JP2002304273A - Method for creating print data file, method for registering print data, recording medium therefor, and apparatus for creating registration data file - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for easily registering logo data into a target printer. SOLUTION: A registration data file for registering logo data is created by processes S110 and S120 for creating print data, a process S130 for creating an instruction data set for registering the created print data into a nonvolatile storage part inside the printer, a process S140 for creating the registration data file including the print data and the instruction data set, and a file output process S150 for outputting the registration data file. The registration data file created is accessed by a host device and the instruction data set read is executed by the host device, whereby the registration instruction data set is transmitted to the target printer to register the logo data into the target printer.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention realizes a method of registering print data in a printer that prints print data registered in a printing apparatus (printer) according to a predetermined print command, a method of creating a print data file, and a method thereof. The present invention relates to a recording medium storing a computer program to be executed, a computer program including an execution instruction of the recording method, and a file creation device for creating a registration data file used for registration.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a POS terminal device, a logo including a store name or a company name is printed on a receipt on which product settlement information is printed. Logos printed on POS terminals often consist of special decorative characters or special designs, and most logos consist of image information.

Since such image information has a large amount of data, if logo data is transmitted each time a receipt is printed, much time is required for printing. Meanwhile, PO
In the S terminal device, since it is necessary to perform the registration of the purchased merchandise and the settlement process quickly, particularly quick printing is required. Therefore, the POS terminal stores (registers) logo information to be frequently printed in a non-volatile storage unit in the printer, transmits a predetermined print command from the host device to the printer, and designates the designated print command. The logo is read from the nonvolatile storage unit and printed. By doing so, it is not necessary to transmit the logo information (mainly image information) from the host device, so that the load on the host device can be reduced, and the printing speed can be greatly improved since no transmission time is required. Can be.

Particularly recently, it has become possible to use a printer capable of printing two or three colors as a POS printer. If a POS printer can print a plurality of colors, the POS printer is used not only for printing a logo of a company or a store, but also for advertising a product, notifying an event, and printing a coupon. It is expected that the POS printer will be used for various purposes, such as expected to be used. On the other hand, the amount of color data is much larger than that of black and white data, and the data processing also requires much more time. Therefore, to print color data at high speed,
It is necessary to register these image data as logo data in the printer. Such registration of the logo data becomes more and more important as the use of the POS printer is expanded. The present invention relates to registration of such various logo data in a printer.

[0005] In the present specification, various types of data registered inside the printer for printing, regardless of image data and text data, and not limited to monochrome or color data, are referred to as logo data, Logo information, or simply logo. Logo data, with rare exceptions,
Most of the data is image data (image information). In this specification, all logo data registered in the printer is referred to as “print data” for convenience of explanation. In this case, logo data consisting of only text data is used. Is used as a concept that includes

[0006]

As described above, by registering the logo data in the nonvolatile storage unit of the printer,
The load on the host device can be reduced, and the printing speed can be improved.

However, in order to register the logo data in the non-volatile storage section of the printer, various procedures are required after the creation of the logo data. This will be described using an example of a POS printer. Usually, POS printers are
It is connected to the host device of the OS terminal device. Therefore, in order to register logo data in a POS printer while being connected to the POS terminal device, a logo registration program must be installed in the host device of the POS terminal device. For example, it is necessary to save the created logo data (image information) as a file, read this file by a dedicated logo registration program installed in the host device, and register the logo data in the printer. In this case, it is necessary to read a file, transmit a registration instruction to the POS printer, and transmit logo data.
The same applies to the case where the logo data file is transmitted to the POS terminal device via a line such as a LAN, and the POS terminal device registers the logo data in the POS printer.

[0008] As described above, installing the logo registration-dedicated program for all the POS terminal devices is an extremely complicated operation. On the other hand, POS printer
In order to register the logo data by disconnecting from the terminal and connecting to an installation device dedicated to registering the logo data, a connection switching operation or the like is required, and the registration operation becomes complicated.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a problem, and it is not necessary to install a dedicated logo registration program in a host device or a POS terminal device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for registering print data (logo data) in which data (including data) can be registered. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for creating a registration data file capable of registering a logo or print data in a printer.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the following invention is disclosed in accordance with the principle of the present invention.

According to the present invention, a registration data file including print data to be registered in a printer and an instruction data set for registering the print data in the printer is created, and the registration data file is created by a host device to which a target printer is connected. The above object is achieved by reading a file, transmitting an instruction data set and print data in the file to a target printer, and registering print data based on the transmitted instruction data set.

A method for creating a registration data file according to a first aspect of the present invention is a method for creating a file for registering print data in a non-volatile storage unit in a target printer, comprising: The process of creating
(b) creating an instruction data set for registering the created print data in a non-volatile storage unit inside the target printer; and (c) transmitting the print data from the host device to the target printer when read by the host device. Creating a registered data file including print data and a command data set, and (d) storing the registered data file on a recording medium readable by a host device, or communicating Outputting a file to the host device via a line.

As described above, by storing the print data and the command data set for registering the print data in the printer in the registration data file, the host device accesses the registration data file and executes the command data set. With only this, the registration data can be registered in the non-volatile storage unit of the target printer. Therefore, there is no need to install a registration-only program in the host device.

In a method for creating a registration data file according to another aspect of the present invention, the step (b) is an instruction set to be executed in the target printer, and the print data is stored in a nonvolatile storage unit of the target printer. A step of creating a registration command data set for registering According to this aspect, since the registration command data set to be executed in the target printer is incorporated in the registration data file, the registration is performed only by reading the registration data file by the host device and transmitting the registration command data set to the target printer. Since the command data set is executed, print data can be registered very easily.

In a method of creating a registration data file according to another aspect of the present invention, the step (b) is an instruction set executable by a host device for controlling the target printer, and print data is transmitted to the target printer. A step of creating an instruction set for creating a registration instruction data set for registration. In this embodiment, in the step (b), the registration command data set incorporating the logo data is not directly created, and the logo data to be finally transmitted from the logo data to the target printer when the registration data file is accessed by the host device is used. Create an execution instruction set that creates an embedded registration instruction data set. According to this aspect, there is no need to create a registration command data set completely corresponding to each target printer at the stage of creating a registration data file, and the setting of some parameters depending on each target printer is left to the host device. It becomes possible.

In a method for creating a registration data file according to still another aspect of the present invention, the above-mentioned step (b) further comprises:
An execution instruction set executable by a host device to which the target printer is connected, the method comprising a step of creating a transmission instruction data set for transmitting a registration instruction data set and print data to the target printer. I do. According to this aspect, the host device can transmit the registration command data set only by accessing the registration data file without intervening the control program for special transmission.

In the registration data file creating method according to another aspect of the present invention, the transmission command data set created in the step (b) includes a communication parameter for connecting the target printer to the host device. It is characterized by the following. When the registered data file of this aspect is used, the logo data is automatically registered in the target printer simply by accessing the registered data file by the host device.

Further, in the method for creating a registration data file according to another aspect of the present invention, the communication parameter is detected when the transmission command data set created in the step (b) is executed by the host device. And an execution instruction set for transmitting a registration instruction data set and print data to the target printer in accordance with the detected communication parameters. As a result, the registration command data set can be transmitted without inputting communication parameters.

Further, in the method of creating a registration data file according to another aspect of the present invention, when the transmission command data set created in step (b) is executed by a host device, input of communication parameters is performed. In addition to the above, an execution instruction set for setting communication conditions for transmitting the registration instruction data set based on the input communication parameters is included.

In the registration data file created according to this aspect, since the transmission command data set is incorporated in the registration data file, the registration command data set and printing can be performed simply by inputting the communication condition information of the target printer into the host device. Data can be transmitted to the target printer.

A method of registering print data according to a first aspect of the present invention is a method of registering print data in a non-volatile storage unit inside a target printer, comprising: (a) a step of creating print data; b) a step of creating a command data set for registering the created print data in a non-volatile storage unit inside the target printer; and (c) transmitting print data from the host device to the target printer when read by the host device. Creating a registered data file comprising print data and the command data set, (d) outputting a registered data file, and (e) registering the registered data file with the host device of the target printer. By accessing the file, the print data can be targeted based on the command data set of the registration data file. Characterized in that it comprises a registration step of registering the Topurinta. This makes it possible to register print data without installing a registration-only program in the host device.

Further, in the method of registering print data according to another aspect of the present invention, the step (c) of creating the instruction data set is an instruction set to be executed in the target printer, and Creating a registration command data set for registering print data in the storage unit, and an execution command set executable by a host device to which the target printer is connected,
Creating a transmission command data set for transmitting the registration command data set and the print data to the target printer.

In a print data registration method according to another aspect of the present invention, the file output step (d) includes a step of transmitting the registration data file to the host device via a communication line. e) includes a step of registering print data in the target printer based on a command data set of a registration data file received by the host device.

Further, in the print data registration method according to another aspect of the present invention, the file output step (d) includes a writing step of writing the registration data file to a recording medium readable by a host device of the target printer, Registration process
(e) reading the registered data file written on the recording medium by the host device in the writing step, and registering the print data in the target printer based on the command data set of the read registered data file. It is characterized by.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for registering print data, wherein the recording medium is a flexible disk,
It is characterized by including a magneto-optical disk, a CD-RW or a memory card.

Further, in the print data registration method according to another aspect of the present invention, the registration step (e) includes the step of accessing the registration data file by the host device and executing the transmission instruction data set of the registration data file. A registration command data set including data is transmitted to a target printer, and the target printer executes the registration command data set to register print data in a nonvolatile storage unit of the target printer.

[0027] Still further, in a print data registration method according to another aspect of the present invention, the transmission command data set created in step (b) is executed by a host device.
A communication instruction for connecting the target printer to the host device is provided, and an execution instruction set for setting communication parameters for transmission based on the input communication parameters is provided. Enabling the communication parameters to be input by executing a transmission command data set of the registration data file by the device; transmitting a registration command data set including print data to the target printer based on the input communication parameters; Executing the registered command data set by the target printer and registering the print data in the nonvolatile storage unit of the target printer.

Further, in the print data registration method according to another aspect of the present invention, the transmission command data set created in the step (b) detects a communication parameter when executed by a host device, and detects the detected communication parameter. An execution instruction set for setting communication conditions based on the communication parameters is provided.The registering step (e) includes the steps of: when the registration data file is opened by the host device, from the host device based on the communication parameter settings; And transmitting the registration command data set including the print data to the non-volatile storage unit by executing the received registration command data set by the target printer.

Further, a registration data file creating apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for creating a registration data file for registering print data in a non-volatile storage unit in a printer. Creating means, an instruction data set creating means for creating an instruction data set for registering the print data created by the creating means in the printer, and registration data from the instruction data set and print data created by the instruction data set creating means. File creating means for creating a file, storing the created registration data file, writing it to a predetermined recording medium,
Or output means for outputting via a communication line.

In a registration data file creating apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, the instruction data set creating means includes:
A registration command data set to be executed by a target printer in which print data is registered is created, and the registration command data set and print data are integrated by a file creation unit to create a registration data file.

[0031] Still further, in the registration data file creating apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, the instruction data set created by the instruction data set creating means is a registration instruction data set to be executed by a target printer; And a transmission command data set for transmitting the set from the host device to which the target printer is connected to the target printer. The registration command data set, the transmission command data set, and the print data are integrated by the file creation means to register the registration data. It is characterized by creating a file.

In a registration data file creating apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, when the transmission command data set created by the command data set creating means opens the registration data file by the host device, the target printer is connected to the host. An execution instruction set that enables input of communication parameters for connecting to the device is provided.

In a registration data file creating apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, the transmission command data set created by the command data set creating means is configured to host the target printer when the host device opens the registration data file. An execution instruction set for detecting and acquiring communication parameters for connecting to the device is provided.

[0034]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments described below are for explanation, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can adopt embodiments in which each of these elements or all elements are replaced with equivalents, but these embodiments are also included in the scope of the present invention. Based on the above points, the following description describes a case where logo information is registered in a POS printer (POS printer) where logo printing is performed most frequently. However, as described above, for example, various printers used for ATM transaction statement printers, parking ticket issuing devices, or receipt number issuing devices such as banks, etc., have at least one internal printer.
The present invention is applicable when registering one logo data and registering the logo in a printer having a function of printing the logo according to a predetermined print command.

Conventionally, POS printers were mainly monochrome printers because the main purpose of the printer was to print settlement information. Recently, however, some POS printers have become capable of color printing. I have. However, from the viewpoint of printing speed and economy, it is not a full color printer,
The printer can print only a predetermined number of colors (for example, two colors of red and black). For example, a case where two colors available for printing are red and black will be described. Even if there are two types of colors, it is possible to specify a plurality of gradations (for example, 256 gradations). By expressing the shade of color by area gradation or the like, and combining red, black, and white (non-printing), a fairly subtle and complicated color expression is possible.
If printing of three or more colors is possible, more complicated and subtle printing is possible. Such a color printing function of the POS printer enables the POS system to be used as a more effective tool.

The main purpose of a receipt issued by a POS printer is to provide a customer with an accurate record of detailed information such as details and price of a purchased product. Therefore, the receipt is handed to the customer at the end of the settlement process, and the customer checks whether there is an error in the settlement by reading the contents of the receipt. In addition, it is considered that many customers return to their homes, check the contents of these receipts, and record them in a household account book. In this way, receipts are handed to each customer individually and are important records for customers, so their handling is essentially different from flyers and advertisements,
Treated as more important personal information. Also, as described above, some customers check the contents of the received receipt at home to confirm the purchase content. Therefore, for example, by printing a logo, a picture or a picture or text for advertisement, notice information, etc. (hereinafter referred to as notice image information) on the receipt, product promotion, sales promotion, notice, etc. are printed on the receipt. By doing
A great effect can be expected.

As described above, the receipt is directly handed to each customer individually, and the alerting power and influence of each customer are greater in each stage than in a normal hanging advertisement. In particular, image information by color printing strongly alerts the customer, and every time a receipt is checked, the presence of the image information is printed on the receipt. It is extremely effective as a means.

A PO capable of printing such image information
The POS system having the S printer means that it can be used not only as a merchandise payment registration system but also as a tool for promoting merchandise, and its use is expected to be further expanded in the field of distribution. When the logo printing is diversified in this way, the chances of registering various logos or changing the logos increase, so that it is necessary to easily perform the logo registration procedure on the printer.

(Logo Printing) A general example of registering a logo in a printer and printing a logo will be described with reference to FIG. FIG.
1 shows a functional block diagram of a host device 50 and a printer 60 of a conventional POS terminal 40. FIG. 7 omits various displays, cash drawers, and the like not related to logo printing of the POS terminal 40.

The host device 50 controls the entire POS terminal 40, and is a device for controlling the registration and settlement of the purchased merchandise. The host device 50 can be configured by mounting software dedicated to POS on a general-purpose personal computer. For example, CPU 51, ROM 5
2. It can be composed of a RAM 53, a communication control device 54, an input control device 56, and interfaces 55 and 57. The host device 50 sends the PO
It is connected to an S server (not shown), and acquires information such as a product price from a POS server via the interface 55 and the communication control device 54 to execute product registration and settlement processing. The contents of the merchandise registration and settlement processing are displayed via an input / output control device 56 and an interface 57 via a display such as an operation display and a customer display (not shown).
, And is printed by the printer 60 on printing paper (not shown) such as a receipt and a journal.

The printer 60 is connected to the host device 50 via the interface 61, and receives data transmitted from the host device by the receiving unit 62 via the interface 61. The received data is stored in the reception buffer 63 in the order of reception, and is analyzed by the control unit 64 in principle in the order of storage. As a result of the data analysis, if the command is an execution command, the command is executed. If the command is print data, the command is developed into print pattern data and stored in the print buffer 65. In the case of a color printer, a print buffer is provided for each color (not shown) and stored as print pattern data for each corresponding color. The data in the print buffer 65 is transferred to the printing mechanism 66 by executing a print command, and a print head (not shown) provided in the printing mechanism 66.
Is printed. Further, the paper transport mechanism 67 is driven by a line feed command or the like, and the print paper (not shown) is transported. The printing mechanism 66 includes a printing paper feeding mechanism and a print head. In the case of a serial printer, the printing mechanism 66 further has a carriage driving mechanism (neither is shown). As the print head, in a POS printer, various print heads such as a thermal head, an ink jet head (including both a driving method using a piezoelectric element and a bubble driving method using heating), and a dot impact head are used.

The registration of the logo data is performed according to a logo registration command from the host device 50. When the printer receives the registration command and the logo data to be registered from the host device from the host device, the printer registers the logo data in a predetermined location of the logo registration unit 68 including a nonvolatile storage unit. Conventionally, the main purpose of logo printing is to print and display a company name, a store name, and the like on a receipt, so that the logo data registered in the logo registration unit 68 includes a logo mark such as a company, store, or house mark. Was common. However, in the future, demand for printing various types of image information, such as merchandise advertisement information and discount gift certificates, with a POS printer will increase.
It is likely that image information such as advertising information, notice information, and coupons using pictures or photographs will be registered as logo data. In addition, advertisements, announcement information, etc.
Since the content needs to be changed according to the situation,
It is expected that the number of re-registrations associated with the change of logo data will be incomparably higher than before. When the logo is printed in color, the color information is also stored in the logo registration section 68.
Is stored. In the present specification, as described above, various types of information, such as stores, company marks, notification information, and advertisement information, which are stored in the logo registration unit 68 and printed on a receipt based on a predetermined print command, are collectively referred to. It is called logo, logo data or logo information. The printing of the logo data is performed according to a logo printing command from the host device 50. When the printer receives the logo print command from the host device, the printer stores the logo data specified by the logo print command in the logo registration section 6.
8 and transferred to the print buffer 65 to print the logo data on the receipt. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit the logo data from the host device to the printer every time the logo is printed, so that the transmission load of the logo data on the host device can be reduced and the transmission time is not required, so that high-speed printing can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 8, the printer 60 includes a CPU 70 composed of a microprocessor, a ROM 71 connected to the CPU 70 via a bus line 74, and a RAM 7.
2, nonvolatile storage unit 73, interface (I / F)
61, a printing mechanism 66, a transport mechanism 67, and an operating system (O
S) It can be constituted by other control programs and the like. For example, the reception buffer 63 and the print buffer 65 can be designated as predetermined areas of the RAM 72, and the non-volatile storage unit 73 which can be constituted by a flash memory or the like functions as a logo registration unit 68. In addition, RAM 72
By using M, the logo registration unit 68 may be provided in a predetermined area in the RAM 72.

(Overall Outline of Procedure for Registering Logo in Printer) Next, the procedure for registering logo data in the printer will be described.

First, a conventional logo registration procedure will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows an outline of a conventional procedure from creation of logo data to registration of logo data in a printer.

In registering the logo data, the logo data to be registered must first be determined. In this case, there are a case where the logo data to be registered is newly created and a case where the existing image data is used as it is. When newly creating logo data, an existing picture, photograph, or the like 80 is fetched by a general-purpose image creation tool 81, and an image file 82 is created through operations such as synthesis with a text document or the like. For example, a file storing an image taken by a digital camera or a photograph or a picture acquired by a scanner or the like can be used as the image file 82.

To register in the printer, a logo registration command and logo data (these are referred to as a "registration command data set") by a logo registration program 83 of a registration-only machine. To register, only the registration command and parameters are registered
Is transmitted to a printer (target printer) in which logo data is to be registered. The target printer transmits the received registration command set to the main control unit 6.
4 (FIG. 7), the received logo data (print data) is stored in the logo registration unit 68 (FIG. 7). Conventionally, a registration-only tool is used for such registration, and when the registration-only tool is installed in the registration-only device, the printer 60 is connected to the registration-only device for registering the logo data. Needed. However, separating the POS printer from the POS terminal and directly connecting the POS printer to the registration-only device is a very complicated operation in a store using many POS terminals, such as a supermarket or a department store. As another registration method, the logo data can be registered in the printer from the host device by installing a dedicated logo registration program in the host device 50. However, this method also requires the work of installing a registration-dedicated program in each POS terminal device, and the work is complicated, and it is difficult to cope with frequent change registration of logo data.

Next, a procedure for registering logo data according to the present invention will be described using an example. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a procedure from creation of a logo to registration of the logo in a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to this figure.

In registering the logo data, the logo data to be registered must first be created. When a new logo is created, the image data of an existing picture, photograph, or the like 80 is acquired by the logo editing tool 2 and text data or a plurality of images is overlaid on the image data to obtain the source logo. Create data. The created source logo data is stored in the source logo data file 3. The logo editing tool 2 is used when creating a new logo for the purpose of logo printing. For example, a coupon, a company / store logo, a product advertisement, or the like must be created from various viewpoints in accordance with the printing purpose. The creation of the source logo data by the logo editing tool captures the text information, various pictures, photos, and other image information that are the basis for creating the optimal logo data,
This is an operation to combine as appropriate.

When the existing image data is to be used as it is, image data such as a photograph or a picture is read from a digital camera or a scanner using a general-purpose image creation tool 81, and an image file 82 is created. It can be used as it is as source logo data. When the existing image file 82 is used as it is, there is no need to use the logo editing tool 2. The image data thus created (data on which logo data is based) is referred to as source logo data in this specification.

The color, resolution and size of the source logo data are adjusted by the registration data file creating device 4 in accordance with the width, print resolution, and printable color of the printing paper used in the target printer (printer for registering the logo data). Make adjustments. The logo data after color adjustment (color reduction processing and the like) and adjustment of size and resolution are registered in the printer.

According to the present invention, a registration data file 5 which is an image file with a command in which logo data and various instruction data sets necessary for registering the logo data are integrated is created, and the registration data file 5 is stored in the host device 50. , And executing various instruction data sets, the logo data can be registered in the target printer 60 without installing a registration-only tool in the host device.

(Registration Data File Creation Apparatus) FIG.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of a registration data file creation device 4 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, the logo data is created by the logo editing tool 2 or the general-purpose image creating tool 81 based on the source logo data 3 or 82 which is the basis of the logo data. The logo editing tool 2 will be described later. Assuming that the source logo data 3 or 82 has been created, the registration data file creating device 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described first.

The registration data file creation device 4 of FIG.
The system includes a logo creating means (or print data creating means) 10, a logo storing means 11, an instruction data set creating means 12, a registered data file creating means 18 and an output means 19, and the logo data is transmitted to the target printer by the host device 50. A registration data file to be registered in the registration data file is created.

The registration data file creation device 4 first
Logo data (logo data is appropriately referred to as “print data” in this specification) is created from the source logo data 3 or 82 and stored in the logo storage unit 11. The logo creation means 10 performs a process of reducing the color of the source logo data to a color printable by the target printer, a process of adjusting the logo size and print density to the width and resolution of printing paper of the target printer, and the like. Logo creation means 10
Is excellent in design and has a processing function for creating a logo according to the printing capability of the target printer. After the completion of the process, the data is stored in the logo storage unit 11 as logo data.

The registration data file creating device 4
An instruction data set creating unit 12 is provided. The instruction data set creating means 12 creates a series of instruction data sets for registering the logo data created by the logo creating means 10 in the printer. Instruction data set creation means 12
Has a registration command data set creation means 14 and a transmission command data set creation means 13. The registration instruction data set is an execution instruction set that can be executed by the target printer 60 to register the logo data in the target printer 60. The transmission command data set is an execution command set that can be executed by the host device 50 to transmit the registration command data set to the printer. Therefore, the registration command data set is created by the execution command system corresponding to the target printer 60 for registering the logo data, and the transmission command data set is the execution command data executable by the host device 50 to which the target printer is connected. Created by system.

In the present embodiment, the transmission command data set creating means 13 further includes a parameter input instruction set creating means 15 and a port detection instruction set creating means 16.
And a transmission command data set generating means 17 for transmitting the registration command data set and the logo data to the target printer.

Parameter input instruction set creating means 15
Is a means for creating an execution instruction set for receiving input of communication parameters such as a port of the target printer 60 and communication conditions when executed in the host device 50. By executing this execution instruction set, The host device 50 allows input of communication parameters such as the port of the target printer 60 and communication conditions. The port detection instruction set creating means 16 is means for creating an execution instruction set for automatically detecting a communication parameter for connecting the target printer 60 when executed by the host device.

The transmission command data set generating means 17
Is a unit that is executed by the host device 50 and creates a transmission command data set for transmitting a registration command data set including logo data from the host device 50 to the target printer 60. The transmission command data set generation means 17 may be configured to automatically set the communication parameters such as the port of the target printer 60 and the communication conditions when the registration data file generation device 4 generates the transmission command data set. In this case, there is no need to create an instruction set by the parameter input instruction set creation means 15 and the port detection instruction set creation means 16. Transmission instruction data set generation means 1
Even when the communication parameters are set based on an input from an input unit (not shown), the relevant parameters are automatically obtained from a predetermined table (not shown) based on the model input of the target printer. It may be configured to set by setting.

In the instruction data set creating means 12, the registered instruction data set creating means 14 is indispensable, but the transmission instruction data set 13 can be selectively provided. Further, even when the transmission command data set 13 is provided, the parameter input command set creating means 1
5 and the port detection instruction set creating means 16 can be selectively provided.

The registration data file generation means 18 (hereinafter referred to as file generation means 18) integrates the logo data (print data), the registration command data set, and the transmission command data set, thereby forming the logo data and its transmission data. A registration data file 5 (FIG. 2) including a series of execution instruction sets for registering the logo data in the target printer is created. The registration data file 5 is preferably created as one file, but a plurality of files may be integrated so as to be linked to each other. still,
What kind of instruction set is integrated as a registration data file can be specified by a control unit (not shown).

The registration data file generated by the file generation means 18 is transmitted by the output means 19 to a host device such as a POS terminal to which the target printer is connected, via a communication line, or a floppy disk. (Registered trademark) disk (FD), memory card,
It is recorded on another recording medium (not shown). By causing the host device 50 (FIG. 7) to read the registration data file transmitted by the communication line or the registration data file recorded on the FD or the like, the execution instruction data set in the registration data file is read, and The execution of the instruction set automatically registers the logo data in the printer. Thereby, the host device 50
Without installing a registration-only program in
The logo can be registered on the printer.

The registration data file creating device 4 is connected to a CPU, which is a microprocessor, as shown in FIG.
It can be composed of a ROM, a RAM, a ROM, an operating system (OS) stored in the RAM, and other control programs. CPU, RAM and RO
M cooperates with the control programs stored in the ROM and the RAM to form the respective constituent means 10, 11, 1
Functions as 2, 13, 18, and 19. In addition, by recording these computer programs on an information recording medium such as a compact disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic recording tape, and installing these programs on a computer, the apparatus of the present invention can be implemented. is there. Therefore, these computer programs and recording media on which the computer programs are recorded are also included in the scope of the present invention. Regarding these computer programs and the recording medium on which they are recorded, the same applies to a computer program including a procedure for creating the following registration data file or a procedure for registering print data, and a recording medium on which the program is described.

(Registration Data File Creation Procedure) A registration data creation step will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG.
5 is a flowchart showing a basic procedure of a registration data file creation method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Print data (logo data) is created by the logo creating means 10 (S110). Next, it is confirmed whether the creation of the print data has been completed (S120). If not completed (S120; No), the process waits until the creation is completed (S110, S120). When the creation of the logo data is completed (S120; Yes), an instruction data set is created (S130), and then the logo data and the instruction data set are integrated to generate a registration data file 5 (S14).
0). The generated registration data file 5 is transmitted to the host device 50 of the target printer via a floppy (registered trademark) disk or a communication line (S150).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the detailed steps of the instruction data set creation step (S130) of FIG. When the creation of the print data is completed (S120 in FIG. 3)
Yes), a registration command data set to be executed by the printer 60 to register the logo data in the printer is created (S131). The registration command data set is a command set executed by the target printer 60 to register the logo data in a nonvolatile memory in the printer.

The registration command data set will be described using an embodiment.

For example, in step S131, a registration command data set as described below is created.

GS (L pl ph 67 kc1 kc2 b x
l xh yl yh [c d1... dk] 1... [c d1... dk] b In this example, “GS (L pl ph 67)” is an instruction executed by the target printer, and stores the logo data in the nonvolatile storage means. Is a command for registering in the logo registration unit 68. “pl ph” defines the length of data that follows, and the length is specified by (pl + ph × 256). In the example, the size of pl and ph is less than 255. A length of 255 + 255 × 256 = 65535 can be specified. But it is good)
This number specifies the logo data at the time of printing or at the end of registration. “B” indicates the number of colors of the target printer. For example, if two colors of black and red can be printed, a symbol or a number indicating that two colors can be printed is indicated.

"Xl xh" indicates the number of dots in the horizontal direction of the logo data, and "yl yh" specifies the number of dots in the vertical direction. “[C d1... Dk] 1..., [C d1... Dk] b” indicate the state of the dots constituting each of the colors 1 to b. If the target printer is a two-color printer of black and red, "[cd1 ... dk]
1 "indicates the state of the dots constituting the first color, for example," black "(d1... Dk indicates the state of each black dot),
“[C d1... Dk] b” indicates the state of the dots constituting red. Therefore, in this registration command data set, the logo data is shown as a bitmap for each color as a result.

In the above registered command data set, “[c
The logo data is directly incorporated into the registration command data set as d1 ... dk] 1 ... [c d1 ... dk] b ". However, at the stage of the registration data file," GS (L pl ph67) By creating only kc1 kc2 b ”and storing print data (logo data) separately, when transmitting from the host device to the target printer, the following“ xl xh
yl yh [c d1... dk] 1... [c d1... dk] b ″ data may be created to complete the registration command data set.

Creation of Registration Command Data Set (S131)
Is completed, it is confirmed whether a transmission command data set is added as an execution command set (S13).
2). Whether to add the transmission instruction data set can be configured so as to be selectively specified. When transmitting the registration data file directly from the output unit 19 (FIG. 1) to the target printer, the transmission command data set is not required.

When the transmission command is not added (S13
2: No), the process directly proceeds to the registration file generation step 140. When a transmission command is added (S132; Ye
s), a transmission command data set is created (S133).
The transmission command data set is a series of command data sets for transmitting the logo data and the registration command data set from the host device 50 to the printer 60. This allows
Automatically by simply reading the registered data file, or
Just specify the specified communication parameters such as port number,
The registration command set and the logo data can be transmitted from the host device 50 to the printer 60.

When the creation of the transmission command data set is completed, it is confirmed whether or not the port detection command set is to be incorporated into the transmission command data set (S134). If the port detection instruction set is not incorporated, it is necessary to input communication parameters such as the port number of the target printer 60 at the time of registering the logo data. When not incorporating the port detection instruction set (S134; Yes),
A port detection instruction set is created (S135). Po
When it is not necessary to incorporate the instruction detection instruction set (S134;
No), a parameter input instruction set for parameter input is created (S136).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing detailed steps of the registration data file generation step S140 of FIG.

When the creation of the instruction data set is completed (S130 in FIG. 3), the process enters into a registration data file creation process (S140 in FIG. 5). In the registration data file creation process, the instruction data set was created first (FIG. 4).
S131) Create a file 41 in which a registration command data set is added to logo data (print data) (S14)
1). This state is schematically shown on the left side of step S141 in FIG. By transmitting data obtained by integrating the registration instruction set and the logo data from the host device 50 to the printer 60, the printer can register the logo data.

Next, an instruction data set creation step (S13)
It is confirmed whether or not the transmission instruction data set has been created in 0) (S142). If not created (S1
42; No), the file 41 integrated in step S141
Is output as the registration data file 5. If the transmission command data set has been created (S142; Yes)
s) Then, the presence or absence of the port detection instruction set is confirmed (S143). If the port detection instruction set has been created (S143; Yes), the port detection instruction set is incorporated into the transmission instruction data set (S144).
If the port detection instruction set has not been created (S
143; No), a parameter input instruction set is incorporated (S146).

Thereafter, the transmission command data set is set in step S1.
A file 42 (FIG. 5) in which the transmission command data set is integrated with the file 41 created in 41 is output as a registered data file.

In the case where the port detection command set is incorporated in the transmission command data set of the file 42, the port detection command is executed when the host device 50 reads out the registered data file, and the port detection command is executed. The communication parameters for connecting 60 are automatically detected, and the registration command data set and the logo data are automatically transmitted from the host device.

When the parameter input command set is incorporated in the transmission command data set of the file 42, the parameter input command set is executed when the host device 50 reads out the registered data file, and the host device 50 executes the parameter input command set. It is possible to specify and input communication parameters such as ports. By inputting the communication parameters, the registration command data set and the logo data are transferred to the designated port and transmitted to the printer 60.

(Logo Editing Tool) Finally, the logo editing tool will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the logo editing tool 2.

The logo editing tool 2 is used to create a basic structure of an effective logo most suitable for printing purposes such as advertisements and announcements. The logo editing tool 2 can create a logo combining a graphic image and text, and the created logo is saved as a logo file. The logo editing tool 2 includes an image information reading unit 3
1, image information storage means 32, image information processing means 3
3. It comprises a text information editing means 34, a synthesizing means 35, and a source logo data storage means 36. The image information reading means 31 reads and stores image data or character data. As image data to be read, graphic data stored as an image file on a magnetic disk, CD-ROM, or other recording medium is read and stored in the image information storage means 32, or an image from a digital camera is taken. Even
The image may be read by a scanner and stored. Graphic data includes, for example, photographic images,
Various data such as animation-like graphics data, geometric figures, decorative characters, and various figures can be read.
The image information storage means 32 can independently store a plurality of pieces of image information. Further, it is desirable that the image information reading means 31 be compatible with software related to various image information files so that various image files can be read.

Each image data stored in the image information storage means 32 is subjected to various processing such as changing the size of each image data by the image information processing means 33 as necessary. In addition, the text information editing means 34 can create and edit not only image information but also text information. At this time, a color can be specified for the text information. By enabling the editing of text information, it becomes possible to incorporate text information for advertising or announcement as a logo at the logo editing stage.

The captured image information, image-processed image information, and / or text information are combined by the combining means 35 to create a desired logo. The combining means 35 combines the plurality of image data and text data to create desired source logo data. As the elements of the combination of the image and the text, for example, selection of the image and the text, and the size and position of each image and the text with respect to the entire logo can be designated. The source logo data synthesized by the synthesizing means 35 is synthesized as a combination of independent images or text data, and even after being synthesized, the synthesized images and the like are each independent as in a metafile, for example. The source logo data is stored in the source logo data storage unit 36 as source logo data that can be separately processed or processed. In FIG. 6, the image information processing unit 33 and the synthesizing unit 35 are shown as separate functional blocks. However, the synthesizing unit 35 is provided with an image processing function so that the size of the image can be appropriately changed at the time of synthesizing. It is also possible to

In this example, the source logo data created at this stage is not subjected to color reduction or the like of the acquired color information. For example, if the original image is full color, the The number of colors may be reduced and then stored as source logo data.

[0087]

According to the present invention, a registered data file in which an instruction data set and print data (logo data) are integrated is created, and the registered data file is transmitted over a communication line or recorded on an FD or the like, and the host device is prepared. By causing the printer 50 (FIG. 7) to read and execute the instruction data set in the registration data file, the logo can be registered in the printer without installing the registration-dedicated program in the host device 50. Therefore, logo data can be registered simply by reading a file, and it is possible to flexibly respond to various logo printing requests.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a basic configuration of a registration data file creation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a procedure from creation of a logo to registration of the logo in a printer according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a creation process of a registration data file 5;

FIG. 4 is a process of creating an instruction data set shown in FIG. 3 (S13);
7 is a flowchart showing detailed steps of 0).

FIG. 5 is a step of generating a registration data file shown in FIG. 3 (S14);
7 is a flowchart showing detailed steps of 0).

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a logo editing tool 2.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a host device 50 and a printer 60 of the POS terminal 40.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a basic configuration when the printer 60 is configured using a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, an OS, and other control software.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an outline of a conventional procedure from creation of a logo to registration of the logo in a printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Logo editing tool 4 Registration data file creation device 5 Registration data file 10 Logo creation means 11 Logo storage means 12 Command data set 13 Transmission data set 18 Registration data file creation means 40 POS terminal 50 Host device 60 Target printer 63 Receive buffer 68 Logo registration department

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Katsuhito Kitahara 3-5-5 Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano Seiko Epson Corporation F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP10 HH03 HJ06 HJ08 HK04 HN06 HN15 2C087 AA09 AB05 BB16 BC12 BC14 BD01 BD41 BD46 BD53 3E042 AA01 CE01 CE04 EA01 5B021 AA01 BB02 JJ09 LE04 LG07

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. A method for creating a file for registering print data in a non-volatile storage unit inside a target printer, comprising the following steps: (a) a step of creating print data, (b) a step of creating an instruction data set for registering the created print data in a non-volatile storage unit inside the target printer, and (c) reading by a host device. Creating a data file for transmitting the print data from the host device to the target printer, the data file including the print data and the instruction data set, (d) the registration data A file output step of storing a file and writing the file on a recording medium readable by the host device, or transmitting the file to the host device via a communication line. 2. The step (b) is a step of creating a command set to be executed in the target printer, and a registration command data set for registering the print data in the non-volatile storage unit of the target printer. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: 3. The step (b) creates an instruction set executable by a host device that controls the target printer, the registration instruction data set for registering the print data in the target printer. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of creating an instruction set. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step (b) further comprises an execution instruction set executable by a host device connected to the target printer, wherein the registration instruction data set and the print data 4. A method for creating a registration data file according to claim 2, further comprising the step of creating a transmission command data set for transmitting the data. 5. The registration data according to claim 4, wherein the transmission command data set created in the step (b) includes communication parameters for connecting the target printer to the host device. How to create a file. 6. The transmission command data set created in the step (b), when executed by the host device, detects the communication parameter, and according to the detected communication parameter, the registration command data set 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising an execution instruction set for transmitting the print data to the target printer. 7. The transmission command data set created in the step (b), when executed by the host device, enables input of the communication parameter, and based on the input communication parameter. The method according to claim 3, further comprising an execution instruction set for setting a communication condition for transmitting the registration instruction data set. 8. A method for registering print data in a non-volatile storage unit in a target printer, the method comprising the following steps: (a) a step of creating print data, (b) a step of creating an instruction data set for registering the created print data in a non-volatile storage unit inside the target printer, and (c) reading by a host device. A data file for transmitting the print data from the host device to the target printer when the registration data file comprising the print data and the command data set, (d) the registration data file A file output step of outputting the (e) the host device accesses the registered data file, based on the command data set of the registered data file,
A registration step of registering the print data in the target printer. 9. Creating the instruction data set
(c) is a command set executed in the target printer, a step of creating a registration command data set for registering the print data in the nonvolatile storage unit of the target printer, the target printer Creating an execution instruction set executable by the connected host device, the transmission instruction data set transmitting the registration instruction data set and the print data to the target printer. 9. The method of registering print data according to claim 8, wherein: 10. The file output step (d) includes a step of transmitting the registration data file to the host device via a communication line. The registration step (e) is performed by the host device 10. The print data registration method according to claim 9, further comprising: registering the print data in the target printer based on the command data set in a registration data file. 11. The file output step (d) includes a writing step of writing the registration data file on a recording medium readable by the host device. The registration step (e) includes the step of: Reading the registration data file written on a recording medium by the host device, and registering the print data in the target printer based on the command data set of the read registration data file. 10. The print data registration method according to claim 9, wherein: 12. The print data registration method according to claim 11, wherein the recording medium includes a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-RW, or a memory card. 13. The registration command data set including the print data by accessing the registration data file by the host device and executing the transmission command data set of the registration data file. And transmitting the print data to the non-volatile storage unit of the target printer by executing the registration command data set by the target printer. 12. The method for registering print data according to any one of 12. 14. The transmission command data set created in the step (b), when executed by the host device, enables input of communication parameters for connecting the target printer to the host device. And an execution instruction set for setting communication parameters for transmission based on the input communication parameters, wherein the registering step (e) includes the step of the host device executing the transmission instruction data set of the registration data file. Receiving the registration command data set, the registration command data set including the print data being transmitted to the target printer based on the input communication parameters. Executing the print data by the target printer Registering the print data according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises a step of registering in the nonvolatile storage unit of the printer. 15. The transmission command data set created in the step (b), when executed by the host device, detects the communication parameter, and sets a communication condition based on the detected communication parameter. An execution instruction set to be executed, wherein the registration step (e) is performed, when the registration data file is opened by the host device, from the host device to the target printer based on the communication parameter setting. Transmitting the registration command data set including the print data, executing the received registration command data set by the target printer, and registering the print data in the non-volatile storage unit. Item 14. A method for registering print data according to Item 13. 16. A computer-readable information recording medium storing a computer program capable of realizing each step of the method for registering print data in a printer according to claim 9. Description: 17. The information recording medium according to claim 16, wherein the information recording medium records the computer program on a compact disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, or a magnetic recording tape. 18. The method according to claim 9, wherein:
A computer program comprising an execution instruction set for realizing each step of the method of registering print data in a printer described in the paragraph. 19. An apparatus for creating a registration data file for registering print data in a non-volatile storage section inside a target printer, comprising: Creating means for creating the print data, instruction data set creating means for creating an instruction data set for registering the print data created by the creating means in the printer, and the instruction data set created by the instruction data set creating means File creation means for creating the registration data file from the command data set and the print data; and output means for storing and writing the created registration data file to a predetermined recording medium or outputting via a communication line . 20. The command data set creating means creates a registration command data set to be executed by a target printer in which the print data is registered, and the file creating means creates the registration command data set and the print data. 20. The registration data file creation device according to claim 19, wherein the registration data file is created by integration. 21. The command data set created by the command data set creation means is a registration command data set to be executed by the target printer, and a host device to which the registration command data set is connected to the target printer. And a transmission command data set to be transmitted to the target printer from the printer. The file creation unit creates the registration data file by integrating the registration command data set, the transmission command data set, and the print data. 21. The registration data file creation device according to claim 20, wherein: 22. The transmission command data set created by the command data set creation means includes a communication parameter for connecting the target printer to the host device when the registration data file is opened by the host device. 22. The registration data file creation device according to claim 21, further comprising an execution instruction set that enables input of a registration data file. 23. The transmission command data set created by the command data set creation means includes a communication parameter for connecting the target printer to the host device when the registration data file is opened by the host device. 22. The registration data file creation device according to claim 21, further comprising an execution instruction set for detecting and acquiring a registration data file.