JP2007286676A - Print image display device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print image display device related to a label forming device for editing label data according to a template and forming a label based on the label data, in which a user can accurately recognize an image of the label without viewing the label formed based on label data edited according to the template in the label forming device. <P>SOLUTION: Information of the template is read, and a simulation input screen 180 is displayed in S1. Various data for simulating the label forming device 2 is set to a RAM 55 in S2. Text data or image data is inputted by the user in S3, and a label image 214 is formed in S4. The label image is displayed on a print image display screen 210 in S5. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print image display device that displays an image of a label that is printed and created by a label creation device, and more particularly to a print image display device that displays an image of a label created based on a template in the label creation device. is there.

  Conventionally, a label creation device for creating a label has a type called a stand-alone type in which the label creation device itself has a character key, a numeric key, etc., and can edit the label, and label data that is a source of the label A read-only type that creates a label based on print data transmitted from the PC corresponding to the label data by connecting directly or indirectly with a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) for editing It is roughly divided into called types. Normally, in this type, since a label may be created in accordance with received print data, the label apparatus does not have a label editing key such as a character key or a numeric key. There are also types that have both functions.

  The read-only type label producing apparatus can be roughly divided into two types according to the type of print data received. One is a type in which image data to be printed is printed in a bitmap format (hereinafter referred to as a bitmap format), and the other is a character string constituting the image to be printed. In addition, for each illustration, this is a type having an attribute information such as an arrangement position on a label, a size, etc. (hereinafter referred to as a vector format).

  In a PC that edits label data, a user generally edits label data while viewing an image of a label to be created on an edit screen of a label editing application. In the label editing application, the user does not edit the label data from the beginning, but the layout of components (hereinafter referred to as objects) such as character strings, illustrations, photographic images, and barcodes constituting the label image. It is also common to edit label data using a template that is a template. Patent Document 1 is an example of a label editing application that provides the template.

  On the other hand, also in the above-mentioned stand-alone type label producing apparatus, the user not only edits label data from scratch, but also edits label data using a template.

  Among label editing applications, there is a label editing application that has a function of editing a template used in a stand-alone type label creating apparatus as well as editing label data that is a source of a label. Originally, a stand-alone type label producing apparatus is not used in connection with a PC. However, the label creating apparatus temporarily receives a template by connecting with a predetermined cable for the purpose of transmitting a template created by a label editing application, or a predetermined storage medium (flexible disk, USB memory, memory card). Etc.), and the template is read through. Note that the template for this purpose is not only created by the user but also selected by the user from the template collection.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been a number of proposals or products that allow a label image to be recognized by display before the label is actually produced by a label producing apparatus. In the PC for editing the label data described above, the user can edit the label data while looking at the image of the label to be created on the edit screen of the label editing application.

  In that case, if it is a read-only label creation device that receives bitmap format print data as print data, the label image created by the label creation device is displayed on the editing screen of the label editing application of the PC. The user can recognize the label image correctly without actually creating a label.

Further, in a stand-alone type label producing apparatus, a print image is displayed on a display LCD included in the stand-alone type label creating apparatus, called a preview function.
JP 2002-133278 A

  However, in the case of a read-only type label creation device that receives vector format print data as print data, the label image created by the label creation device is displayed on the edit screen of the label editing application of the PC. The display image is not always the same as the display image of FIG. 1, and the user cannot recognize the image of the correct label without actually creating the label.

  This is because, like commercial word processing software, in general, label editing applications are not created exclusively for a single label production device, but are created for multiple different types of label production devices. is there. In general, since it is desired that a label producing apparatus is manufactured and provided in a limited size housing within a limited cost range, it has a large storage capacity like a PC. A storage medium and a high-speed, high-function CPU cannot be provided, and there are limitations on functions that can be realized. Therefore, when trying to create a label based on the label data edited on the PC in the label creation device, the label is created with an image different from the display image of the label displayed on the editing screen of the label editing application of the PC. It will be. In other words, using the editing screen of the label editing application of the PC, the label image cannot be correctly recognized by display before the label is created by the label creating apparatus.

  The invention described in Patent Document 1 is also one example of a label editing application that edits label data of a label created by a read-only type label creation apparatus, but this problem is not mentioned.

  In the stand-alone type label creation device, the label image created by the label creation device is displayed on the PC, and before creating the label, the method of confirming the label image by display is as described above. In a label editing application that has a function to edit templates used in other label creation devices, enter appropriate character strings etc. according to the template on the editing screen to edit the label data and display the label image There is.

  However, for the same reason as in the case of a read-only type label production apparatus that receives print data in vector format as print data, in this case, the label image created by the label production apparatus is displayed on the editing screen of the label editing application of the PC. The displayed image of the displayed label is not necessarily the same, and the user cannot recognize the image of the correct label without actually creating the label.

  Therefore, when creating or selecting a template to be used on a stand-alone label creation device on a PC, the user creates or sends the selected template to the label creation device or reads the template, Appropriate label data is created using the template as a test and output as a label for confirmation. If there is an unsatisfactory point on the label, the user repeats the above process, starting from creating or reselecting the template on the PC. That is very troublesome and time-consuming for the user, and the label is useless. Moreover, it cannot be performed without a label producing apparatus.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a label creating apparatus that edits label data according to a template and creates a label based on the label data, the label edited according to the template It is an object of the present invention to provide a print image display apparatus that can correctly recognize an image of a label without looking at a label created based on data. It is another object of the present invention to be able to correctly recognize an image of a label edited according to a template without being connected to the label producing apparatus itself, and to easily check whether the template itself is good or bad. It is another object of the present invention to eliminate the labor and label waste of the user relating to template creation or selection.

  In order to achieve the above object, a print image display device according to claim 1 is input by a first input means for inputting various characters, images and instructions, a display means for displaying various information, and the first means. An image creating means for creating a label image for printing objects such as text, images, and barcodes composed of various characters by a label creating apparatus; and the label image created by the image creating means is displayed on the display means. In the print image display device comprising the print image display control means, the template information for creating the label data is specified by providing the placement position and attribute for each object and inputting the object at the placement position. Simulates the operation of the specifying means and the label producing apparatus A simulation means and a second input means for inputting an object which is simulated by the simulation means as an operation means of the label producing apparatus are provided, and the print image display control means is simulated by the simulation means. 2. Label data is created from the object input by the input means according to the template information designated by the designation means, and a label image created by the image creation means is displayed on the display means based on the label data. To do.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the print image display device according to the first aspect, the first creation / editing means for creating and editing the label data and the creation / editing means of the label creation device include: Simulated via the simulation means, the second creation editing means having an editing function different from the editing function of the first creation editing means, and the editing function of the first creation editing means designated by the designation means Template correction means for correcting the template information based on the template information based on the editing function of the second creation editing means, and generating label data according to the template information corrected by the template correction means. .

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print image display device according to the first aspect, wherein the first creation / editing means for creating and editing the label data and the creation / editing means of the label creation device are the print image display device according to the first aspect. Simulated via the simulation means, the second creation editing means having an editing function different from the editing function of the first creation editing means, and the editing function of the first creation editing means designated by the designation means Label data correction means for correcting the label data created according to the template information based on the label data based on the editing function of the second creation editing means.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the print image display device according to the first aspect, the first creation / editing means for creating and editing the label data and the creation / editing means of the label creation device include Simulated via the simulation means, the second creation editing means having an editing function different from the editing function of the first creation editing means, and the editing function of the first creation editing means designated by the designation means Interpretation means for interpreting according to a predetermined rule so as to create a label image based on the editing function of the second creation / editing means from the label data created according to the template information based thereon.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print image display device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further comprising a template creation / editing unit capable of creating and editing the template information. .

  A print image display device according to a sixth aspect is the print image display device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein an external image of the label producing device is displayed on the display means, and the second The input means is configured to input the character or instruction associated with each operation means by designating each display area corresponding to various operation means for operating the label producing apparatus, When the display area corresponding to the operating means is designated and the character or instruction is input, the display area corresponding to the display of the label producing apparatus has the display when the operating means of the label producing apparatus is operated. The display content displayed on the screen is displayed.

  The print image display device according to claim 1 includes a designating unit for designating template information and a simulation unit for simulating the operation of the label producing device, and the simulation unit simulates the operation unit of the label producing device. Constructs second input means, creates label data from the object input by the second input means according to the template information designated by the designation means, and the image creation means creates a label image based on the label data and prints The image display control means displays the label image created by the image creation means on the display means.

  Accordingly, the user can correctly recognize the image of the label without looking at the label created based on the label data edited according to the template in the label creation device. Further, it is possible to correctly recognize the image of the label edited according to the template even if the label producing device itself is not connected, and the quality of the template itself can be easily confirmed. Furthermore, it is possible to save the user's trouble and the waste of the label related to the creation or selection of the template.

  The print image display device according to claim 2, wherein the first creation / editing means for creating and editing the label data and the creation / editing means of the label creation device are simulated via the simulation means, and the first creation. The second creation editing unit having an editing function different from the editing function of the editing unit, and the template information specified by the designation unit and based on the editing function of the first creation editing unit is used as the editing function of the second creation editing unit. Template correction means for correcting the template information based on the template information, and label data may be created according to the template information corrected by the template correction means.

  The print image display device according to claim 3, wherein the first creation / editing means for creating and editing the label data and the creation / editing means of the label creation device are simulated via the simulation means, and the first creation is performed. A second creation / editing means having an editing function different from the editing function of the editing means; and the second creation / labeling data designated by the designation means and created according to the template information based on the editing function of the first creation / editing means Label data correcting means for correcting the label data based on the editing function of the editing means may be provided.

  5. The print image display apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first creation / editing means for creating and editing the label data and the creation / editing means of the label creation apparatus are simulated via the simulation means, and the first creation is performed. The second creation editing means having an editing function different from the editing function of the editing means, and the second creation from the label data designated by the designation means and created according to the template information based on the editing function of the first creation editing means Interpreting means for interpreting according to a predetermined rule so as to create a label image based on the editing function of the editing means may be provided.

  In the print image display apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the template information is created and edited via the template creation / editing means.

  Thereby, the user can create new template information used in the label producing apparatus.

  In the print image display device according to claim 6, an external image of the label producing device is displayed on the display device, and the second input device is a display area corresponding to various operation devices for operating the label producing device. By designating, the character or instruction associated with each operation means is input, and the character or instruction is input by designating the display area corresponding to the operation means In this case, the display area corresponding to the display of the label producing apparatus is configured to display the display content displayed on the display when the operation means of the label producing apparatus is operated.

  As a result, the user can edit the label data by inputting characters or instructions with the same usability as when operating the operating means of the label producing apparatus. In particular, if there is a key that exists only in the label producing device and not on the keyboard provided in the first input means of the print image display device, the key that exists only in the label producing device is known as long as the user knows how to use it. Such a function can be easily found and used. In addition, by referring to the display content displayed in the display area corresponding to the display of the label creation device, the current state is determined when creating the label data in the same procedure as when editing the label data in the label creation device. I can grasp.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, in describing a print image display device according to the present invention, details will be described with reference to the drawings based on first to sixth embodiments in which a print system using the print image display device according to the present invention is embodied. Explained.

  First, the printing system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 1 according to the first embodiment is configured by connecting a label creating apparatus 2 for creating a label and a PC 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the label producing apparatus 2 and the PC 3 are connected by a USB cable 4 based on a standard such as USB, for example, and exchange data via the USB cable 4. However, the label producing apparatus 2 corresponds to the stand-alone type label producing apparatus described in the background art section. Therefore, the label producing apparatus 2 does not need to be always connected to the PC 3, and the user can edit and create a label by itself. The data received by the label creating apparatus 2 is not the print data for creating a label, but the data of the above-mentioned template (detailed later).

  The label producing apparatus 2 is provided with a keyboard 5 having various character keys, numeric keys, print keys, power keys, and the like on the upper front side (right front side in FIG. 1). In addition, the label producing apparatus 2 is provided with an LCD 6 for displaying various information on the upper surface thereof and on the back side of the keyboard 5. Further, the label producing apparatus 2 is provided with a discharge port 7 for discharging the label on the left side surface (the surface in the left front direction in FIG. 1). Further, a tape cassette housing portion is provided inside the upper surface of the label producing apparatus 2, and the cover 8 provided on the inner surface of the label producing apparatus 2 is opened to detachably mount the tape cassette. be able to. This tape cassette storage unit is equipped with a printing mechanism that runs on the tape between a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements and a platen roller in contact with the thermal head to print on the tape. The tape in the tape cassette is printed by the printing mechanism, cut by the tape cutter of the printing mechanism, becomes a label, and is discharged from the discharge port 7.

  Next, the PC 3 is a well-known PC, and as shown in FIG. 1, the PC 3 includes a main body 12 including a CPU 11 (see FIG. 2), a monitor 13, a keyboard 14, and a mouse 15. 14 and the mouse 15 are each connected to the main body 12 by a connection cable.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the PC 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the PC 3. As shown in FIG. 2, the PC 3 is provided with a CPU 11 that controls the PC 3. The CPU 11 includes a ROM 51 that stores programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU 11, a RAM 52 that temporarily stores data, and a CD-ROM 53 that is a data storage medium, and a CD-ROM that reads data. A drive 54 and an HDD 55 that is a data storage device are connected via a bus 56.

  The HDD 55 has an OS storage area 57 for storing an OS executed on the PC 3, and a label-related program for storing a label-related program that provides various functions related to labels by operating on the OS executed on the PC 2. A storage area 58, a program related information storage area 59 that stores information such as settings, initial values, and data necessary for program execution are provided.

  In the function provided by the label-related program stored in the label-related program storage area 58, the label data that is the source of the label is edited in the stand-alone label creating apparatus described above in the background art column, and the label data is converted into the label data. There is a label creation function that creates corresponding print data. The functions provided by the label-related program include a template creation function for creating template data used in a stand-alone type label creation apparatus. Other functions provided by the label-related program include a simulation function for simulating the operation of the label producing apparatus.

  Of the functions provided by the label-related program, the label creation function is originally irrelevant in the present embodiment, but when the label-related program is provided to a PC connected to the label creation apparatus, The label creation function is a label-related function because it is a program that is universally compatible with label creation devices, regardless of whether it is a read-only type or a stand-alone type, and the template creation function according to the present invention is closely related to the label creation function. Included in program functionality.

  The program-related information storage area 59 includes information related to tape types, template types, and barcode standards, which will be described later. In the program related information storage area 59, various data for performing a simulation of the label producing apparatus 2 is stored for each model of the label producing apparatus 2.

  The CPU 11 has a USB interface 60 for communicating with external devices including the label producing device 2 via the bus 56 and a display control unit 61 for displaying a screen on the monitor 13 for displaying an operation screen to the user. Are connected to a keyboard 14 and mouse 15 through which the user inputs operations, and an input detection unit 62 that detects these inputs. Note that the PC 3 may be provided with a flexible disk drive (not shown), an input / output unit for audio, various interfaces, and the like.

  The CD-ROM 53 stores a label-related program, settings and data used when the program is executed, and a label-related program storage area 58 provided from the CD-ROM 53 to the HDD 55 when installed. It is stored in the program related information storage area 59. Note that the label-related program of PC3 and its usage data acquisition method are not limited to those using the CD-ROM 53, but may be another storage medium such as a flexible disk or MO. You may acquire from other terminals above.

  The tape used in the label producing apparatus 2 and provided by the tape cassette includes a difference between various printing methods such as a tape that is formed of a thermal tape and directly develops color, and a tape that is thermally transferred using an ink ribbon, There are various types, such as the color of the tape, the color of the letters, and whether or not it is laminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a label-related application started by executing a label-related program in the PC 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is an image diagram of an edit screen for a label-related application.

  The label editing screen 110 of the label creation application 100 is a screen for editing label data that is a source of a label.

  The label creation application 100 is displayed on the monitor 13 of the PC 3, and inputs and instructions are performed by operating the keyboard 14 and the mouse 15.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a menu bar 115 for performing operation instructions is provided at the top of the label editing screen 110 of the label-related application 100. The menu bar 115 includes a file menu, an edit menu, a display menu, an insert menu, a format menu, a tool menu, a layout menu, a window menu, and a help menu. In addition, a work area 120 for editing characters and the like printed by the label creating apparatus 2 is provided at the bottom of the menu bar 115 of the label editing screen 110, and text objects 122 and 124 are objects to be printed. A label image 130 in which is arranged is shown. In the label image 130, a label frame 132 indicating the edge of the label and a print frame 134 indicating the print range are displayed, and text objects 122 and 124 are arranged therein. Note that “Nihon Taro” is input to the text object 122, and “Niigata Prefecture” is input to the text object 124.

  Various menus arranged on the menu bar 115 have lower menus. For example, the file menu includes menus related to creation / editing of labels created by a read-only label creation device. A new label creation menu for creating a new label image 130, a label save menu for saving a label file which is a file for storing label data corresponding to the label image 130, and allowing the user to select a label file from an existing label file. A label file open menu for displaying the label image 130 as an editing target, a print menu for sending label data corresponding to the label image 130 to the label creating apparatus 2 to perform label printing, and a user selecting a tape to be created. Medium Another selection menu, etc. are present.

  The file menu includes a template transmission menu for transmitting template data corresponding to the template to the label creating apparatus 2 as a menu related to the template to be sent to the stand-alone type label creating apparatus.

  The label data is configured in a vector format in which attribute information such as an arrangement position, a size, and data to be displayed (and printed) on an object constituting the corresponding label image 130 is stored. In addition, when the created / edited label data is sent to the label creation device by the template transmission menu, the converted data is the template data, and there is no difference in creating / editing the original label data. . The label data created for printing can be transmitted to the label creating apparatus 2 as template data, or conversely, the label data created for sending as a template to the label creating apparatus can be used for printing. The template data is also in the vector format like the label data.

  The file menu includes an end menu of the label creation application 100 and the like.

  In the layout menu, when the label image 130 is created on the work area 120 of the label-related application 100, one reduced image is displayed on the screen displaying a list of a plurality of reduced images of the label image created using the template. There is a template menu, etc., for selecting a template.

  Also, in the insertion menu, a bar code menu for selecting a bar code standard or inputting bar code data that means a bar code in order to place a bar code as an object on the label image 130, special text. There are a special character string selection menu for adding and inserting simple character strings, an illustration menu for adding illustrations as objects to the label image 130, and the like. In addition, the edit menu includes a character input menu for switching to a character input mode for inputting characters at a position specified by the cursor, an object selection menu for switching to an object selection mode for selecting an object with the cursor, and an object attribute change for changing an object attribute. There are menus, a tape length setting menu for setting the tape length, and the like. The format menu includes various menus for modifying text in the text object.

  The tool menu includes a simulation menu for realizing the simulation function according to the present invention.

  Next, a method for creating / editing label data will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is another example showing the label editing screen 110 of the label-related application 100.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a label image 130 is displayed in the work area 120. In addition, text objects 142 and 144 are displayed in the label image 130. “Name” is displayed on the text object 142, and “2005/10/01” and an illustration of a clock are displayed on the lower left of the text object 144.

  The text object 144 includes text having a special property of taking in the date at the time of printing as display data. The fact that the text has such a property can be recognized by the fact that there is an illustration in the shape of a clock at the lower left of “2005/10/01” of the text object 144.

  An illustration object 146 is displayed in the label image 130. The illustration object 146 has a tree engraved inside a double square and an inner square.

  As a method of creating the label image 130 shown in FIG. 4, the user selects a tape to be a label by using the above-described medium type selection menu. Then, a blank label image having a label frame 136 is displayed in the work area 120 of the label editing screen 110. Next, the user sets the label length from the tape length setting menu. Next, the character input menu is used to switch to the character input mode, the mouse cursor is moved on the work area 120, and when clicked, a vertical cursor for character input is displayed. When a character is subsequently input, the input character is added to the position of the vertical cursor, and a text object including the character is automatically created. This time, enter “name”.

  Next, the character input menu is used to switch to the character input mode, the mouse cursor is moved on the work area 120, and when clicked, a vertical cursor for character input is displayed. From the Insert menu, specify the Date Data Insert menu and insert "Date Data" at the vertical cursor position.

  Next, the user switches to the object selection mode using the object selection menu. Then, a desired illustration is selected from the illustration menu below the insertion menu, and an illustration object is displayed on the label image 130. The illustration object immediately after being displayed by the illustration menu is displayed in the upper left portion of the label image 130.

  Thereafter, the user adjusts the size and arrangement position of the text objects 142 and 144 and the illustration object 146 as necessary. To change the position of the object, drag the object you want to move using the mouse cursor. As for the object size change, the selected object is displayed so that an object frame (not shown) circumscribes the object. In the object frame (not shown), handles (not shown) are displayed at a total of eight points including the four corners and the intermediate points thereof, and the size is changed by dragging the handles using the mouse cursor. The text typefaces of the text objects 142 and 144 are set to gothic using a text modification menu (not shown). Thus, the label image 130 is created and displayed.

  In the template shown in the label image 130, arbitrary text can be input to the text object 142. The text object 144 can be input, but cannot be inserted between the characters “2005/10/01”, and that portion is replaced with the date when printing when printing. An arbitrary illustration can be input to the illustration object 146.

  Each object constituting the template often has data to be printed (there may be no data for that). When inputting, delete it and enter it again, or use it to add or insert. Even in “2005/10/01”, “2005/10/01” can be deleted as a whole.

  Next, an example of a method for editing a label using a template is shown. When the user selects the template menu (not shown), a template selection screen (not shown) is displayed. On the template selection screen, a plurality of reduced images of the label image created using the template are displayed in a list, and the user selects a desired template from the list. The screen image displayed as a result of the selection is the screen image as shown in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that a template corresponding to the label image 130 in FIG. 4 is selected as a template.

  When the user clicks the text object 142 after switching to the character input mode using the character input menu, a vertical cursor appears in the “name” character string. When any character is input in this state, the input character is inserted into the text object 142. Further, the text object 142 can be freely edited such as deletion of the character string “name”. When the user clicks on the text object 144, a vertical cursor appears either before or after the character string “2005/10/01”. When any character is input in this state, the input character is inserted into the text object 144. Further, the text object 144 can be freely edited, such as deleting the entire character string “2005/10/01”.

  Next, the object selection mode is switched by the object selection menu, and the illustration object 146 is selected. In this state, when the user selects an illustration from the illustration menu under the insertion menu, the illustration of the illustration object 146 is replaced with the selected illustration without changing the position and size of the illustration object 146.

  When the template data is transmitted to the label creating apparatus 2 by the template transmission menu, the label data that is the basis of the template data may be created from scratch, or as described above, using the template selected from the template menu. The template may be created with modification, or the template selected from the template menu may be used as it is as label data.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, description will be given of screens used when a simulation of the label producing apparatus is performed on the screen of the PC 3.

  First, a printer selection screen displayed when a simulation menu (not shown) is selected will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an image diagram of a printer selection screen.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the printer selection screen 160 includes a printer selection field 162. The printer selection field 162 includes a model name display field 163 for displaying the model name of the label producing apparatus. An OK button 165 is provided at the bottom of the printer selection screen 160. The printer selection column 162 selects one of a plurality of label producing apparatuses when the PC 3 performs a simulation of the label producing apparatus. Currently, in the printer selection column 162, “printer A” is displayed in the model name display column 163, indicating that the label producing apparatus of the model name “printer A” is selected. There is a triangle button on the right side of the model name display field 163. By clicking this, selectable model names are written horizontally and displayed in a list in the vertical direction. The user selects a desired model name from the list. In other words, the model name display field 163 and the triangular buttons are two to form one combo box. By clicking the OK button 165 with the mouse, the label producing apparatus selected in the printer selection field 162 is confirmed.

  Next, the simulation input screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an image diagram of a simulation input screen.

  When the user clicks an OK button 165 on the printer selection screen 160 shown in FIG. 5, the printer selection screen 160 is closed and shifted to the simulation input screen 180 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the simulation input screen 180 includes a data input field 182 at the top and an object selection field 184 below the data input field 182, and the object selection field 184 includes “attribute:”. There is an object name display field 186 in which the object name is displayed on the right side of the display. Although the PC 3 simulates the label producing apparatus, the entire movement of the label producing apparatus is not simulated here. In this simulation, the label creation apparatus that has sent the label data corresponding to the label image 130 displayed in the work area 120 as a template creates a label using the sent template. It is a simulation.

  When a label creation simulation using the label image 130 as a template is performed, the user starts the simulation by selecting a simulation menu (not shown) when the label image 130 is displayed in the work area 120 on the label editing screen 110. .

  The object selection field 184 is a selection field for selecting an object in the procedure of selecting an object constituting the template and setting its value when displaying the simulation. Currently, in the object selection column 184, “name” is displayed in the object name display column 186, indicating that the object having the object name “name” is selected. This is derived from the display “name” of the text object 142 included in the label image 130 of the label editing screen 110 shown in FIG. The label image 130 shown in FIG. 4 includes a text object 144 as an object. This object name is “date 1”. “Date 1” is an automatically generated object name. To the right of the object name display field 186 is a triangular button. Clicking this displays a list of selectable object names. The user selects a desired object name from the list. In this example, two object names included in the label image 130 shown in FIG. 4 are displayed as a list, and “Name” and “Date 1” are arranged in the vertical direction in the order of “Name” and “Date 1”, respectively. Displayed in combo box format.

  To the right of the triangular button are a left button 188 and a right button 190. The right button 190 is a button for changing the object name displayed in the object name display field 186 to the next object name. The left button 188 is a button for changing the object name displayed in the object name display field 186 to the previous object name. In this example, when “name” is displayed in the object name display field 186 and the “name” object is selected, when the right button 190 is clicked, the next “date 1” is displayed and “date” is displayed. 1 ”The object is selected. When “Date 1” is displayed in the object name display field 186 and the “Date 1” object is selected, when the left button 190 is clicked, the next “Date 1” is displayed and “Date 1” is displayed. The object is selected. When the “name” is displayed in the object name display field 186 and the “name” object is selected, the left button 188 cannot be clicked because the left button 188 is displayed with a broken line. When the “Date 1” is displayed in the object name display field 186 and the “Date 1” object is selected, the right button 190 cannot be clicked because the right button 190 is displayed with a broken line. .

  The data input field 182 sets data to be displayed for each object. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the data input field 182 in the case of a text object is shown, and an illustration object, barcode object, etc. The elements constituting the data input field 182 vary depending on the type of object. A data input field 182 for a text object as shown in FIG. 6 can input a character string. Since a cursor is displayed in the data input field 182, it is possible to add / insert a character at a desired position by moving the cursor up / down / left / right in the character string. It should be noted that the data input field 182 for illustration objects is configured so that it can be selected from a list of illustrations. The bar code object data input field 182 includes a bar code type selection field and a data input field represented by the bar code.

  The types of barcodes that can be selected include two-dimensional codes in addition to one-dimensional so-called barcodes. One-dimensional barcode JAN13, CODE128, two-dimensional QR code, etc. can be selected.

  A print button 192 exists below the left button 188 and the right button 190. The print button 192 is a button for displaying a print image of the label on the screen of the PC 3 by simulation, and does not actually print. When the print button 192 is clicked, the simulation input screen 180 is closed, and a print image display screen 210 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed instead.

  Next, the print image display screen will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an image diagram of a print image display screen.

  On the print image display screen 210, a screen title “print image” is displayed at the top. Below that, there is a print image display field 212. In the print image display field 212, an image simulating an actual print image when a label is printed by the label producing apparatus is displayed as a label image 214. At present, the label image 214 displays two lines of character strings in horizontal writing. The first line is “label printer”, and the second line is “2005/10/01”. The second line is a result of reflecting the date at the time of printing. Below the print image display field 212 is a close button 220. When the close button 220 is clicked, the print image display screen 210 is closed and the simulation function of the label creating apparatus of the label related application 100 is ended.

Next, referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, it is exemplified that the setting made on the template is not necessarily reflected on the label when the label creating device 2 creates a label based on the template created on the PC 3. I will explain. Note that the label creating apparatus 2 assumes that there are restrictions on the types of fonts owned.
FIG. 8 is an image diagram showing a label editing screen. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a label created based on a template.

  As shown in FIG. 8, a label image 130 is displayed in the work area 120 of the label editing screen 110 of the label-related application 100. A label frame 230 indicating the edge of the label has a length of 24 mm and a width of 79 mm. In the label frame 230, there is a text object 232 in which a character string “name” is displayed on the left side by a thick and rounded unique typeface. On the right side of the label frame 230, there is a text object 234 in which a character string “price” is displayed in a Gothic style. The size of any font is set slightly smaller in the vertical direction than the vertical length of the print range. These two fonts are almost the same size. This label image 130 is a label image 130 that has been transferred to the label creating apparatus 2 and created for use as a template. The horizontal length of the label frame 230 is not the length set as the template, but is set to increase as the number of characters of the text objects 232 and 234 increases.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a label created by transferring the label image 130 shown in FIG. 8 to the label creating apparatus 2 and using it as a template. In the label 240, there is a character string 242 in which a character string “mandarin orange” is displayed in Mincho style on the left side. In the label 240, there is a character string 244 in which the character string “390 yen” is displayed in a Gothic style on the right side. The size of the font used in “Mikan” is significantly different from the size of the font used in “390 yen”, and the size of the font used in “Mikan” is larger. “Mikan” in the character string 242 of the label 240 is a character string in which the “name” of the text object 232 in the label image 130 is replaced. “390 yen” in the character string 244 of the label 240 is a character string in which the “price” of the text object 234 in the label image 130 is replaced. The length of the label in the vertical direction is the same as the length of the label image 130 shown in FIG. The horizontal length of the label is longer than the length of the label image 130 shown in FIG. 8, but this difference is due to the difference in the number of characters between the two.

  For the user, it is as set and expected that the horizontal length of the label 240 is longer than the horizontal length of the label image 130. However, unlike the setting, the fact that the typeface of the text object 232 has changed from the typeface of the character string 242 is not expected. Further, the user cannot expect that the font size of the character string 242 and the font size of the character string 244 are significantly different. Conventionally, this difference is not known until the label is actually produced by the label producing apparatus 2.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, another example in which the label image indicating the template is different from the created label is shown, and the label simulation is performed on the screen of the PC 3 using the simulation function of the label-related application. An example is shown in which the difference between the template and the label can be found by displaying. It is assumed that the label creating apparatus 2 that is simulated this time has a limitation that a character string of a plurality of lines cannot be input to each text object.

  FIG. 10 is an image diagram of a simulation input screen. The simulation input screen 180 shown in FIG. 10 is also invalid in the state where “name” is displayed on the text object 232 and “price” is displayed on the text object 234 as the label image 130 on the label editing screen 110 shown in FIG. This is a simulation input screen 180 that is displayed through the printer selection screen 160 shown in FIG. 5 when the illustrated simulation menu is selected. As shown in FIG. 10, in the object selection field 184 of the simulation input screen 180, a text object having an object name “name” is selected from the objects. In the data input column, a state where “special sale”, a line feed, and “390 yen” are input is displayed. In this state, when the print button 192 is clicked, the print image display screen 210 described with reference to FIG. 7 is displayed. In the print image display column 212, the label image 214 shown in FIG. Is done.

  In the label image 214, there is a text object 252 in which the character string “mandarin orange” is displayed in the same font as the font of the character string of the text object 232 shown in FIG. In the label image 214, there is a character string 244 in which a character string "Special sale 390 yen" is displayed in a Gothic style on the right side. In addition, the size of the font used in “Mikan” and the size of the font used in “Special sale 390 yen” are almost the same size. “Mikan” in the character string 242 of the label 240 is a character string in which the “name” of the text object 232 in the label image 130 is replaced. “390 yen” in the character string 244 of the label 240 is a character string in which the “price” of the text object 234 in the label image 130 is replaced. The length of the label in the vertical direction is the same as the length of the label image 130 shown in FIG. The horizontal length of the label is longer than the length of the label image 130 shown in FIG. 8, but this difference is due to the difference in the number of characters between the two.

  For the user, the horizontal length of the label 240 is longer than the horizontal length of the label image 130, as in the example described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, as expected. . However, it is not expected that the character string “special sale”, line feed, and “390 yen” input from the data input field 182 as the character string of the text object 234 are replaced with the character string “special sale 390 yen”. . When creating a label according to the template in the label creation apparatus 2 that has captured the label image 130 shown in FIG. 8 as a template using a template transmission menu (not shown), the character string “sale”, line feed, , "390 yen" cannot be entered, but the character string "Special sale 390 yen" is entered. As a result, the label created by the label creating apparatus 2 becomes a label as shown in the label image 214.

  In this way, by using the simulation function of the label-related application 100 to display the simulation of the label on the screen of the PC 3, the label when the template is used without actually creating the label with the label creation device 2 is displayed. You can know correctly.

  In the label editing screen 110 shown in FIG. 8, it is possible to replace “Mikan” instead of “Name”, and “Special sale”, line feed, “390 yen” instead of “Price”. In this case, the character string corresponding to “price” is displayed in two lines, “special sale” on the first line, and “390 yen” on the second line.

  Next, processing in the PC 3 constituting the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the main process of the simulation process that starts when the OK button 165 of the printer selection screen 160 shown in FIG. 5 is clicked. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process. The following processing is all executed by the CPU 11.

  First, the PC 3 is turned on, and the OS program stored in the OS storage area 57 of the HDD 55 is executed by the CPU 11. When the label-related program stored in the label-related program storage area 58 is executed on the OS, that is, in an environment where the OS stored in the OS storage area 57 is executed by the CPU 11, this label-related program Are similarly executed by the CPU 11, various variables in the RAM 52 are initialized, and various initialization processes such as displaying the label editing screen 110 on the monitor 13 via the display control unit 61 are performed. As a result, the label-related application 100 is activated. Thereafter, the operation of the keyboard 14 and mouse 15 is monitored, and when input of various characters and instructions is determined, processing corresponding to them is performed. Thereby, a label image 130 as shown in FIG. 8 may be created.

  It is determined whether or not a print menu (not shown) is input. When it is determined that the print menu is input, it is determined whether or not the label image 130 is displayed. If it is determined that the label image 130 is displayed, the label data corresponding to the label image 130 is converted into print data and transmitted to the label producing apparatus 2 via the USB interface 60.

  It is determined whether or not a simulation menu (not shown) is input. When it is determined that the simulation menu is input, it is determined whether or not the label image 130 is displayed. If it is determined that the label image 130 is displayed, various variables in the RAM 52 are set, and a printer selection screen 160 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the monitor 13 via the display control unit 61. Thereafter, the operation of the keyboard 14 and the mouse 15 is monitored, and when input of various instructions is determined, processing corresponding to them is performed. It is determined whether or not the triangular button in the printer selection field 162 has been clicked. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, selectable model names are displayed in a list. In the state where the selectable model names are displayed in a list, it is determined whether or not the model name has been clicked. If it is determined that the model name has been clicked, the list display is closed and the model clicked in the model name display field 163 is displayed. The name is displayed.

  It is determined whether or not the OK button 165 has been clicked. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, the model name displayed in the model name display field 163 is stored in a predetermined variable of the RAM 52. Further, the printer selection screen 160 is deleted. And CPU11 starts execution of the main process of the simulation process shown in FIG.

  In S <b> 1, various variables in the RAM 52 are set such that label data corresponding to the label image 130 displayed on the label editing screen 110 is set as a template, and the simulation input screen 180 is connected to the monitor 13 via the display control unit 61. Is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S2.

  In S2, various data for performing simulation of the label creating apparatus 2 corresponding to the model name of the label creating apparatus 2 selected by the user on the printer selection screen 160 as shown in FIG.・ Set to the area. Data for that purpose is stored in advance in the program-related information storage area 59 of the HDD 55 for each model of the label producing apparatus 2, and the data is read. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S3.

  In S3, input of various characters and instructions from the user is waited on the simulation input screen 180 as shown in FIG. 6, and processing according to the input made is performed. For example, the following processing is performed.

  It is determined whether or not the triangular button in the object selection field 184 has been clicked. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, selectable object names are displayed in a list. In a state where the selectable object names are displayed as a list, it is determined whether or not the object name has been clicked. If it is determined that the object name has been clicked, the list display is closed and the object clicked in the object name display field 186 is displayed. The name is displayed.

  It is determined whether or not the left button 188 has been clicked. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, the object name displayed in the object name display field 186 is changed to the previous object name. It is determined whether the right button 190 has been clicked. If it is determined that the right button 190 has been clicked, the object name displayed in the object name display field 186 is changed to the next object name.

  When a text object is selected in the object selection field 184, the data input field 182 is displayed in a form for text input as shown in FIG. In this state, it is determined whether or not a character has been input. If it is determined that a character has been input, a character is added to or inserted into the data input field 182. Further, in the same state, it is determined whether or not the text already input in the data input field has been clicked. If it is determined that the text has been clicked, the vertical cursor for character input is moved to that position.

  When an object other than a text object is selected in the object selection field 184, the data input field 182 is displayed in a form corresponding to it. Input processing in each state is performed.

  In addition, it is determined whether or not the print button 192 has been clicked. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, the data input via the data input field 182 is set in the RAM 52 as the setting value of each object constituting the label image 130. Remembered. Also, the simulation input screen 180 is deleted. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S4.

  In S4, a label image creation process is performed.

  Here, the description of the main process of the simulation process performed with reference to FIG. 12 is temporarily interrupted, and the label image creation process is described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in S10, as the setting value of each object constituting the label image 130, the data input via the data input field 182 of the simulation input screen 180 is applied to the template to generate the label data. After that, a print image of the label is created from the label data based on the simulation data read in S2 of FIG. Thereby, the label creating process shown in FIG. 13 is terminated, the process returns to the main process of the simulation process shown in FIG. 12, and the process proceeds to S5.

  In S <b> 5, various variables in the RAM 52 are set, and a print image display screen 210 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the monitor 13 via the display control unit 61. When the label image is displayed on the print image display screen 210, the print image created by the label creation processing (see FIG. 13) is displayed. In S5, input of various instructions from the user is waited on the print image display screen 210, and processing corresponding to the input is performed.

  For example, it is determined whether or not the close button 220 has been clicked. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, the print image display screen 210 is deleted, the label edit screen 110 is displayed instead, and the main processing of the simulation processing is terminated.

  In the PC 3 according to the first embodiment, a label editing screen 110 for creating label data that is a source of a template to be sent to the label creation device 2 and a simulation input screen for simulating input by the keyboard 5 of the label creation device 2 180, another label data is created according to a template corresponding to the label image displayed on the label editing screen 110 using the object input on the simulation input screen 180, and the CPU 11 performs labeling based on the label data. The image is created, and the CPU 11 displays the created label image on the monitor 13 via the display control unit 61. The label image displayed on the label editing screen 110 may be created from the beginning by the user, or may be created using a template selected from the template menu. Further, the label image as the template selected from the template menu may be used as the label image without being changed.

  Thus, the user can correctly recognize the image of the label without looking at the label (actual) created based on the label data edited according to the template in the label creating apparatus 2. Further, it is possible to correctly recognize the image of the label edited according to the template even if the label producing apparatus 2 itself is not connected, and the quality of the template itself can be easily confirmed. Furthermore, it is possible to save the user's trouble and the waste of the label related to the creation or selection of the template.

  The PC 3 uses the label editing screen 110 to create and edit the label data that is the basis of the template used in the label creating apparatus 2.

  Thereby, the user can create a new template used in the label producing apparatus 2.

  In the label editing screen 110, it is possible to create the original label data to be sent as print data to the label creating apparatus 2, and to use the same label data for the template used in the label creating apparatus 2. It is also used as the original data. The label editing screen 110 may be configured so that another type of data different from the label data can be created as data that is the basis of the template.

  The label data corresponding to the label image 130 displayed on the label editing screen 110 is designated as the original data of the template when selecting a template transmission menu (not shown). Even label data that is not displayed on the edit screen 110 may be configured so that it can be specified as the original data of the template. This increases the degree of freedom for the user's usage.

  Although the function relating to the simulation of the label producing apparatus 2 is included in the function of the label-related program, it may be a separate program.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in the input to the data input field 182 of the simulation input screen 180 shown in FIG. 10, there are a plurality of “special sale”, line feed, and “390 yen” that are originally not allowed to be input by the label creating apparatus 2. Allows input of character strings across lines. However, when a line break is input in the data input field 182, the input may be invalidated and ignored.

  When keys, buttons, etc. displayed on the screen of the PC 3 are designated, they may be designated by a key operation on the keyboard 14 without being clicked by the mouse 15.

  Next, the printing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, but mainly differs in label image creation processing. Below, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 14 centering on a different part from 1st Embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  The template data sent to the label producing apparatus 3 may include data that cannot be executed by the label producing apparatus 3. For this reason, the label producing apparatus 3 uses the received template data after correcting it to an executable template without using it as it is.

  Therefore, the PC 3 according to the second embodiment has template correction data representing a template correction rule in order to simulate the template correction described above.

  Similar to the first embodiment, also in the second embodiment, the program-related information storage area 59 stores various types of data for simulating the label producing device 2 for each model of the label producing device 2. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that template correction data is included in various data for performing the simulation.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process. The following processing is all executed by the CPU 11.

  The label image process shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to a lower conceptual process of the label image process (see FIG. 13) of the printing system 1 in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in S20, the template correction data of the label producing apparatus 2 corresponding to the model selected on the printer selection screen 160 (see FIG. 5) is read from the program related information storage area 59 of the HDD 55. , And stored in a predetermined variable / storage area of the RAM 52. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S21.

  In S21, the template data created from the label data corresponding to the label image 130 displayed on the label editing screen 110 is corrected by the template correction data read in S20. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S22.

  In S22, after the label data is created by applying the data input via the data input field 182 of the simulation input screen 180 to the modified template as the setting value of each object constituting the label image 130, From the label data, a label print image is created based on the simulation data other than the template correction data read in S2 of FIG.

  In the PC 3 according to the second embodiment, the label editing screen 110 for creating and editing label data provided in the PC 3 is different from the label creation and editing function of the label editing screen 110 by simulating the label creation and editing function of the label creation device 2. And a template correction process for correcting a template based on the editing function of the label editing screen 110 and a template based on an editing function simulated by the label generating / editing function of the label generating device 2. You may comprise so that label data may be produced according to the template correct | amended by the correction process.

  Next, the printing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, but mainly differs in label image creation processing. Below, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 15 centering on a different part from 1st Embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  The template data sent to the label producing apparatus 3 may include data that cannot be executed by the label producing apparatus 3. Label data created using the infeasible template is also infeasible. For this reason, the label creating apparatus 3 creates label data using the received template data and then modifies the label data into executable label data before use.

  Therefore, the PC 3 according to the third embodiment has printing apparatus restriction data representing a label data correction rule in order to simulate the label data correction described above.

  Similar to the first embodiment, also in the third embodiment, in the program-related information storage area 59, various data for performing a simulation of the label producing apparatus 2 is stored for each model of the label producing apparatus 2. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that printing device restriction data is included in various data for performing the simulation.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process. The following processing is all executed by the CPU 11.

  The label image process shown in FIG. 15 corresponds to a lower-level conceptual process of the label image process (see FIG. 13) of the printing system 1 in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 15, in S30, the printing device restriction data of the label producing device 2 corresponding to the model selected on the printer selection screen 160 (see FIG. 5) is read from the program related information storage area 59 of the HDD 55. And stored in a predetermined variable / storage area of the RAM 52. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S31.

  In S31, as the set value of each object constituting the label image 130, the data input via the data input field 182 of the simulation input screen 180 is applied to the template to generate the label data, and then the label data Is determined to be within the limits of the label producing apparatus 2 indicated in the printing apparatus restriction data read in S30. When it is determined that the label data falls within the limits of the label producing apparatus 2 (S31: YES), the process proceeds to S33, and when it is determined that the label data does not fit (S31: NO), the process proceeds to S32.

  In S32, the label data is corrected based on the printing apparatus restriction data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S33.

  In S33, a label print image is created from the label data based on the simulation data other than the template correction data read in S2 of FIG.

  In the PC 3 according to the third embodiment, the label editing screen 110 for creating and editing label data provided in the PC 3 is different from the label creation and editing function of the label editing screen 110 by simulating the label creation and editing function of the label creation device 2. Label data correction processing for correcting label data created according to a template based on the label creation / editing function and the editing function of the label editing screen 110 to label data based on an editing function simulated by the label creation / editing function of the label creation device 2 You may comprise.

  Next, the printing system 1 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, but mainly differs in label image creation processing. Below, it demonstrates with reference to FIG. 16 centering on a different part from 1st Embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  The template data sent to the label producing apparatus 3 may include data that cannot be executed by the label producing apparatus 3. Therefore, the label producing apparatus 3 interprets and uses the received template data according to a specific rule.

  Therefore, the PC 3 according to the fourth embodiment has template interpretation rule data representing rules for interpreting the template in order to simulate the interpretation of the template data described above.

  Similar to the first embodiment, also in the fourth embodiment, in the program related information storage area 59, various data for performing a simulation of the label producing apparatus 2 is stored for each model of the label producing apparatus 2. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that template interpretation rule data is included in various data for performing the simulation.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process. The following processing is all executed by the CPU 11.

  The label image processing shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to a low-level conceptual process of the label image processing (see FIG. 13) of the printing system 1 in the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 16, in S <b> 40, the template interpretation rule data of the label producing device 2 corresponding to the model selected on the printer selection screen 160 (see FIG. 5) is read from the program related information storage area 59 of the HDD 55. And stored in a predetermined variable / storage area of the RAM 52. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S41.

  In S41, while interpreting the template based on the template interpretation rule data, on the other hand, the data input via the data input field 182 of the simulation input screen 180 is set as the setting value of each object constituting the label image 130. Label data is created by fitting the template. After that, the label print image is created from the label data based on the simulation data other than the template interpretation rule data read in S2 of FIG.

  In the PC 3 according to the fourth embodiment, the label editing screen 110 for creating and editing the label data provided in the PC 3 is different from the label creation and editing function of the label editing screen 110 by simulating the label creation and editing function of the label creation device 2. You may comprise and comprise the label production edit function and the interpretation process which interprets the template based on the edit function of the label edit screen 110 according to template interpretation rule data.

  Next, the printing system 1 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment, but mainly differs in label image creation processing. The following description will be made with reference to FIG. 16, which is referred to in the description of the fourth embodiment, with a focus on the differences from the first embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  The template data sent to the label producing apparatus 3 may include data that cannot be executed by the label producing apparatus 3. Label data created using the infeasible template is also infeasible. For this reason, the label creating apparatus 3 creates label data using the received template data, and then interprets and uses the label data according to a specific rule.

  Therefore, the PC 3 according to the fifth embodiment has label data interpretation rule data representing a label data interpretation rule in order to simulate the above-described interpretation of the label data.

  Similar to the first embodiment, also in the fifth embodiment, in the program-related information storage area 59, various types of data for performing a simulation of the label producing apparatus 2 are stored for each model of the label producing apparatus 2. The fifth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that label data interpretation rule data is included in various data for performing the simulation.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process. The following processing is all executed by the CPU 11.

  The label image processing shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to a low-level conceptual process of the label image processing (see FIG. 13) of the printing system 1 in the first embodiment.

  In S40 of FIG. 16, the template interpretation rule is replaced with the label data interpretation rule. In S 40, the label data interpretation rule data of the label producing apparatus 2 corresponding to the model selected on the printer selection screen 160 (see FIG. 5) is read from the program related information storage area 59 of the HDD 55, and the predetermined data in the RAM 52 is read. Stored in variable / storage area. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S41.

  In S41 according to the fifth embodiment, first, as the set value of each object constituting the label image 130, the data input via the data input field 182 of the simulation input screen 180 is applied to the template to generate the label data. Created. After that, based on the label data interpretation rule data read in S40, and on the basis of simulation data other than the label data interpretation rule data read in S2 of FIG. 12, a label print image is created. .

  In the PC 3 according to the fifth embodiment, the label editing screen 110 for creating and editing label data provided in the PC 3 is different from the label creating / editing function of the label editing screen 110 by simulating the label creating / editing function of the label creating apparatus 2. Label data so that a label image based on an editing function simulated by the label creating / editing function of the label creating apparatus 2 is created from label data created according to a template based on the label creating / editing function and the editing function of the label editing screen 110 And interpretation processing for interpretation according to the interpretation rule data.

  Next, the printing system 1 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. The sixth embodiment is almost the same as the first embodiment. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS. 17 to 18 focusing on parts different from the first embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.

  First, the software configuration of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  The label producing apparatus 2 of the sixth embodiment and the label producing apparatus 2 of the first embodiment have a difference in processing inside the PC 3.

  In general, when a certain function is to be realized, there are a plurality of methods for realizing the function. The realization method corresponds to processing in software.

  For example, suppose there is a function X, which consists of three small functions. These are now referred to as small function A, small function B, and small function C. In addition, they are assumed to be realized by processing A, processing B, and processing C, respectively. When the small function A, the small function B, and the small function C are not related, as a process for realizing the function X, one process may be performed in the order of the process A, the process B, and the process C. . Further, as another process for realizing the function X, it is conceivable to perform the processes C, B, and A in this order. In this way, a plurality of processes can be considered. In the patent specification, I wonder if there is a reason for raising a plurality of embodiments.

  One of the objects of the present invention is to enable recognition by displaying an image of a label on the screen of the PC 3 without actually creating it by the label producing device 2. A function necessary for this purpose is to create an accurate label display image to be displayed on the screen of the PC 3 by simulating the label producing apparatus 2. There are various methods (processes) for making the display image resemble the actual label image.

  In the first embodiment, the process shown by using the flowchart is merely one of a plurality of processes. Therefore, there is no problem even if the function of “creating an accurate label display image to be displayed on the screen of the PC 3” is realized in the label creating apparatus 2 by a process far from the process actually performed. In the first embodiment, the processing is not necessarily the same as that of the label producing apparatus 2 from such a viewpoint. In other words, the simulation in the first embodiment is a simulation of a part related to input / output including the output result of the label producing apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, the internal processing of the label producing apparatus 2 is simulated as much as possible.

  In recent years, in the world of embedded software that is incorporated to control electronic devices, it is necessary to support various models, and programs that depend on the hardware of each model in order to increase development efficiency. Development is performed separately for a program (hereinafter referred to as a driver program) and a program that does not depend on hardware (hereinafter referred to as an application program). A hardware-dependent driver program needs to be created for each model, but a hardware-independent application program need not be created or can be created with some modifications. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the period required for creating a program for a new model and to improve the development efficiency related to creating the program. The driver program includes a function group (library) called an application interface (API) and provides it to the application program. The application program controls the hardware by using the API.

  In the present embodiment, also in the label producing apparatus 2, the internal programs are configured as a driver program and an application program. The PC 3 basically has the application program of the label producing apparatus 2 as it is, and executes the simulation of the label producing apparatus 2 by executing it.

  The label related program storage area 58 of the HDD 55 shown in the block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the PC 3 in FIG. 2 stores the application program of the label creating apparatus 2, and the program related information storage area 59 includes the label creating apparatus 2. Data that is referenced by the application program is stored. These are stored for each model of the label producing apparatus 2. In the present embodiment, the Windows (registered trademark) OS is stored in the OS storage area 57 of the HDD 55, and the label-related application is executed on the Windows (registered trademark) OS. The driver program portion of the label creation device 2 is handled by the Windows (registered trademark) OS stored in the OS storage area 57, but provided by the API provided by the Windows (registered trademark) OS and the driver program of the label creation device 2. Therefore, an adapter program for converting and connecting them is necessary. The adapter program is also stored in the label related program storage area 58.

  FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a software configuration when the label producing apparatus 2 is regarded as a virtual machine in the PC 3.

  The virtual machine 300 includes a stand-alone model ROM image 310. This corresponds to a control program stored in a ROM included in the label producing apparatus 2 and data referenced from the program. The stand-alone model ROM image 310 is actually obtained from the application program portion of the label creating apparatus 2 stored in the label related program storage area 58 and the application program of the label creating apparatus 2 stored in the program related information storage area 59. It is the data part that is referenced.

  In addition, the virtual machine 300 includes a virtual processor 311. This corresponds to the CPU that the label producing apparatus 2 has inside. The virtual processor 311 is actually the CPU 11 of the PC 3.

  In addition, the virtual machine 300 includes a virtual memory 312. This corresponds to a RAM, a flash ROM, or the like included in the label producing apparatus 2. The virtual memory 312 is actually configured by securing an area on the RAM 52 of the PC 3 having the same size as the area used in the RAM, flash ROM, etc. of the label producing apparatus 2.

  In addition, the virtual machine 300 includes an appearance image 313. This corresponds to the appearance of the label producing apparatus 2. The appearance image 313 is actually an image when the label producing apparatus 2 is viewed from the upper surface side, and is provided by a simulation input screen of FIG.

  In addition, the virtual machine 300 includes a virtual LCD 314. This corresponds to the LCD 6 included in the label producing apparatus 2. The virtual LCD 314 is actually an LCD unit 440 of a simulation input screen shown in FIG.

  The virtual machine 300 includes a virtual keyboard 315. This corresponds to the keyboard 5 included in the label producing apparatus 2. The virtual keyboard 315 is actually a keyboard unit 430 of a simulation input screen shown in FIG. Each key displayed on the keyboard unit 430 receives a key input by clicking the display area.

  The virtual machine 300 includes a virtual print output 316. This corresponds to the function of label production (tape printing and tape cutting) that the label production apparatus 2 has. The virtual LCD 316 is actually provided by the print image display screen 210 of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 17, the virtual processor 311 executes a program that is a stand-alone model ROM image 310, refers to data that is a stand-alone model ROM image 310, writes data to the virtual memory 312, and reads data. Or By doing so, the virtual processor 311 accepts an input from the virtual keyboard 315 and displays a screen corresponding to the input on the virtual LCD 314 or displays a print image of the label on the virtual print output 316. The virtual machine 300 displays the image on the display program 317 of Windows (registered trademark) when displaying the appearance image 313, the virtual LCD 314, and the virtual print output 316. In order to realize the virtual keyboard 315, a program related to a mouse operation or key operation of Windows (registered trademark) is received. Although not shown, the above-described adapter program is bridged between the virtual machine 300 and the Windows (registered trademark) program.

  FIG. 18 is an image diagram showing a simulation input screen according to the sixth embodiment. In the simulation input screen 400 according to the sixth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the OK button 165 is clicked on the printer selection screen 160 as shown in FIG. This screen is displayed on the PC 3 in place of the printer selection screen 160 to be deleted.

  The simulation input screen 400 includes a work area 410. In the work area 410, an appearance image 420 of the label producing apparatus 2 corresponding to the model selected on the printer selection screen 160 as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. For this reason, a keyboard unit 430 is provided below the appearance image 420 as an image corresponding to the keyboard 5 provided in the actual label producing apparatus 2. The size of the appearance image 420 is displayed on the PC 3 so as to be approximately the same size as the actual label producing apparatus 2. Further, an LCD unit 440 is provided on the keyboard unit 430 as an image corresponding to the LCD 6 provided in the actual label producing apparatus 2. The display area of each key displayed on the keyboard unit 430 is configured to determine that the key has been pressed when the area is clicked. The LCD unit 440 is configured to display a screen similar to the screen displayed by the actual label producing device 2. Then, by clicking the display area of the key displayed on the keyboard unit 430, the LCD unit 440 is displayed when the key corresponding to the clicked key in the actual label producing apparatus 2 is pressed. A screen is displayed. The keyboard unit 430 also includes a display area corresponding to the print key. By clicking on the display area corresponding to the print key, a print image display screen 210 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed as in the first embodiment. The function of the print image display screen 210 according to the sixth embodiment is almost the same as the function of the print image display screen 210 according to the first embodiment. However, when the close button 220 is clicked, in the first embodiment, printing is performed. While the image display screen 210 is closed and the simulation function of the label creating apparatus of the label-related application 100 is finished, in the sixth embodiment, the print image display screen 210 is closed, but the simulation input as shown in FIG. A screen 400 is displayed, and the input contents up to the previous time are also held.

  Below the work area 410 of the simulation input screen 400 is a close button 450. When this close button 450 is clicked, the simulation input screen 400 is closed and the simulation function of the label creating apparatus of the label-related application 100 is ended.

  Next, processing in the PC 3 constituting the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a main process of a simulation process that starts executing when the OK button 165 of the printer selection screen 160 shown in FIG. 5 is clicked. And it is a flowchart replaced with the flowchart which shows the main process of the simulation process shown in FIG. 12 which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The following processing is all executed by the CPU 11. Further, the program corresponding to this flowchart includes the program that is the above-described stand-alone model ROM image 310.

  In the printer selection screen 160 as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not the OK button 165 has been clicked. If it is determined that the button has been clicked, the model name displayed in the model name display field 163 is a predetermined value in the RAM 52. Stored in a variable. Further, the printer selection screen 160 is deleted. Then, the execution of the main process of the simulation process shown in FIG. 19 is started.

  In S50, various variables in the RAM 52 are set such that label data corresponding to the label image 130 displayed on the label editing screen 110 is set as a template. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S51.

  In S51, since the simulation of the label producing apparatus 2 is performed in response to the model name of the label producing apparatus 2 selected by the user on the printer selection screen 160 as shown in FIG. Processing is performed. After the branch processing, various data corresponding to the model selected by the user on the printer selection screen 160 is read from the program-related information storage area 59, and the various data is set in a predetermined variable / area of the RAM 55. . The processing includes storing predetermined data in a predetermined area of the virtual memory 312 corresponding to the model. In addition, the template data is stored in a predetermined area of the virtual memory 312. That is, in the actual label producing apparatus 2, the sent template data is stored in a flash ROM (not shown) and can be selected as a template thereafter. In the program related information storage area 59 of the HDD 55, data as program related information is stored in advance for each model of the label producing apparatus 2. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S52.

  In S52, the appearance image data of the model displayed on the simulation input screen 400 is read, and the key and mouse coordinates are associated with each other. In the simulation input 400, the key and mouse coordinates are associated with each other by associating the key display area with the key code and clicking the key display area in order to associate the key input with clicking the key display area with the mouse. It represents setting to generate a key code when Thereafter, the process proceeds to S53.

  In S53, a simulation input screen 400 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the monitor 13 via the display control unit 61. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S54.

  In S54, it is determined whether or not a key display area (hereinafter referred to as a virtual key) of the keyboard unit 430 has been clicked with the mouse 15. When it is determined that the virtual key has been clicked (S54: YES), the process proceeds to S55. If it is determined that the virtual key has not been clicked (S54: NO), the process proceeds to S54 again.

  In S55, it is determined whether or not the close button 450 on the simulation input screen 400 as shown in FIG. 18 is clicked. If it is determined that the close button 450 has been clicked (S55: YES), the simulation input screen 400 is deleted, the label editing screen 110 is displayed instead, and the main processing of the simulation processing is terminated. If it is determined that the close button 450 has not been clicked (S55: NO), the process proceeds to S56.

  In S56, it is determined whether or not a key corresponding to the print key among the virtual keys of the keyboard unit 430 has been clicked. If it is determined that the print key has been clicked (S56: YES), the process proceeds to S57. If it is determined that the print key has not been clicked (S56: NO), the process proceeds to S59.

  In S57, a label image creation process is performed. This processing content is the same as the processing content described in the first to fifth embodiments. The same processing as that executed in the label producing apparatus 2 is performed on the virtual machine 300. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S58.

  In S58, the print image display screen 210 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed, and the label image 214 created in the label image creation process in S57 is displayed in the print image display column 212. In S58, various operations are thereafter accepted, and processing corresponding to the accepted operations is performed. When the close button 220 is clicked, the print image display screen 210 is deleted, and a simulation input screen 400 as shown in FIG. 18 is displayed again. Since the input content immediately before the print image display screen 210 is displayed remains on the RAM 52, the content displayed on the LCD unit 440 is the same as before the print image display screen 210 is displayed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S54, and the process is repeated again.

  In S <b> 59, which shifts as a result of determining that the print key has not been clicked in S <b> 56, it is determined which virtual key has been clicked, and processing corresponding thereto is performed. Along with this, objects such as texts and illustrations are also input, and label data is created. Accordingly, the contents displayed on the LCD unit 440 are also updated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S54, and the process is repeated again.

  Note that the functions that can be simulated by the label creating apparatus 2 on the simulation input screen 400 are not limited to creating label data based on a template. The template data created on the label editing screen 110 is stored together with normal template data on the virtual memory 312 in the virtual machine 300. Therefore, the label data is usually created by the user input on the simulation input screen 400 in the same procedure as when creating a label using a template in the label creating device 2, and the print key is clicked. As a result, the print image 214 is displayed on the print image display screen 210.

  In the label producing apparatus 2, template data sent from the PC 3 is stored in a flash ROM (not shown). When the label editing apparatus 2 edits label data using a template, the template data held in advance by the label generating apparatus 2 and the template data sent from the PC 3 can be selected without distinction. . When the user selects the template menu of the label creating apparatus 2, a template selection screen (not shown) is displayed on the LCD 6, and the user selects a template from the selection screen. Thereafter, the input screen is displayed in order for each object constituting the template, and accordingly, the user creates label data by inputting characters or the like. Then, a label is created and output by pressing the print key of the label creating device 2.

  In the PC 3 according to the sixth embodiment, a label editing screen 110 for creating label data that is a source of a template to be sent to the label creation device 2 and a simulation input screen for simulating input by the keyboard 5 of the label creation device 2 400, another label data is created according to a template corresponding to the label image displayed on the label editing screen 110 using the object input on the simulation input screen 400, and the CPU 11 performs labeling based on the label data. The image is created, and the CPU 11 displays the created label image on the monitor 13 via the display control unit 61. The label image displayed on the label editing screen 110 may be created from the beginning by the user, or may be created using a template selected from the template menu. Further, the label image as the template selected from the template menu may be used as the label image without being changed.

  Thus, the user can correctly recognize the image of the label without looking at the label (actual) created based on the label data edited according to the template in the label creating apparatus 2. Further, it is possible to correctly recognize the image of the label edited according to the template even if the label producing apparatus 2 itself is not connected, and the quality of the template itself can be easily confirmed. Furthermore, it is possible to save the user's trouble and the waste of the label related to the creation or selection of the template.

  The PC 3 uses the label editing screen 110 to create and edit the label data that is the basis of the template used in the label creating apparatus 2.

  Thereby, the user can create a new template used in the label producing apparatus 2.

  In the PC 3 according to the sixth embodiment, the external image 420 of the label producing device 2 is displayed on the monitor 13, and each virtual key can be handled by designating virtual keys corresponding to various keys for operating the label producing device 2. The attached character or instruction is input, and when a character or instruction is input by specifying a virtual key, the display area (LCD unit 440) corresponding to the LCD 6 of the label producing apparatus 2 is displayed. The display contents displayed on the LCD 6 when the keys of the label producing apparatus 2 are operated are displayed.

  Thus, the user can edit the label data by inputting characters or instructions with the same usability as when operating the operating means of the label producing apparatus 2. In particular, when there is a key that exists only on the label producing device 2 but not on the keyboard 14 of the PC 3, if the user knows how to use the label producing device 2, the function related to the key that exists only on the label producing device 2 can be easily performed. Can be found and used. Further, by referring to the display content displayed in the display area corresponding to the LCD 6 of the label creating apparatus 2, the label data is created in the same procedure as the label data editing in the label creating apparatus 2, and the current data The state can be grasped.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to this embodiment, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of PC3. It is an image figure of the edit screen of a label related application. It is another example which shows the label edit screen 110 of the label related application 100. FIG. It is an image figure of a printer selection screen. It is an image figure of a simulation input screen. It is an image figure of a printing image display screen. It is an image figure which shows a label edit screen. It is a schematic diagram which shows the label produced based on the template. It is an image figure of a simulation input screen. It is an image figure of a label image. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of a simulation process. It is a flowchart of the label image creation process of a simulation process. It is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the label image creation process of the simulation process which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the virtual machine which concerns on 6th Embodiment. It is an image figure which shows a simulation input screen. It is a flowchart which shows the main process of a simulation process.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printing System 2 Label Making Device 3 PC
11 CPU
51 ROM
52 RAM
55 HDD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Label related application 110 Label edit screen 160 Printer selection screen 180 Simulation input screen 300 Virtual machine 400 Simulation input screen

Claims (6)

Creates a label for a first input means for inputting various characters, images and instructions, a display means for displaying various information, and objects such as text, images, and barcodes which are input by the first means. In a print image display device comprising image creation means for creating a label image for printing by the apparatus, and print image display control means for displaying the label image created by the image creation means on the display means,
Designating means for designating template information for creating label data by inputting the object to the arrangement position, and having an arrangement position and an attribute for each object;
Simulation means for simulating the operation of the label producing apparatus;
As the operation means of the label producing apparatus, the simulation apparatus is provided with a second input means for inputting an object,
The print image display control means creates label data from the object input by the second input means, which is simulated by the simulation means, according to the template information designated by the designation means, and creates the image based on the label data. A printed image display apparatus, wherein a label image created by the means is displayed on the display means. First creation editing means for creating and editing the label data;
A second creation / editing unit having a different editing function from the editing function of the first creation / editing unit, wherein the creation / editing unit of the label creating apparatus is simulated through the simulation unit;
Template correction means for correcting the template information specified by the specifying means based on the editing function of the first creation editing means to template information based on the editing function of the second creation editing means,
The print image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein label data is created according to the template information corrected by the template correction unit. First creation editing means for creating and editing the label data;
A second creation / editing means having a editing function different from the editing function of the first creation / editing means, wherein the creation / editing means of the label creating apparatus is simulated via the simulation means;
Label data correction means for correcting label data specified by the specifying means and generated according to the template information based on the editing function of the first creation editing means to label data based on the editing function of the second creation editing means. The print image display device according to claim 1. First creation editing means for creating and editing the label data;
A second creation / editing unit having a different editing function from the editing function of the first creation / editing unit, wherein the creation / editing unit of the label creating apparatus is simulated through the simulation unit;
Interpret according to a predetermined rule so as to create a label image based on the editing function of the second creation editing means from label data designated by the designation means and created according to the template information based on the editing function of the first creation editing means The print image display apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:   5. The print image display device according to claim 1, further comprising a template creation / editing unit capable of creating and editing the template information. The display means displays an outline image of the label producing device,
The second input means is configured to input the character or instruction associated with each operation means by designating each display area corresponding to various operation means for operating the label producing apparatus. And
When the display area corresponding to the operation means is designated and the character or instruction is input, the display area corresponding to the display of the label producing apparatus has the display area when the operation means of the label producing apparatus is operated. 6. The print image display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein display contents displayed on the display are displayed.