Image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which allows a printing image to be confirmed in detail.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes a memory, an external interface, a processor, and a display device. The memory stores fixed data for printing an image. The external interface is connected to an external input device for inputting data to be synthesized with the fixed data. The processor generates a preview image that shows an image to be printed using print data obtained by synthesizing data inputted by the external input device and the fixed data. The display device displays access information for accessing the preview image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a barcode printer as an image forming apparatus for printing labels attached to products and the like. The barcode printer has a function called stand-alone printing for printing an image of print data generated by the apparatus itself on a label. Stand-alone printing generates print data for label printing by synthesizing variable data input from various input devices such as a code reader and a keyboard with fixed data.

[0003] However, due to constraints such as cost and the size of the housing, it is difficult for a barcode printer to provide a display device having a large display screen. Also, it is difficult for a barcode printer to be an expensive display device with a touch panel in order to suppress cost. For this reason, conventional barcode printers have a problem that it is difficult to confirm in detail even when a label image generated for stand-alone printing is displayed on a display device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of confirming a printed image in detail in order to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to one embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a memory, an external interface, a processor, and a display device. The memory stores fixed data for printing an image. The external interface connects to an external input device for inputting data to be combined with the fixed data. The processor generates a preview image showing the image to be printed using print data obtained by combining the data input by the external input device with the fixed data. The display device displays access information for accessing the preview image. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a printing system including a barcode printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an example configuration of a barcode printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of label data before a barcode printer, as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, combines variable data with fixed data. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a printed image image that a barcode printer, as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, prints using the label data shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of label data obtained after a barcode printer, as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, has combined variable data with fixed data. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a printed image image that a barcode printer, as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, prints using the label data shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of the display of the data reading (input) screen shown on the display unit of a barcode printer, which is an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the data reading result screen shown on the display unit of a barcode printer, which is an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows an example of the display of the preview link screen shown on the display unit of a barcode printer, which is an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a smart device in a printing system including a barcode printer as an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment, displaying a preview image. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a sequence illustrating an example of operation of a printing system including a barcode printer as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a barcode printer as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, an example configuration of a printing system including a barcode printer (label printer) 11 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a printing system including a barcode printer 11 according to an embodiment. The barcode printer 11 according to this embodiment is an image forming apparatus that prints an image to be displayed as a label onto a medium to be used as a label. The barcode printer 11 has a standalone printing function that generates print data for the image to be printed on the label (hereinafter also referred to as label data) itself and prints the print data onto the medium according to the operator's instructions generated by the apparatus itself.

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the barcode printer 11 has an interface for connecting to an external input device 12. The external input device 12 may be, for example, a code reader 121, a scanner 122, a keyboard 123, a scale 124, a thermometer 125, or a digital multifunction printer (MFP, Multi-Functional Peripheral) 126.

[0010] The code reader 121 is a device that reads code images such as barcodes or 2D codes. The scanner 122 is a device that reads images. The keyboard 123 is a device for the operator to input text information. The scale 124 is a device that measures weight. The thermometer 125 is a device that measures temperature. The digital multifunction printer (MFP, Multi-Functional Peripheral) 126 is a device that has a scanner and the like.

[0011] In standalone printing, the barcode printer 11 acquires information such as text information, symbol images, and barcodes to be printed on the label from the external input device 12. The barcode printer 11 generates label data by setting the various pieces of information acquired from the external input device 12 to predetermined positions in the fixed data. The barcode printer 11 creates a label by printing the image, which is the label, onto the medium using the generated label data.

[0012] The barcode printer 11 has an interface for communicating with the smart device 13. The smart device 13 is, for example, an information processing device (external device) such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. In addition to a control unit and communication interface located within the main unit, the smart device 13 includes a display unit, an operation unit, and an imaging unit. For example, in the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the smart device 13 shows a display device 131 with a touch panel and a camera 132 as external components.

[0013] The control unit of the smart device 13 is composed of a computer including a processor such as a CPU and memory. The control unit of the smart device 13 performs various processes by executing programs stored in memory by the processor. For example, the control unit performs processes such as reading a 2D code and displaying a preview image (PNG), which will be described later, by executing programs stored in memory by the processor.

[0014] The communication interface of the smart device 13 is, for example, a communication interface that performs wireless communication. The control unit of the smart device 13 communicates with a device connected to a network such as the Internet via the communication interface.

[0015] The display unit and the operation unit of the smart device 13 are, for example, constituted by a display device 131 with a touch panel. The display unit of the smart device 13 is realized by, for example, the display device of the display device 131 with a touch panel. Also, the operation unit of the smart device 13 is realized by the touch panel of the display device 131 with a touch panel. Also, the operation unit of the smart device 可13 may include a hard key provided on the housing of the smart device 13.

[0016] Also, the imaging unit of the smart device 13 is, for example, constituted by a camera 132. The camera 132 of the smart device 13 is used as an imaging unit for imaging a two-dimensional code described later. In this case, the control unit of the smart device operates as a two-dimensional code reader that reads a two-dimensional code using the camera 132.

[0017] The barcode printer 11 stores the data of the preview image in a location (storage destination) accessible by the smart device. The barcode printer 11 provides the smart device 13 with access information (for example, a URL) for accessing the data of the preview image. The barcode printer 11 includes an operation panel 25 including a display unit and an operation unit. The barcode printer 11 has a function (preview image providing function) of providing the smart device 13 with access information for accessing (linking) the preview image of the printed image on the display unit of the operation panel 25.

[0018] For example, the barcode printer 11 displays access information and a coded 2D code on the control panel 25 for the smart device 13 to access the preview image. The smart device 13 obtains the access information by reading and decoding the 2D code displayed on the control panel 25. The smart device 13 obtains the preview image located at the location indicated by the access information and displays the obtained preview image on its own display unit, such as a display device with a touch panel.

[0019] The barcode printer 11 may also have an interface for communicating with a cloud server (external server) 14. The cloud server 14 is a device that can communicate with the smart device 13 via a network such as the internet. For example, the cloud server 14 provides a website that displays a preview image, described later, on the smart device. In this case, the barcode printer 11 transfers the preview image to the cloud server 14 and causes the cloud server 14 to save the preview image to be displayed on the smart device 13. When the barcode printer 11 saves the preview image to the cloud server 14, it identifies access information indicating the location where the preview image is saved on the cloud server 14. The barcode printer 11 provides the smart device 13 with access information indicating the location (access destination) of the preview image, such as a code image.

[0020] The cloud server 14 provides a preview image to the smart device 13 that accessed it according to the access information provided by the barcode printer 11. The cloud server 14 may also accept instructions from the smart device 13 regarding the preview image on the website, such as modifications to the image (label data). The cloud server 14 may also supply the barcode printer 11 with modified label data (or the modified label data) indicating the modifications to the preview image. In this case, the barcode printer 11 should modify the label data according to the modified label data from the cloud server 14.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the barcode printer 11 in the label printing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the control system configuration in the barcode printer 11 of the label printing system 1 according to the embodiment. The barcode printer 11 includes a processor 21, system memory 22, storage unit 23, printer 24, operation panel 25, external interface 26, communication interface 27, and the like.

[0022] The processor 21 performs control and information processing for each component. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 executes programs stored in the system memory 22 or the memory unit 23. By executing programs, the processor 21 outputs operation instructions to each component and processes various information from each component.

[0023] System memory 22 includes memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), and NVM. RAM functions as working memory or buffer memory. ROM is non-rewritable, non-volatile memory. ROM functions as program memory. NVM is rewritable, non-volatile memory. NVM stores data such as programs, control data, and configuration information.

[0024] The storage unit 23 is composed of rewritable, non-volatile memory. For example, the storage unit 23 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (hard disk drive) or an SSD (solid state drive). The storage unit 23 stores, for example, image data. The storage unit 23 may also store data such as programs, control data, and setting information.

[0025] The storage unit 23 of the barcode printer 11 according to this embodiment has a storage area 231, a storage area 232, and a storage area 233. The memory area 231 stores, for example, label data in the state where no data has been entered in the variable data area (initial state). When performing standalone printing, the label data to be printed is selected from the label data stored in the memory area 231.

[0026] Memory area 232 stores label data (composite data) in which data is embedded (composite) in the variable data area. The memory area 233 stores display data for a preview image, which is a print image that will be printed based on the label data. The memory area 233 may store the image data of the preview image as preview data, or it may store information indicating the location where the preview image is saved.

[0027] The printer 24 prints an image onto a medium to be used as a label. For example, the printer 24 prints a label image onto a medium of a predetermined width (label width) to be used as a label. The printer 24 prints an image onto a medium to be used as a label based on label data described later. Note that the printer 24 is not limited to a specific image forming method, and may be configured to form an image on the medium using any image forming method.

[0028] The control panel 25 has a display unit (display device) 251 and an operation unit (operation device) 252. The display unit 251 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display content of the display unit 251 is controlled according to operation instructions from the processor 21. The operation unit 252 is composed of a touch panel or operation buttons. For example, the display unit 251 and the operation unit 252 are composed of a display device with a touch panel. For example, the processor 21 displays icons that can be selected on the touch panel acting as the operation unit 252 on the display screen of the display unit 41 along with operation guidance. As a result, the processor 21 acquires input data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel.

[0029] The external interface 26 is an interface for connecting the external input device 12. The external interface 26 may connect to the external input device 12 by wire or by wireless connection. Furthermore, the external interface 26 may include multiple types of interfaces to accommodate various external input devices 12.

[0030] The communication interface 27 is an interface for communicating with external devices. For example, the communication interface 27 includes an interface for communicating with the smart device 13. The communication interface 27 also includes an interface for communicating with the cloud server 14. The communication interface 27 may communicate via a wired connection or wirelessly.

[0031] Next, we will describe the label data for which the barcode printer 11 prints labels in the label printing system 1 according to the embodiment. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the label data before variable data is combined with the fixed data. Figure 3 shows an example of label data (PDL: Printer Description Language, print command).

[0032] The label data shown in Figure 3 defines areas (variable data areas) 301-304 for inputting variable data within a data sequence (format) composed of fixed data. The label data shown in Figure 3 is the initial state of label data before variable data is embedded. The storage area 231 of the storage unit 23 stores the initial state of label data (label data before variable data is synthesized) as shown in Figure 3.

[0033] Each of the variable data areas 301-304 defines which external input device (e.g., code reader 121, keyboard 123, etc.) inputs the data. For example, variable data area 301 is defined to receive data as ProductID from code reader 121. Variable data area 302 is defined to receive data as Price from code reader 121. Variable data areas 303 and 304 are also defined to receive data from code reader 121.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a printed image corresponding to the label data shown in Figure 3. The label data shown in Figure 3 is in a state where each variable data area 301-304 in the data sequence, which consists of fixed data, is empty. Therefore, in the printed image shown in Figure 4, each image area 411-413 corresponding to each variable data area 301-304 in the label data shown in Figure 3 is blank.

[0035] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the label data after combining variable data with fixed data. Figure 5 is an example of label data after data (variable data) has been embedded in the variable data areas 301-304 shown in Figure 3. The label data shown in Figure 5 is an example of label data (composite data) after variable data has been embedded in the variable data area of ​​the initial label. The storage area 232 of the storage unit 23 stores the label data (composite data) after the variable data has been synthesized as shown in Figure 5.

[0036] As described above, the variable data areas of the label data are populated with data acquired by the external input devices 12 configured for each area. For example, in the variable data areas 301-304 shown in Figure 3, a code reader 121 is configured as an external input device 12. In this case, the data read by the code reader 121 is embedded in the variable data areas 301-304. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 5, "12345670" read by the code reader 121 is embedded in the variable data area 301 as the ProductID. Also, "10", the data read by the code reader 121, is embedded in the variable data area 302 as the Price.

[0037] Figure 6 is an example of a printed image when label data with data embedded in the variable data area shown in Figure 5 is printed. The label data shown in Figure 5 represents a state where data is placed in each variable data area 301-304 within a data sequence composed of fixed data. Therefore, the printed image of the label data from Figure 5 shown in Figure 6 displays images in each image area 411-413 corresponding to each variable data area 301-304. For example, the data in variable data areas 301 and 302 is displayed in image areas 411 and 412. Also, the data in variable data areas 303 and 304 is displayed as a barcode image in image area 413.

[0038] Next, we will describe the user interface provided to the operator when performing standalone printing using the barcode printer 11 according to the embodiment. Figures 7 to 9 show examples of the transitions between display screens shown on the operation panel 25 during standalone printing. When performing standalone printing on the barcode printer 11, the operator selects standalone printing using the operation unit 252 of the operation panel 25. Furthermore, the operator specifies the label data to be printed using standalone printing. For example, the barcode printer 11 stores label data that can be printed using standalone printing in the storage area 231 of the storage unit 23.

[0039] The processor 21 reads the label data selected by the operator from the label data stored in the memory area 231. The processor 21 displays a guidance screen (data reading screen) on the display unit 251 prompting the operator to input data using the external input device 12, which is set in the variable data area of ​​the label data selected by the operator.

[0040] Figure 7 shows an example of the data reading (input) screen displayed on the display unit 251 of the operation panel 25 of the barcode printer 11. In the example shown in Figure 7, the display unit 251 displays instructions prompting the code reader 121 to read the barcodes indicating the Product ID and Price. In the example shown in Figure 7, the display area 51 displays instructions indicating that it is a standalone print. The display area 52 displays instructions prompting the code reader to read the data. The display area 53 displays the Product ID field. The display area 54 displays the Price field.

[0041] The operator scans the barcodes showing the product ID and price using the code reader 121, which is connected to the barcode printer 11. The code reader 121 connected to the barcode printer 11 supplies the scanned data showing the product ID and price to the barcode printer 11.

[0042] The barcode printer 11 acquires data indicating the product ID and price read by the code reader 121 via the external interface 26. The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 displays a screen (reading result screen) on the display unit 251 that shows the product ID and price acquired from the code reader 121 as the data reading (input) result. Alternatively, after acquiring the data read by the code reader 121, the processor 21 may transition to the data reading result screen in response to the instruction of the Next button 61.

[0043] Figure 8 shows an example of the display of the data reading result screen shown on the display unit 251 of the operation panel 25 of the barcode printer 11. In the display example shown in Figure 8, the display unit 251 displays data indicating the product ID and price as the reading result (input result) of the information read by the code reader 121. Display area 52 displays a message indicating that the data was read by the code reader. Display area 53 displays the product ID read by the code reader 121. Display area 54 displays the price read by the code reader 121.

[0044] Furthermore, in the display example shown in Figure 8, the operation unit 252 accepts input to the Next button 61 and the Prev button 62 for transitioning to the next screen. The Next button 61 and the Prev button 62 may be made up of hard keys, or they may be configured to be selectable via a touch panel.

[0045] If the data displayed on the display unit 251 as the data reading result screen is not satisfactory, the operator instructs the user to press the back button 62. When the back button 62 is pressed, the processor 21 returns to the data reading screen as shown in Figure 7 and accepts further data input from the code reader 121. If the data displayed on the display unit 251 as the data reading result screen is satisfactory, the operator instructs the user to press the next button 61. When the next button 61 is pressed (when data input is complete), the processor 21 transitions to a screen (preview link screen) that displays access information indicating the destination of a link to a preview image on the display unit 251.

[0046] Figure 9 shows an example of the display of the preview link screen shown on the display unit 251 of the operation panel 25 of the barcode printer 11. In the display example shown in Figure 9, the display unit 251 displays a code image (2D code) that shows access information for accessing (linking to) the preview image. When the input of data to be entered into the variable data area is completed, the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 generates label data (composite data) by combining the input data. Once the processor 21 has generated the composite data, it generates a preview image as a print image image that shows the print image using the composite data.

[0047] The processor 21 saves the generated preview image to a storage location (link destination) accessible from the smart device 13. The processor 21 generates a two-dimensional code that encodes access information indicating the storage location where the preview image is saved. The processor 21 displays a preview link screen containing the two-dimensional code that encodes access information indicating the storage location of the preview image on the display unit 251.

[0048] The operator has the smart device 13 read the 2D code displayed on the display unit 251. For example, the smart device 13 launches an application program for reading 2D codes (hereinafter referred to as the 2D code reading app) and photographs the 2D code with the camera 132. The smart device 13 decodes the 2D code photographed by the camera 132 and accesses the location where the preview image is saved based on the access information indicated by the 2D code. The smart device 13 displays the preview image located at the location indicated by the access information of the 2D code on the display device 131 or the like.

[0049] Figure 10 shows an example of a smart device 13 displaying a preview image 81 obtained from the storage location indicated by the access information of the 2D code. Here, the smart device 13 displays the preview image 81 on a display device 131 with a touch panel. In addition to displaying the preview image 81 on the display device 131, the smart device 13 may also change the display state of the preview image 81 in response to operations performed by the operator. For example, the smart device 13 may enlarge or reduce the preview image 81 in response to pinch-in or pinch-out operations detected by the touch panel. This allows the operator to examine the preview image displayed on the display device 131 of the smart device 13 in detail.

[0050] Furthermore, after the operator has viewed the preview image displayed on the display device 131 of the smart device 13, they can select whether or not to print the preview image. For example, on the screen shown in Figure 9, the operator can press the next button 61 to print the preview image, or the back button 62 to cancel printing. The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 will print based on the label data shown in the preview image if printing is ordered, and will cancel printing (generation of label data) if printing is canceled. This allows the operator to order printing or cancel printing after viewing the preview image on the smart device.

[0051] Next, the operation of the entire printing system, including the barcode printer 11, code reader 121, and smart device 13 according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 11 is a sequence illustrating an example of operation of a printing system including a barcode printer 11, a code reader 121, and a smart device 13 according to an embodiment. First, the operator (user) specifies the label data to be printed in standalone mode using the control unit 252 on the barcode printer 11. The processor 21 reads the label data specified by the user from the initial label data stored in the memory area 231.

[0052] The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 displays a guidance screen (for example, the data reading screen shown in Figure 7) on the display unit 251 prompting the user to acquire data to be input into the variable data area of ​​the read label data. In this case, the processor 21 prompts the user to acquire data to be input into the variable data area using the code reader 121 as an external input device 12.

[0053] The user, following the instructions on the data reading screen, instructs the code reader 121, acting as an external input device 12, to read a barcode indicating data to be made variable (ACT 11). The code reader 121, connected to the barcode printer 11, reads the barcode indicating data to be made variable according to the user's instructions. After reading the barcode, the code reader 121 supplies the read data to the barcode printer 11 (ACT 12).

[0054] The barcode printer 11 acquires the read data (input data to be embedded in the variable data area) read by the code reader 121 via the external interface 26. When the barcode printer 11's processor 21 acquires the read (input) data from the code reader 121, it displays a data read (input) result screen showing the acquired read data on the display unit 251 (ACT13). For example, the processor 21 displays a screen on the display unit 251 as the data read result screen, as shown in Figure 8.

[0055] When the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 acquires data to be embedded in the variable data area, it generates label data by combining the read (input) data (ACT 14). The processor 21 stores the combined label data as combined data in the storage area 232 of the storage unit 23.

[0056] When the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 generates composite data, it generates a preview image as a print image image that shows the print image using the composite data (ACT 15). The processor 21 saves the generated preview image to a storage location that can be accessed from the smart device 13.

[0057] The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 generates a two-dimensional code (ACT16) that encodes access information indicating the storage location (link destination) where the preview image is saved. The processor 21 also receives a request to display the two-dimensional code indicating access information to the preview image when the data reading result screen is displayed on the display unit 251.

[0058] The user checks the data reading result screen displayed on the display unit 251 of the barcode printer 11. If the read (input) data displayed on the display unit 251 is satisfactory, the user instructs the operation unit 252 to request the display of a 2D code indicating access information to the preview image (ACT17). For example, the user requests the display of a 2D code by pressing the next button 61 while the data reading result screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed.

[0059] When the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 receives a request to display a two-dimensional code, it displays a two-dimensional code indicating the destination of the preview image on the display unit 251 (ACT18). For example, the processor 21 displays a preview link screen on the display unit 251 that includes a two-dimensional code indicating the destination of the preview image, as shown in Figure 9.

[0060] When a two-dimensional code is displayed on the display unit 251 of the barcode printer 11, the user performs an operation to have the smart device 13, which displays a preview image, read the two-dimensional code (ACT 19). For example, the user launches a two-dimensional code reading application on the smart device 13. Once the two-dimensional code reading application is launched, the user performs an operation to capture an image of the two-dimensional code with the camera 132 of the smart device 13.

[0061] When the application for reading 2D codes is running, the smart device 13 captures an image of the 2D code displayed on the display unit 251 with the camera 132 in response to user operation (ACT20). The smart device 13 obtains access information as code information indicated by the 2D code by decoding the 2D code extracted from the image captured by the camera 132 (ACT21).

[0062] When smart device 13 obtains access information indicated by the 2D code, it accesses the preview image at the link indicated by the access information in response to the user's operation (ACT22). When smart device 13 accesses the link indicated by the access information, it obtains the display data of the preview image at the link destination (ACT23). smart device 13 displays the preview image obtained from the link destination on display device 131 (ACT24). For example, smart device 13 displays the preview image on display device 131 as shown in Figure 10. smart device 13 changes the state of the preview image displayed on display device 131 in response to the user's operation.

[0063] The user checks the preview image displayed on the display device 131 of the smart device 13 and selects whether to proceed with printing or cancel it. For example, when the preview link screen shown in Figure 9 is displayed, the user presses the next button 61 to proceed with printing, or the back button 62 to cancel printing.

[0064] When the barcode printer 11's processor 21 is instructed to print (ACT 25), it creates a label by printing based on the label data shown in the preview image (ACT 26). Also, when the barcode printer 11's processor 21 is instructed to cancel printing by the operation unit 252 (ACT 27), it cancels printing using the generated label data.

[0065] With the printing system described above, users can view detailed preview images on their smart devices when performing standalone printing with a barcode printer. Furthermore, users can instruct the printer to proceed with or cancel printing after reviewing the print image on their smart device's display, preventing the printing of labels that differ from their intentions.

[0066] Next, the operation of the barcode printer 11 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. Here, we will focus on the operation of the barcode printer 11 in the printing system that operates as shown in Figure 11 above. Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a barcode printer 11 as an image forming apparatus according to this embodiment. The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 selects the label data to be printed in standalone printing mode according to the user's instructions on the operation unit 252 (ACT 51).

[0067] The processor 21 reads the initial label data as selected label data from the storage area 231. The processor 21 displays a guidance screen (for example, the data reading screen shown in Figure 7) on the display unit 251 prompting the user to acquire data to input into the variable data area of ​​the read label data. With the data input guidance screen displayed, the processor 21 accepts the input of data acquired by the external input device 12 (ACT 52).

[0068] If there is data input from the external input device 12 connected to the external interface 26 (ACT52, YES), the processor 21 acquires the data from the external input device 12 as input data to be embedded in the variable data area. The processor 21 displays a screen (data input result screen) showing the data acquired from the external input device 12 to be embedded in the variable data area on the display unit 251 (ACT53).

[0069] Furthermore, the processor 21 generates synthesized data (ACT 54) by embedding (combining) the data acquired from the external input device 12 into the variable data area of ​​the selected label data. The processor 21 stores the synthesized data, which is the generated label data, in the storage area 232 of the storage unit 23.

[0070] When the processor 21 generates composite data, it generates a preview image as a print image image showing the print image using the generated composite data (ACT55). The processor 21 saves the generated preview image to a storage location accessible from the smart device 13. For example, the processor 21 may save the preview image to the storage unit 23 in the barcode printer 11, or to the cloud server 14.

[0071] When the processor 21 saves a preview image, it generates access information indicating the location (link destination) where the preview image was saved. Here, the processor 21 provides the access information to the smart device 13 as a two-dimensional code. In this case, the processor 21 generates a two-dimensional code that encodes the access information indicating the link destination of the preview image (ACT56).

[0072] After generating a two-dimensional code, the processor 21 receives an instruction to display the preview image access information (two-dimensional code) via the operation of the operation unit 252 (ACT 57). For example, when the data reading result screen shown in Figure 8 is displayed, the processor 21 receives an instruction to press the next button 61 as an instruction to display the two-dimensional code.

[0073] When the processor 21 is instructed to display a two-dimensional code, which is access information for the preview image, it displays the two-dimensional code, which is the encoded access information, on the display unit 251 (ACT58). For example, the processor 21 displays the two-dimensional code on the preview link screen shown in Figure 9, which is displayed on the display unit 251.

[0074] After the two-dimensional code is displayed on the display unit 251, the processor 21 receives a request to display a preview image via access to the link indicated by the two-dimensional code (ACT 59). For example, the processor 21 assumes that a preview image has been requested by the smart device 13 via access to the link indicated by the two-dimensional code. When the processor 21 receives an access to the link indicated by the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 251 (ACT 59, YES), it provides the preview image located at the link destination to the access source device (ACT 60).

[0075] In other words, the processor 21 provides a preview image to the smart device 13 that accesses the link indicated by the 2D code. For example, the processor 21 provides the preview image to the smart device 13 as display data that can be displayed in a web browser. This allows the barcode printer 11 to provide (display) a preview image based on the label data after variable data synthesis to the smart device. The processor 21 may also transmit the display data of the preview image to the smart device 13 by means of short-range wireless communication or the like.

[0076] Furthermore, if the preview image is saved on the cloud server 14, the cloud server 14 may also provide the preview image to the smart device 13. For example, the cloud server 14 saves the preview image supplied from the barcode printer 11 to its own memory and accepts requests to display the preview image. In this case, the cloud server 14 may, for example, provide the smart device 13 with the preview image specified by a URL according to a dedicated website.

[0077] Furthermore, the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 accepts instructions to execute label printing (print instructions), instructions to cancel label printing, and instructions to modify label data (ACT61, 63, 64). If the processor 21 is instructed to execute label printing based on the synthesized label data (ACT61, YES), it executes printing based on the synthesized label data selected by the user (ACT62).

[0078] Furthermore, if the processor 21 is instructed to cancel label printing using the synthesized label data (ACT63, YES), it discards the synthesized label data and terminates the series of processes. For example, if the processor 21 is instructed to cancel label printing using the synthesized label data, it may return to ACT51 and accept the selection of label data again.

[0079] Furthermore, if the processor 21 is instructed to modify the synthesized label data (ACT64, YES), it modifies the synthesized label data (label data being created) (ACT65). For example, the processor 21 may accept modifications to the label data on a website that displays a preview image. In this case, the processor 21 modifies the label data according to the user's instructions regarding the preview image via the touch panel of the smart device 13.

[0080] Specifically, the processor 21 modifies the preview image in response to instructions from the smart device 13's touch panel, such as moving, enlarging, or shrinking a portion of the preview image. When the user instructs the processor 21 to reflect the modified preview image, the processor 21 can modify the label data according to the modified preview image. The processor 21 may also accept changes to an external input device that acquires data to be entered into a specific variable data area on a website.

[0081] If the processor 21 receives a request to modify the synthesized label data, it modifies the synthesized label data (label data being created) according to the user's instructions. If the processor 21 modifies the label data, it saves the modified label data as synthesized data in the storage area 232 of the storage unit 23 and returns to ACT 52.

[0082] As described above, the barcode printer, as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment, receives data to be combined with fixed data stored in memory from an external input device. The barcode printer generates a preview image showing the image to be printed using print data obtained by combining the input data received from the external input device and the fixed data. The barcode printer displays access information for accessing the preview image on a display device.

[0083] This allows users to retrieve access information displayed on the barcode printer's display device using their smart device, and view a preview image on their smart device. As a result, users can thoroughly check the print image, which will be printed using composite data, on their smart device before printing.

[0084] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 11…Barcode printer (image forming machine, label printer), 12…External input device, 121... Code reader, 122... Scanner, 123... Keyboard, 124...measure, 125...Thermometer, 126…Digital multifunction printer (MFP), 13…Smart devices (external devices), 131…Touch panel display device, 132... Camera, 14…Cloud server, 21…Processor, 22... System memory, 23...Storage section, 24... Printer, 25... Control panel, 251...Display unit (display device), 252...Operation unit (operation device), 26…External interface, 27...Communication interface.

Claims

1. Memory for storing fixed data for printing images, An external interface connected to an external input device for inputting data to be combined with the aforementioned fixed data, A processor that generates a preview image showing an image to be printed using print data obtained by combining the data input by the external input device and the fixed data, A display device that displays access information for accessing the aforementioned preview image, An image forming apparatus having

2. The processor generates a code image which encodes access information for accessing the preview image. The display device displays the code image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Furthermore, a printer that prints an image on a medium based on print data obtained by combining the data input by the external input device and the fixed data, It has an operating device for inputting operating instructions, When the code image is displayed on the display device, the processor executes printing of the image based on the print data by the printer if the operation device instructs it to print, and stops printing based on the print data if the operation device instructs it to cancel. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Furthermore, it has a communication interface for communicating with external devices. The processor causes an external device accessed via the communication interface using the access information indicated by the code image to display a preview image. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

5. Furthermore, it has a communication interface for communicating with external servers, The processor saves the preview image to the external server and generates a code image that encodes access information for accessing the storage location of the preview image saved on the external server. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

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