When page printer 6 is specified as the print output destination, the print image is displayed using the colors set when editing the label image. This makes it possible to display a print image with a color scheme that closely resembles the appearance of the label actually created by the printer selected by the user.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user selects the page printer 6 and prints a label image onto the print paper PS, if the length of the label image placed on the print paper PS is greater than the length of the print paper PS and extends beyond the print paper PS, the print image is divided and displayed across multiple pages of print paper PS. This allows the entire image to be displayed as a print image even if the label image extends beyond the print paper PS.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user specifies the page printer 6 and the label image is placed on the printing paper PS, the orientation of the label image relative to the printing paper PS is determined according to the length of the label image. As a result, if the label image printed by the page printer 6 extends beyond the printing paper PS, the orientation of the label image relative to the printing paper PS can be changed to print the label image within the printing paper PS.

[0081] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which label image data is created on an information terminal and the label image data is printed by specifying a label printer or page printer.

[0082] <Overall System Configuration> Figure 11 shows an example of the overall configuration of the printing system 1A according to the second embodiment. In Figure 11, the printing system 1A includes the label printer 2 and page printer 6 described above, and information terminals 3 and 4. Information terminals 3 and 4 may be either one or both. Information terminal 3 is, for example, a mobile terminal, and may be a smartphone equipped with a touch panel 37 as shown in Figure 11, or a tablet terminal, etc. Information terminal 4 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and may be a notebook PC equipped with an input unit 33 and a display unit 34 as shown in Figure 11, or a desktop PC, etc. Information terminals 3 and 4 are each connected to the label printer 2 or page printer 6 so as to be able to send and receive information from each other. For example, information terminal 3 is connected via wireless communication, and information terminal 4 is connected via wired communication. Note that information terminal 3 may be connected via wired communication, or information terminal 4 may be connected via wireless communication.

[0083] <Information Terminal> Figure 12 shows an example of the hardware configuration of information terminals 3 and 4. Note that the configurations of label printer 2 and page printer 6 are the same as those shown in Figure 2, and are therefore omitted from the illustration. As shown in Figure 12, information terminals 3 and 4 are equipped with a CPU 31, memory 32 (for example, RAM and ROM), an input unit 33, a display unit 34, a communication control unit 35, and a mass storage device 36. Information terminals 3 and 4 are examples of information processing devices.

[0084] The input unit 33 receives instructions and information from the user. The display unit 34 displays various information and messages. In the information terminal 3, the input unit 33 and the display unit 34 are configured as a touch panel 37 that combines these functions. The communication control unit 35 controls communication with the label printer 2. The input unit 33 or the touch panel 37 is an example of an operation unit.

[0085] The large-capacity storage device 36 stores, for example, a printing application, various other programs, and various data, which are used to instruct the CPU 31 to execute each step of the sequence shown in Figure 13, described later. The printing application, various programs, and various data may also be stored in memory 32. The printing application is an example of an image processing program. The large-capacity storage device 36 is an example of a storage unit.

[0086] The CPU 31 performs various processes and communicates with the label printer 2 or page printer 6 according to programs stored in the ROM or mass storage device 36, while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM in the memory 32. The CPU 31 is an example of both a control unit and an example of an arithmetic unit.

[0087] The information terminals 3 and 4, configured as described above, create label image data representing a label image based on user editing. In this embodiment, the information terminals 3 and 4 are examples of image creation devices. The information terminals 3 and 4 can specify a printer from among several printers to create or print the created label image data. Multiple printer information is pre-registered in the information terminals 3 and 4, and the printer to print to is specified based on the printer information selected via the input unit 33 or touch panel 37 from among the registered printer information. In this embodiment, label printer 2 and page printer 6 are registered as printers to print to. Note that three or more types of printers may be registered.

[0088] <Control Procedure> To realize the printing function and other features described above in this embodiment, an example of the control procedure executed by the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 is explained using the flowchart in Figure 13. In Figure 13, the same procedures as those described in Figures 5 and 6 above will be omitted from explanation as appropriate.

[0089] In step S205, the CPU 31 displays an editing screen on the display unit 34 or touch panel 37 and accepts editing of the label image by the user.

[0090] In step S210, the CPU 31 receives a specification for a printer to print the print data created in step S225 (described later), which includes label image data representing the label image edited in step S205. In this embodiment, either label printer 2 or page printer 6 is specified. Step S210 is an example of the reception process.

[0091] In step S215, the CPU 31 determines whether the user has issued a preview command to display a print image of the label image edited in step S205 on the display unit 34 or touch panel 37. If the CPU 31 determines that no preview command has been issued (step S215: No), it proceeds to step S220, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that a preview command has been issued (step S215: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S100.

[0092] In step S100, the CPU 31 performs a print preview process to display a print image of the label on the display unit 34 or the touch panel 37. The details of the print preview process are the same as those shown in Figure 6 above, so the explanation is omitted.

[0093] In step S220, the CPU 31 determines whether or not a print command has been issued by the user. If the CPU 31 determines that no print command has been issued (step S220: No), it returns to step S205. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that a print command has been issued (step S220: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S225.

[0094] In step S225, the CPU 31 creates print data for printing the label image data, which represents the label image edited in step S205, onto a label tape TP corresponding to the size of the label image. Step S225 is an example of the creation process.

[0095] In step S230, the CPU 31 determines whether or not page printer 6 was specified as the printer to print to in step S210. If label printer 2 is specified as the printer to print to (step S230: No), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S235.

[0096] In step S235, the CPU 31 acquires information about the cartridge 5 mounted in the cartridge holder 24, which has been detected by the cartridge sensor 25 in the label printer 2, via the communication control unit 35. The information about the cartridge 5 includes tape width information, which is the width dimension of the label tape TP supplied from the cartridge 5. Step S235 is an example of the acquisition process.

[0097] In step S240, the CPU 31 determines whether the tape width information obtained in step S235 matches the tape width size of the print data created in step S225. If the CPU 31 determines that the tape width of cartridge 5 matches the tape width size of the print data (step S240: Yes), it proceeds to step S245. Step S240 is an example of a decision process.

[0098] In step S245, a print command is sent to the label printer 2 to print the print data created in step S225 onto the label tape TP of cartridge 5 installed in the label printer 2. As a result, the label printer 2 prints the print data onto the label tape TP to create the printed label L. Step S245 is an example of the output process. After this, this flowchart ends.

[0099] Furthermore, if the CPU 31 determines in step S240 that the tape width of cartridge 5 and the tape width size of the print data do not match (step S240: No), it proceeds to step S250.

[0100] In step S250, the CPU 31 displays an error message on the display unit 34 or touch panel 37 indicating that the tape width of the cartridge 5 installed in the label printer 2 does not match the tape width size of the print data. After that, this flowchart ends.

[0101] In step S230 above, if the page printer 6 is specified as the printer to print to (step S230: Yes), the CPU 31 proceeds to step S255.

[0102] In step S255, the CPU 31 obtains information about the size and orientation of the PS print paper for the page printer 6.

[0103] In step S260, the CPU 31 determines, for example, whether a page of print data, in which multiple label images corresponding to multiple label image data are arranged on a single sheet of print paper PS, is stored in the mass storage device 36, based on the size and orientation information of the print paper PS acquired in step S255. If the CPU 31 determines that a page of print data is stored (step S260: Yes), it proceeds to the next step S265.

[0104] In step S265, the CPU 31 outputs a print command to the page printer 6, instructing it to place the label image at a predetermined size in a predetermined position on the print paper PS fed by the page printer 6 and print it, based on the print data created in step S225. As a result, the page printer 6 places the label image at a predetermined size in a predetermined position on the print paper PS and prints it. Step S265 is an example of the output process. After this, this flowchart ends.

[0105] In step S260, if the CPU 31 determines that no print data for one page has been stored (step S260: No), it proceeds to the next step S270.

[0106] In step S270, the CPU 31 stores the print data, including the label image data to be printed, in a mass storage device 36, for example. Step S270 is an example of the storage process. After that, the process returns to step S205.

[0107] <Effects of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0108] <Variation> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit and technical concept.

[0109] For example, in the above example, printing is performed when one page's worth of print data has accumulated. However, this is not limited to this; for example, even if one page's worth of print data has not yet accumulated, such as when a user issues a print command, printing may be performed as if the accumulated print data at that stage constitutes one page's worth of print data.

[0110] In the first embodiment, the label printer 2 stores one page's worth of print data before sending it to the page printer 6. However, for example, the label printer 2 may sequentially send the print data to the page printer 6, and the page printer 6 may store one page's worth of print data before printing.

[0111] Furthermore, instead of having the CPU 23a of the label printer 2 process the tasks shown in Figures 5 and 6 alone, the tasks may be divided between the CPU 23a and the control unit 62 of the page printer 6. Similarly, instead of having the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 process the tasks shown in Figure 13 alone, the tasks may be divided between the CPU 31 and at least one of the CPU 23a of the label printer 2 and the control unit 62 of the page printer 6.

[0112] In the above explanation, if terms such as "perpendicular," "parallel," and "plane" are used, these terms do not have a strict meaning. Rather, "perpendicular," "parallel," and "plane" refer to a design or manufacturing tolerance or error that is acceptable, meaning that they are "effectively perpendicular," "effectively parallel," and "effectively plane."

[0113] Furthermore, in the above explanation, if there are descriptions such as "identical," "equal," or "different" regarding external dimensions or size, these descriptions do not have a strict meaning. In other words, "identical," "equal," and "different" mean that tolerances and errors in design and manufacturing are allowed, and that they are "substantially identical," "substantially equal," or "substantially different."

[0114] However, if there are specified values ​​that serve as judgment criteria or boundary values, such as threshold values ​​(see flowcharts in Figures 5, 6, and 13) or reference values, then "identical," "equal," and "different" in relation to these values ​​have a stricter meaning than those described above.

[0115] Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 5, 6, and 13 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the flowcharts above. Procedures may be added, deleted, or their order changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of ​​the invention.

[0116] In addition to what has already been described above, the methods described in the above embodiments and their respective modifications may be used in appropriate combinations.

[0117] Furthermore, although not to be exemplified individually, the present invention may be implemented with various modifications without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 1. Printing System 1A Printing System 2. Label printer (an example of an image creation device and printing device) 3. Information terminal (an example of an image creation device) 4. Information terminal (an example of an image creation device) 6-page printer (an example of a printing device) 21 Display section 22 Input section (an example of an operation section) 23a CPU (Example of a control unit) 27 Print head (an example of the printing part) 28. High-capacity storage device (an example of a storage unit) 31. CPU (Example of control unit and arithmetic unit) 33 Input section (an example of an operation section) 34 Display section 36. High-capacity storage device (an example of a storage unit) 37. Touch panel (an example of an operation unit and display unit) PS Printing Paper (Example of paper type) TP label tape (an example of a printing medium)

Claims

1. An image creation device having a control unit, The control unit, A creation process to create label image data representing a label image of a predetermined size, The acceptance process for specifying the printing device, Output process to output a print command to the printing device specified in the reception process, wherein, if the reception process specifies a label printer as the printing device, the print command is an instruction to print the label image data onto a printing medium of a predetermined size mounted in the label printer, and if the reception process specifies a page printer as the printing device, the output process is an instruction to position the label image at a predetermined size on the paper fed by the page printer and print it, An image creation device that performs this task.

2. It also has a memory unit, The control unit further, If the page printer is specified in the reception process, a storage process is performed to store the label image data to be printed in the storage unit. Execute, The image creation device according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of the label image data are stored in the storage unit, the output process outputs a print instruction to the page printer, which includes print data for one page in which the plurality of label images corresponding to the stored plurality of label image data are arranged on one sheet of paper.

3. It further has an operating section, The control unit, The image creation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein in the reception process, the apparatus accepts the designation of the printing device based on one of the printer information selected via the operation unit from among a plurality of printer information registered in advance.

4. The registered printer information includes the printer information of the page printer, The printer information for the aforementioned page printer is registered in association with the size information of the paper to be printed on that page printer. The control unit, The image creation device according to claim 3, wherein, when the page printer is specified in the reception process, the output process outputs a print instruction including print data for one page in which the plurality of label images are arranged based on the registered size information.

5. The predetermined size is a size that fits within the tape width of the tape which is the printing medium printed by the label printer. The control unit further, If the aforementioned acceptance process accepts the designation of the label printer as the printing device, an acquisition process is performed to acquire the tape width information of the tape attached to the label printer, A determination process to determine whether the tape width information obtained in the acquisition process matches the tape width indicated by the predetermined size, Execute, The image creation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, if it is determined in the judgment process that the labels are consistent, the output process outputs a print instruction to print the label image data onto the tape.

6. The image creation device is a label printer having a printing unit, The control unit, The image creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in the reception process, the label printer is designated as the printing device, and in the output process, a print instruction to print the label image data is output to the printing unit.

7. It further has a display unit, The control unit further, Display process: Displays a print image of the label corresponding to the printing device specified in the above reception process on the display unit. An image creation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which performs the following:

8. The control unit, in the display processing, If the label printer is specified in the aforementioned reception process, the print image is displayed using the media color of the printing medium loaded in the label printer as the background and an image of the print color of the printing medium. If the page printer is specified in the reception process, the print image will be displayed using the colors set in the label image data created in the creation process. The image creation apparatus according to claim 7.

9. The control unit, in the display processing, If the label printer is specified in the aforementioned reception process, the print image that will be printed on one of the printing media regardless of the length dimension of the label image will be displayed. If the page printer is specified in the aforementioned reception process, and the length of the label image exceeds the size of the paper in the longitudinal direction, the print image will be displayed divided across multiple pages. The image creation apparatus according to claim 7.

10. The control unit, The image creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, when the reception process receives a designation of the page printer as the printing device, a determination process is performed to determine the orientation of the label image on the paper according to the length of the label image.

11. To the arithmetic unit provided in the information processing device, A creation process to create label image data representing a label image of a predetermined size, The acceptance process for specifying the printing device, Output process to output a print command to the printing device specified in the reception process, wherein, if the reception process specifies a label printer as the printing device, the print command is an instruction to print the label image data onto a printing medium of a predetermined size mounted in the label printer, and if the reception process specifies a page printer as the printing device, the output process is an instruction to position the label image at a predetermined size on the paper fed by the page printer and print it, An image processing program to execute [the specified action].

Images