JP4692053B2 - Image registration apparatus, image confirmation method, and image preview program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image registration apparatus for performing the image registration in a printer, the image checking how, and relates to an image preview program, and an application that manages the image data to be especially stored in the printer internal nonvolatile memory.

  Some printers used in the POS system or the like hold image data. This type of printer includes a nonvolatile memory such as NVRAM, and image data indicating a logo indicating a store name, coupon information, and the like is stored in the nonvolatile memory. Based on an instruction from the host computer, the printer prints the image data on, for example, roll paper and outputs it as a receipt. As a result, it is possible to output an impressive receipt that has a good appearance and attracts customers as compared with a receipt that is composed only of text information.

  According to this system, since the image data is stored in the printer in advance, it is not necessary to transmit the image data from the host computer to the printer for each printing. Therefore, even when the data transmission rate between the host computer and the printer is low and the image data is not suitable for transmission / reception, image data that is frequently printed such as a store logo can be printed.

  In the image data stored in the printer, an identifier for identifying the image data called a key code (or ID: IdentificAtion Digit) is set. Inside the printer, the image data is managed on a one-to-one basis with the corresponding key code. When a command specifying a key code or a predetermined print instruction associated with the key code is received from the host computer at a predetermined timing, the image data is received. An image corresponding to a key code or an image corresponding to a command associated in advance is printed on roll paper. As described above, when printing image data, the host computer basically only needs to specify a key code or a print instruction associated with the key code.

  Conventionally, however, the host computer does not know what image the image data corresponding to the key code is, even if it knows the key code. Therefore, the user can grasp the image data registered in the printer by specifying the key code and performing test printing, or manually create a correspondence table between the key code and the image data, and print or set various logos. Had to do. Further, since the host computer does not know what image is registered in the printer, when previewing the image data registered by the display provided in the host computer, the image having a large amount of data from the printer is used. You have to get the data. Therefore, when a serial interface such as a low communication speed is used, the work is slow and user-friendliness is poor.

In view of the above, to grasp the image data registered in the printer, and to provide working efficiency image registration apparatus capable of enhancing image confirmation how, and an image preview program .

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following configurations.
(1) An image registration apparatus comprising image registration means for registering an image in a printer and means for previewing an image registered by the image registration means,
The image registration means includes
A key code for identifying a registered image is generated, image data to be registered in a pair with the key code is transmitted to a printer, an identification code transmitted from the printer for identifying an individual printer is received, and a base of the image data is received. The path indicating the storage location of the image file to be associated with the key code is recorded in a registered image data information file generated as a separate file for each identification code,
Means for previewing the image registered by the image registration means;
When a preview instruction is input, the printer requests the printer to transmit the identification code and the key code, and receives the identification code transmitted from the printer in response to the request, and registered image data to be referred to An information file is specified, the key code transmitted from the printer is received in response to the request, and the path indicating the storage location of the image file described in the specified registered image data information file is referred to Search for the image data, and display the searched image data as a preview,
An image registration apparatus characterized by that.
(2) The image registration unit performs an image conversion process on a base image file, generates the image data, transmits the image data to the printer, and indicates a path indicating the storage location of the image file and the image conversion process. The image registration apparatus according to (1), wherein a parameter is further recorded in association with the registered image data information file.
(3) When the image registration unit deletes an image to the printer, the image registration unit transmits a deletion instruction indicating image data to be deleted to the printer, and receives an identification code from the printer.
The image registration means specifies the registered image data information file based on the identification code, and deletes the record of the deleted image data recorded in the specified registered image data information file ( The image registration apparatus according to 1) or (2).
(4) An image for confirming an image registered in the printer by an image registration device comprising image registration means for registering an image in the printer and means for previewing the image registered by the image registration means on a display. Check method,
By the image registration means,
Generating a key code for identifying a registered image, and transmitting image data to be registered with the key code to the printer;
Receiving an identification code identifying the individual printer transmitted from the printer;
Associating a path indicating a storage location of an image file that is a basis of the image data with a key code thereof, and recording it in a registered image data information file generated as a separate file for each identification code ;
To register the image on the printer,
By means for previewing the image registered by the image registration means on a display,
And requesting to transmit the identification code and the key code and the preview instruction is input to the printer,
Receiving the identification code transmitted from the printer in response to the request, and specifying a registered image data information file to be referred to;
In response to the request, the key code transmitted from the printer is received, and the image data is searched with reference to a path indicating the storage location of the image file described in the specified registered image data information file. Steps,
Previewing the found image data on the display ;
And confirming the image registered in the printer .
(5) generating a key code for identifying a registered image, and transmitting image data to be registered in a pair with the key code to the printer;
Receiving an identification code identifying the individual printer transmitted from the printer;
A step of associating a path indicating a storage location of an image file that is a basis of the image data with a key code thereof and recording it in a registered image data information file generated as a separate file for each identification code, is executed on a computer An image preview program for previewing image data registered in a printer,
Requesting the printer to transmit the identification code and the key code when a preview instruction is input;
Receiving the identification code transmitted from the printer in response to the request, and specifying a registered image data information file to be referred to;
In response to the request, the key code transmitted from the printer is received, and the image data is searched with reference to a path indicating the storage location of the image file described in the specified registered image data information file. Steps,
Displaying the searched image data as a preview;
An image preview program for previewing image data registered in a printer, wherein the image data is registered in a printer.

  According to the present invention, the image registration means transmits image data to be registered to the printer, receives an identification code for identifying the printer from the printer, associates the transmitted image data with the identification code, and creates a predetermined file. To record. Therefore, even if the image registration unit registers image data for a plurality of printers, the image registration unit can reliably grasp the image data transmitted to each printer. Therefore, it is possible to grasp what image data is transmitted to which printer without the user performing test printing in advance or manually creating the correspondence table.

  The image registration means of the present invention performs an image conversion process on a base image file to generate the image data and transmits the image data to the printer, and a path indicating the storage location of the image file and the image conversion process. A configuration in which parameters are further recorded in association with the predetermined file can be specifically taken. Therefore, the image registration means can preview the image data by performing image conversion processing on the image file held by the image registration unit based on the parameters without acquiring image data from the printer. Therefore, even when a serial interface such as a low data transmission rate between the printer and the image registration apparatus is used, it is possible to work comfortably without stress.

  According to the present invention, when image data is deleted from the printer, the image registration means transmits to the printer a deletion instruction indicating the image data to be deleted, receives an identification code from the printer, and the image registration means Is configured to identify the predetermined file based on the identification code and delete the record of the deleted image data recorded in the predetermined file. Therefore, since the state of the image data registered in the printer recorded in the predetermined file of the image registration apparatus is always maintained to be the state of the image data actually registered in the printer, the image data from the printer is stored. Even if it is not actually acquired, the image registration apparatus can grasp the contents of the image data stored in the printer.

  Further, according to the present invention, the image registration means refers to the predetermined file and displays a preview of the image data registered in the printer. Therefore, the image registration apparatus can grasp the contents of the image data stored in the printer and display it to the user without actually acquiring the image data from the printer.

  According to the present invention, the image registration means receives the identification code from the printer and specifies a predetermined file to be referred to, so that the image registration apparatus registers image data for a plurality of printers. Even if it is performed, the correspondence can be maintained and the preview can be appropriately performed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image registration apparatus, an image registration method, an image registration program, and an image preview program for registering an image in a printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of an image registration apparatus and a printing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating setting values stored in the printing apparatus. Yes,
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a receipt decoration process.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a printer 50 according to the present embodiment is used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and is used in a POS system that issues a receipt based on input information related to product sales input by an operator. The payment information print data generated by the POS terminal device 40 provided with the POS application 41A is received, printed on roll paper, etc., and output as a receipt. Further, the printer 50 may perform a receipt decoration process (details will be described later) for adding image data to the payment information print data received from the POS terminal device 40 and printing based on the preset values stored in advance. Is possible. Setting of the setting value related to the receipt decoration process is performed by the image registration apparatus 10 connected to the printer 50. Note that the image registration device 10 may be the same device as the POS terminal device 40.

  The POS terminal device 40 is connected to the printer 50 via a wired or wireless connection. The POS terminal device 40 obtains input information related to the product by inputting with the keyboard 43 or reading the barcode with the barcode reader 44. Further, the POS terminal device 40 reads the credit card or the membership card of the customer 60 by the card reader 45, and acquires information relating to the member such as information relating to credit clearing and a membership number. Furthermore, it has a display 42 for displaying product information generated based on product data transmitted from a POS server 30 to be described later, and displays the price of purchased products to the customer 60. These controls are performed by the POS application 41A in the POS terminal device 40. The POS application 41A generates payment information print data for printing on a receipt based on product data and input information transmitted from the POS server 30. It is generated and transmitted to the printer 50 via the printer driver 41b.

  The POS server 30 has a memory such as a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 in addition to a control device (CPU 31), and processes information stored in the buffer 39 and the like in the RAM 33 according to a control program stored in the ROM 32. In particular, the RAM 33 has a product master including a product code block 35, a product name block 36, a price block 37, an inventory block 38, etc., and the CPU 31 is based on the input information transmitted from the POS terminal device 40. Information on a product code, a product name, and a price is extracted from the product master, and product data used for printing on the receipt R and displaying on the display 42 of the POS terminal device 40 is generated.

  The printer 50 is a receipt printer, and in addition to the data receiving unit 100 that receives various control commands and payment information print data from the POS terminal device 40, the conveyance unit 110, the printing unit 120, the cutting unit 130, the printing unit 120, and the cutting unit. A driving unit 140 that drives the unit 130, a control unit 200 that controls the entire printer 50, and the like are provided. The control unit 200 includes a memory (RAM 230, see FIG. 2) that stores image data to be added to the receipt for printing and various setting values (see FIG. 3) relating to the image data, and according to the various setting values. Control of receipt decoration processing (details will be described later) for adding image data to a receipt as a logo is performed. Note that the RAM 230 may be composed of a plurality of memory elements that are physically different depending on functions and applications.

  The image registration device 10 is a host computer for the printer 50 such as a personal computer, for example, editing image data to be added to the receipt R and printing, registering image data in the printer 50, and the above-described receipt decoration processing. A print control program 24 for setting and acquiring setting values and performing test printing of the printer 50 is provided. The user can perform setting of setting values related to receipt decoration processing of the printer 50 and test printing via the input means including the mouse 12 and the keyboard 11 and the display 13. In addition, the image registration apparatus 10 and the printer 50 are connected by wire or wireless via an interface. The image registration apparatus 10 is used by being connected to the printer 50 at the time of setting and obtaining setting values for image data editing and registration, and receipt decoration processing, and test printing, and is always connected to the printer 50. There is no need to

Here, the control configuration of the image registration apparatus 10 and the printer 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image registration apparatus 10 includes a CPU 25, a ROM 26, a RAM 27, a keyboard 11, a mouse 12, a display 13, and a hard disk 22 in addition to an interface 21 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the printer 50. They are connected to each other via a system bus 28.
The hard disk 22 stores other application programs in addition to an operating system (hereinafter referred to as an OS) and a print control program 24 for performing settings relating to the printer 50 and test printing, and the print control program 24 and others. The application program environment settings and setting files related to display at startup are stored. The OS 23 provides processing common to each application, such as reception of input from the mouse 12 and the keyboard 11 and display on the display 13, and is a basic software for operating the image registration apparatus 10. It is.

  The CPU 25 controls the image registration apparatus 10 by performing various arithmetic processes based on the program of the OS 23, the print control program 24, and other application programs. The ROM 26 stores a BIOS that is a program for controlling devices such as the keyboard 11, the display 13, and the hard disk 22, and the OS 23 controls these devices by issuing commands to the BIOS. The RAM 27 is used as a work area in which programs of the OS 23 and application programs temporarily read from the hard disk 22 and other storage media (CD-ROM, CD-R, etc.) are executed under the control of the CPU 25. The

On the other hand, the printer 50 includes an interface 51 that transmits and receives data to and from the POS terminal device 40 and the image registration device 10, a receipt feed motor 111, a transport unit 110 that transports the receipt R, and a print head 121. The printing unit 120 prints various print data on the receipt in synchronization with the conveyance of the receipt R.
Further, the printer 50 includes a receipt cutter 132 and a cutter motor 131 that drives the receipt cutter 132, and includes a cutting unit 130 that cuts the rear end of the printed receipt R, a feed motor driver 141, a head driver 142, and a cutter motor driver 143. And a drive unit 140 that drives each unit, and a control unit 200 that is connected to each unit and controls the entire printer 50.

  The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, and an input / output control device (hereinafter referred to as “IOC: Input Output Controller”) 240, which are connected to each other via a system bus 250. The ROM 220 stores a control program block 221 for storing a control program for the CPU 210 to execute control including printing and receipt decoration processing to be described later, control data for printing based on received print data and receipt decoration processing to be described later, And a control data block 222 for storing various tables and the like.

  In addition to the various work area blocks 231 that are used as flags, the RAM 230 is in a state in which it can be printed by the receiving buffer 232 that temporarily stores print data received by the data receiving unit 100 (see FIG. 1) and the printing unit 120. A print buffer 233 for storing the developed data and an image data block 234 for storing a plurality of image data for printing as a logo at an arbitrary position on the receipt R are provided.

  The top logo block 235 stores image data to be added to the beginning of the receipt, that is, a set value related to the top logo TL, the bottom logo block 236 stores image data to be added to the end of the receipt, that is, the set value related to the bottom logo BL, and the receipt contains water. A watermark block 237 that stores setting values related to the watermark WM to be printed as a mark, and a keyword logo block 238 that stores image data to be added to the receipt corresponding to a specific character string, that is, setting values related to the keyword logo KL The CPU 210 performs processing for developing the received print data based on these setting values. The RAM 230 is always backed up so that the stored data is retained even when the power is turned off. The image data block 234, the top logo block 235, the bottom logo block 236, the watermark block 237, and the keyword logo block 238 may be nonvolatile memories.

  In the IOC 240, a logic circuit that complements the functions of the CPU 210 and handles interface signals with various peripheral circuits is configured and configured by a gate array, a custom LSI, or the like. As a result, the IOC 240 fetches the print data and control data received from the POS terminal device 40 and the image registration device 10 into the system bus 250 as they are or after processing them, and outputs them from the CPU 210 to the system bus 250 in conjunction with the CPU 210. The data and control signals are output as they are or after being processed to each unit such as the printing unit 120.

  The CPU 210 inputs various signals and data from each unit in the printer 50 via the IOC 240 according to the control program in the ROM 220 with the above configuration. In addition, various data in the RAM 230 is processed based on the various signals and data that have been input, and various signals and data are output to each unit in the printer 50 via the IOC 240, thereby controlling the printing process.

  Here, the receipt decoration function provided in the printer 50 will be described. First, setting values relating to image data used for receipt decoration processing will be described with reference to the <setting value> column in FIG. The setting value stored in the top logo block 235 includes a key code for identifying image data to be printed as the top logo TL (ID in the figure, the same applies hereinafter) and alignment of the top logo TL (left and center) In order to prevent the received payment information print data information from overlapping with the top logo TL information in order to delete unnecessary portions of the received payment information print data. The number of deleted lines from the first line of the received payment information print data to be set is included.

  The setting value stored in the bottom logo block 236 includes a key code (ID in the figure, the same applies hereinafter) for identifying image data to be printed as the bottom logo BL, and alignment of the bottom logo BL. .

  The setting value stored in the watermark block 237 includes a key code for identifying image data to be printed as the watermark WM (ID in the figure, the same applies hereinafter) and printing of the first watermark from the leading end of the receipt. The upper margin L1 that is the length to the position, the printing interval L2 that is the length between the watermarks, and the alignment are included.

  Further, the setting value stored in the keyword logo block 238 includes a key code (ID in the figure, the same applies hereinafter) for identifying image data to be printed as the keyword logo KL, and a specific character that triggers the keyword logo printing. In addition to the alignment (when the received payment information print data includes this specific character string, the keyword logo is printed based on the position of the specific character string), the alignment is set for the same reason as the top logo TL. , The number of deleted lines, with the next line after the specific character string line as the deletion start line. Further, the setting value of the keyword logo KL includes a print position. As the print position, the keyword logo KL is inserted in place of the specific character string line, inserted in the next line of the specific character string line, and the specific character string. You can choose whether to insert it before the line. Specific set values are shown in the lower part of FIG.

  The receipt R shown in FIG. 4 shows the receipt R on which the receipt decoration process has been performed based on the setting values shown in the lower part of FIG. On this receipt R, image data of ID (key code) “2020” is set as the top logo TL, and is printed at the position of “middle center” at the top of the receipt. Further, the third line from the first line (first line) of the payment information print data is regarded as a deleted line based on the set value of the number of deleted lines “3” of the top logo TL, and printing is not performed. In addition, image data with an ID (key code) “2021” is set as the bottom logo BL, and is printed at the position “center center” at the end of the receipt.

  Also, image data of ID (key code) “2025” is set as the keyword logo KL, and it is positioned on the next line of the specific character string line (the ninth line in the figure) including “strawberry” set as the specific character string. Is printed in the "Center Yose". Further, since the number of deleted lines of the keyword logo KL (exactly, the number of deleted lines for the specific character string “strawberry”; details will be described later) is set to “0”, the payment information print data after the specific character string line is Printed without being deleted. Further, the image data of the ID (key code) “2022” set as the watermark WM is printed on the receipt R as a watermark at the position “center center”. The leading watermark WM is printed at a position of 40 dots from the front end of the receipt based on the set value, and the interval between the watermarks WM is set to a length of 20 dots based on the set value. In the present embodiment, the dot unit is assumed as the designation of the upper margin L1 and the printing interval L2 of the watermark, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be expressed in units of inches and millimeters.

  Next, a method for registering image data and setting a setting value used for receipt decoration processing will be described. These processes are performed by the print control program 24 in the image registration apparatus 10.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the print control program 24.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the print control program 24 includes a gateway (GATewAy) 60 for setting connection with the printer 50 and a graphics register (GR: GrAphics Register) for registering image data in the printer 50. ) 70 and a receipt designer (RD: Receipt Designer) 80 for setting various setting values for an image registered in the printer 50.

FIG. 6 is a display example of the gateway 60 window.
The gateway 60 is an application for performing connection settings for establishing a connection to the printer 50 and enabling the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 to communicate with the printer. As shown in FIG. 6, the gateway 60 includes a connection name registration designation unit 61 for registering and specifying a connection name, and a printer type, port type, port name, and transmission for the connection name designated by the connection name registration designation unit 61. A window-type user having a transmission condition setting unit 62 for setting various setting conditions such as rate, parity, stop bit, flow control, and bit length, and a tool selection unit 63 for starting the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 Has an interface screen.

  When registering an image in the printer or setting an image setting value via the graphics register 70 or the receipt designer 80, the connection name registration / designation unit 61 selects a connection destination and stores it in the tool activation unit 63. Click button 64 or button 65. As a result, the graphics register 70 or the receipt designer 80 is selected as an application corresponding to the button 64 or the button 65, and the graphics register 70 or the receipt designer 80 communicates with the printer designated by the transmission condition setting unit 62. However, it is activated under circumstances where various tasks can be performed.

  The graphics register 70 is an image registration application (image registration means, image registration program) having various functions for registering image data in the printer. The graphics register 70 includes a window as a user interface. The user registers various settings by switching the display in this window.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an example of a screen display (screen 70A) displayed in the window 70A of the graphics register 70.
As shown in FIG. 7, the screen 70A is provided with a stage selection display unit 71 including four icon buttons 71A to 71d for visually indicating a stage until image data (graphics) is registered in the upper part. Yes. The graphics register 70 switches the screen below the stage selection display unit 71 corresponding to each icon button 71A to 71d when the user clicks each button provided on the stage selection display unit 71 with a mouse or the like. . Which icon button 71A to 71d is selected is indicated by a selection button display mark 71e displayed so as to surround any one of the icon buttons 71A to 71d. FIG. 7 shows a state where the icon button 71A indicated by “1” is selected. In this state, the screen 70A is displayed in the window 70A.

  In the screen 70 </ b> A shown in FIG. 7, a list display unit 72 showing a list of image files to be registered is provided in the center, and a list for opening the list displayed on the list display unit 72 is opened below the list display unit 72. A list opening unit 73A and a list editing unit 73b for adding graphics to the list, deleting from the list, or editing graphics on the list are provided. The user selects an image file as a basis of image data to be registered in the printer on the screen 70A shown in FIG. The base image file is various image files stored in the storage device in the image registration apparatus 10. When the image registration apparatus 10 is connected to another apparatus via a network or the like, an image file stored in the other apparatus may be selected.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another example (screen 70b) of the screen display displayed in the window 70A of the graphics register 70.
As shown in FIG. 8, the icon 70b indicated by “2” in FIG. 7 is selected on the screen 70b, and the display below the list display portion 72 is displayed as compared with the screen 70A shown in FIG. Partially switched to display.

  On the screen 70b shown in FIG. 8, below the list display section 72, a color setting section 74A that performs color settings such as black and white, color, etc., a halftone setting section 74b that performs settings related to gradation expression and brightness, and image data A size setting unit 74c is provided for setting the size. On this screen 70b, the user designates the type of image conversion processing for creating transmission image data to be transmitted to the printer 50 from the base image file. The user can specify the type of image conversion processing for each image file listed in the list display section 72 on the screen 70b shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another example of the screen display (screen 70c) displayed in the window 70A of the graphics register 70.
As shown in FIG. 9, an icon button 71c indicated by “3” in FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is selected on the screen 70c, and the stage is compared with the screens 70A and 70b shown in FIG. The display below the selection display unit 71 is switched and displayed.

  On the screen shown in FIG. 9, below the stage selection display unit 71, a list display unit 75 equivalent to the list display unit 72 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 and a list of image data actually registered in the printer 50 are displayed. A registered image data list display section 76 is provided. Below that, a registration size display section 77A for displaying information relating to the registration size of the printer 50, a key code setting section 77b for setting a key code, and transmission, registration and deletion of image data to the printer 50 are displayed. An image data registration unit 77c to be executed is provided.

  The user assigns a key code to image data to be registered in the printer in the window shown in FIG. Then, by selecting a registration button provided in the image data registration unit 77c with a mouse click or the like, image data for transmission is generated from the original image file, and the generated image data is transmitted to the printer 50. The image data is stored in the RAM 230 of the printer 50 in association with the key code. In the present embodiment, the operation of storing this image in association with the key code is called “registration”.

  Here, the graphics register 70 acquires the printer serial number information from the printer 50 when it is registered in the printer 50. The graphics register 70 stores a storage location (logical path indicating a file location on the basis of the root directory) in a storage device in the image registration device 10 for an image file serving as a basis of image data registered in the printer 50, a key The code and the type and content of the image conversion processing applied to the image file (number of colors, color reduction method, brightness, size, amount of bottom margin, etc.) are associated and saved in the registered image data information file (registered log file) 65 To do. Here, considering the case where the image registration apparatus 10 is connected to a plurality of printers, the registered image data information file is generated as a separate file for each printer. Therefore, the file name of the registered image data information file preferably has a unique name for each printer, such as printer name + serial number.

  With this configuration, the graphics register 70 can grasp the image file registered in the printer and what kind of image data is actually transmitted by only acquiring the key code from the printer 50. The image data registered in the printer 50 is displayed on the registered image data list display unit 76.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of another example of the screen display (screen 70d) displayed in the window 70A of the graphics register 70.
As shown in FIG. 10, the icon 70d indicated by “4” in FIGS. 7 to 9 is selected on the screen 70d, and compared to the screens 70A, 70b, and 70c shown in FIGS. The display below the stage selection display unit 71 is switched and displayed.

  In the screen shown in FIG. 10, a registered image data list display unit 77 equivalent to the registered image data list display unit 76 shown in FIG. 9 is provided in the center, and information on image data registered in the printer 50 is acquired below. A registration information acquisition unit 78A, an option setting unit 78b for setting options, and a print instruction unit 78c for instructing printing of image data registered in the printer 50 are provided.

  When the user selects the “acquire registration information” button of the registration information acquisition unit 78A on the screen 70d shown in FIG. 10 by clicking the mouse or the like, the graphics register 70 issues an instruction to the printer 50 and registers it in the printer 50. Only the key code of the obtained image data is acquired. Then, the graphics register 70 refers to the acquired key code and the registered image data information file 65, the original file name of the image data registered in the registration information acquisition unit 78A, the key code and the registered image data. List sizes and. When the user sets options via the option setting unit 78b and issues a print instruction via the print instruction unit 78c, the selected information or all the image data in the list of the registration information acquisition unit 78A is printed. The printer 50 is instructed. Also in this case, the printer 50 is caused to execute printing by transmitting only the key code to the printer 50.

  In this way, the graphics register 70 registers the image data with the key code in the printer 50, manages the information registered using the key code as a key by using the registered image data information file 65, and meets the user's request. In response, the user can list up or give a print instruction to the printer 50.

Next, the receipt designer 80 will be described in detail.
The receipt designer 80 is a setting value registration application (setting value registration means, setting value registration program) having various functions for setting various setting values in an image registered in the printer 50. Here, the set value refers to the print position (top, bottom, watermark, keyword logo) of the image data and detailed settings associated with the print position. That is, an image is registered in the printer 50 by the graphics register 70, and the print position of the image is set in detail by the receipt designer 80, whereby a desired image is assigned to a position desired by the user and is printed on the printer 50. be able to.

  The receipt designer 80 includes a window as a user interface. The user registers various settings by switching the display in this window. The receipt designer 80 has a window different from that of the graphics register 70, and the receipt designer 80 can be operated at the same time with the graphics register 70 activated.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an example of the screen display (screen 80A) displayed in the window 80A of the receipt designer 80.
As shown in FIG. 11, the screen 80 </ b> A is provided with a stage selection display section 81 including six icon buttons 81 </ b> A to 81 f that visually indicate a stage until image data (graphics) is set. Yes. The receipt designer 80 switches the screen below the stage selection display unit 81 corresponding to each icon button 81A to 81f when the user clicks each button provided on the stage selection display unit 81 with a mouse or the like. Which icon button 81A to 81f is selected is indicated by a selection button display mark 81g displayed so as to surround any one of the icon buttons 81A to 81f. FIG. 11 shows a state where the icon button 81A indicated by “1” is selected. In this state, the screen 80A is displayed in the window 80A.

  In the screen 80A shown in FIG. 11, a list display unit 82 for displaying a list of image data currently registered in the printer 50 is provided at the center, and a list to be displayed on the list display unit 82 below the list display unit 82. A registration information acquisition unit 83A for acquiring the settings and an option setting unit 83b for importing settings from the outside are provided.

  When the user selects the acquisition button of the registration information acquisition unit 83A in the screen 80A shown in FIG. 11 with a mouse click or the like, the receipt designer 80 outputs a command to the printer 50 and saves the serial number of the printer 50 from the printer 50. The key code of each image data and the set value set for each image data are acquired and displayed in a list on the list display unit 82. The receipt designer 80 searches the corresponding registered image data information file 65 based on the serial number of the printer 50 and the printer name, refers to the corresponding registered image data information file 65, and corresponds to the image key code (ID). The file names are displayed in a list on the list display unit 82. In the image data displayed in the list shown in FIG. 11, no setting value has been set yet, and the print position and its details may not be determined.

  Further, when previewing image data registered in the printer 50 in the receipt designer 80, if a file name or the like in the list is selected by double-clicking the mouse or the like, the registered image data information file 65 is referred to and the corresponding item is selected. The image conversion process processed at the time of registration is performed on the image file to be displayed and displayed on the screen.

  12 to 14 are schematic diagrams of other examples (screens 80b, 80c, and 80d) of screen display displayed in the window 80A of the receipt designer 80. FIG.

First, FIG. 12 will be described.
In the screen 80b, the icon button 81b indicated by “2” in FIG. 11 is selected, and the display below the list display portion 82 is partially switched compared to the screen 80A shown in FIG. . A screen 80b shown in FIG. 12 is a screen for setting the image data listed in the list display unit 82 as a bottom logo or a top logo, and the top / bottom setting / cancellation is performed with the image data selected in the list display unit 82. By setting in the part 84A, the selected image is set as a top logo or a bottom logo. The detailed print setting of the selected image data is set by the attribute setting unit 84b. At this stage, the setting value is held in the receipt designer 80, and the setting value is not transmitted to the printer 50.

Next, FIG. 13 will be described.
In the screen 80c, the icon button 81c indicated by “3” in FIG. 11 is selected, and the display below the list display portion 82 is partially switched compared to the screen 80A shown in FIG. . A screen 80c shown in FIG. 13 is a screen for setting the image data listed in the list display unit 82 as a watermark. In the state where the image data is selected in the list display unit 82, the watermark setting / release unit 85A To set the selected image as a watermark. The detailed print setting of the selected image data is set by the attribute setting unit 85b. At this stage, the setting value is held in the receipt designer 80, and the setting value is not transmitted to the printer 50.

Next, FIG. 14 will be described.
In the screen 80d, the icon button 81d indicated by “4” in FIG. 11 is selected, and the display below the list display portion 82 is partially switched compared to the screen 80A shown in FIG. . A screen 80d shown in FIG. 14 is a screen for setting the image data listed in the list display unit 82 as a keyword logo. In the state where image data is selected in the list display unit 82, the keyword input unit 86A uses a keyword. Is set in the keyword logo addition / change / cancellation unit 86b, and the selected image is set as the keyword logo. The detailed print setting of the selected image data is set by the attribute setting unit 86c. At this stage, the setting value is held in the receipt designer 80, and the setting value is not transmitted to the printer 50.

  FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of another example (screen 80e) of the screen display displayed in the window 80A of the receipt designer 80.

  In the screen 80d, the icon button 81e indicated by “5” in FIG. 11 is selected, and the display below the list display portion 82 is partially switched compared to the screen 80A shown in FIG. . A screen 80e shown in FIG. 15 is a screen for transmitting setting information to the printer 50. When the user selects a registration button provided in the registration unit 87 with a mouse click or the like, setting values held in the receipt designer 80 are displayed. Is transmitted to the printer 50 together with the key code. When the printer 50 receives the setting value together with the key code, the key code (ID) and the detailed setting value are stored in the top logo block 235, the bottom logo block 236, the watermark block 237, and the keyword logo block 238, respectively. Thereby, the setting of the setting value for the image data stored in the printer 50 is completed.

  In addition, the receipt designer 80 can save the transmitted setting value in an arbitrary file. As the setting value storage file, a registered image data information file generated by the graphics register 70 may be used, and the setting value may be added to the file as additional information.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of another example of the screen display (screen 80f) displayed in the window 80A of the receipt designer 80.

  In the screen 80f, the icon button 81f indicated by “6” in FIG. 11 is selected, and the display below the list display portion 82 is partially switched compared to the screen 80A shown in FIG. . A screen 80f shown in FIG. 16 is a screen for acquiring set value information from the printer 50 and printing it. The user acquires the set value registered through the registration information acquiring unit 88A from the printer 50, and the print setting unit 88b. The print setting is performed at, and a print instruction is issued by the print instruction unit 88c. At this time, the image registration apparatus 10 causes the printer 50 to execute printing by transmitting only the printer initial setting command and the test print pattern.

  In this way, the receipt designer 80 can specify the print position of the image data registered by the graphics register 70 together with the detailed print settings by transmitting the set value to the printer 50 in pairs with the key code.

  Next, the cooperative operation between the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 will be described in detail.

  As described above, the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 do not acquire any image data from the printer 50. The graphics register 70 generates a registered image data information file at the time of registration of image data, and then the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 obtain only the key code of the registered image and refer to this registered image data information file. The image data for each key code is printed and previewed.

  Hereinafter, registration, deletion, and preview of image data in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to flowcharts.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of registration of image data in the printer 50.
First, when the user operates the image data registration unit 77c in the screen 70c shown in FIG. 9 and an image registration instruction is input to the graphics register 70 (step S1), the graphics register 70 stores the image file as a base. Then, transmission image data in which the number of colors of the image data, the color reduction, the brightness, the size, the amount of the bottom margin, etc. are adjusted according to the setting is generated (step S2). Then, the graphics register 70 transmits the transmission image data S3 together with the key code to the printer 50 (step S3).

  Upon receiving the transmission image data, the printer 50 stores the received image data together with the key code in the image data block 234, and registers the image data (step S7).

When the transmission of the transmission image data to the printer 50 is completed, the graphics register 70 requests the printer 50 to transmit the unique serial number of the printer 50 (step S4).
Upon receiving this serial number request (step S8), the printer 50 reads the serial number stored in the non-volatile area (or ROM 220) in the RAM 230, and stores this serial number in the image registration apparatus 10, that is, the graphics register 70. Transmit (step S9).

  When the graphics register 70 receives the serial number from the printer 50 (step S5), the graphics register 70 stores the logical path in which the image file that is the basis of the image data registered in the printer 50 is stored, and the key. The code and the type and content of the image conversion processing applied to the image file (number of colors, color reduction method, brightness, size, amount of bottom margin, etc.) are associated and saved in the registered image data information file (registered log file) 65 To do. Here, the file name of the registered image data information file 65 is given a unique name for each printer, such as printer name + serial number.

  Therefore, when referring to the image file related to the image data registered by the graphic register 70 and the receipt designer 80, the file name corresponding to the connection name and the file of the identifier received from the printer are searched, and the file is opened to confirm the contents. By doing so, the transmitted content can be confirmed without receiving image data from the printer.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of deletion of image data from the printer 50.
First, when the user operates the image data registration unit 77c in the screen 70c shown in FIG. 9 and an image deletion instruction is input to the graphics register 70 (step S11), the graphics register 70 stores the image data to be deleted. A delete instruction designating the key code is transmitted to the printer 50 (step S12).

  When the printer 50 receives the delete instruction (step S16), the printer 50 deletes the image data corresponding to the key code specified in the received delete instruction from the image data block 234.

Thereafter, when the transmission of the transmission image data to the printer 50 is completed, the graphics register 70 requests the printer 50 to transmit a unique serial number of the printer 50 (step S13).
Upon receiving this serial number request (step S17), the printer 50 reads the serial number stored in the non-volatile area (or ROM 220) in the RAM 230, and stores this serial number in the image registration apparatus 10, that is, the graphics register 70. Transmit (step S18).

  When the graphics register 70 receives this serial number from the printer 50 (step S14), the graphics register 70 has a file name corresponding to the printer name corresponding to the connection name and the serial number received from the printer. , Open the corresponding registered image data information file, delete various information (key code, file path, number of colors, color reduction method, brightness, size, bottom margin amount, etc.) related to the deleted image data To do.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the image data in the printer 50 is deleted, the information in the registered image data information file managed by the graphic register 70 is also deleted in accordance with the deletion. The state and the state of the image data in the printer 50 stored in the image registration apparatus 10 can be matched. Therefore, there is no need to transmit image data from the printer 50 for checking, and a user-friendly system can be constructed even if an interface with a low communication speed is provided.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a preview flow of image data registered in the printer 50. In the following description, it is assumed that the preview is executed when the receipt designer 80 is not communicating with the printer 50 and the key code is not received from the printer 50.

First, when a preview instruction is input to the receipt designer 80 by a user input operation (step S21), the receipt designer 80 requests the printer 50 to transmit a key code of registered image data (step S21). S22) .

  When the printer 50 receives the key code request (step S31), the printer 50 transmits the key code stored in the image data block 234 of the RAM 230 to the receipt designer 80 (step S32).

Upon receipt of the key code list from the printer 50 (step S23), the receipt designer 80 next requests the printer 50 to transmit a unique serial number that the printer 50 has (step S24).
Upon receiving this serial number request (step S33), the printer 50 reads the serial number stored in the non-volatile area (or ROM 220) in the RAM 230 and transmits this serial number to the image registration apparatus 10, that is, the receipt designer 80. (Step S34).

  When the receipt designer 80 receives the serial number from the printer 50 (step S25), the receipt designer 80 searches for a file having a printer name corresponding to the connection name and a file name corresponding to the serial number acquired from the printer. The corresponding registered image data information file 65 is opened (step S26). Then, the receipt designer 80 searches for image data with reference to the file path written in the registered image data information file 65 (step S27), and if necessary, the number of colors, the color reduction method, brightness, size, Image conversion processing such as the amount of bottom margin is performed to preview the image data on the screen (step S28).

  As described above, in this embodiment, even when the image data is previewed, the receipt designer 80 can perform the preview only by receiving the key code and the serial number from the printer 50. Accordingly, since the receipt designer 80 does not receive any image data from the printer 50, a user-friendly system can be constructed even if an interface having a low communication speed is provided.

  In the above description, the serial number is received from the printer 50, but this is based on the assumption that the image registration apparatus 10 is connected to a plurality of printers and causes the plurality of printers to register image data. In order to prevent the registered image data information file from being associated with the printer by mistake. This is not limited to the serial number, and any unique one that can identify each printer can be used. The graphics register 70 generates a predetermined code for each printer, registers the code in the printer, You may comprise so that identification may be performed using this code | symbol.

  In the above description, the preview is described as being performed by the receipt designer 80. However, when the graphics register 70 has the same preview function, the graphics register 70 has the same flow as that shown in FIG. You can preview the flow.

  In addition, although it has been described that the file is divided for each identification code, as long as the identification code and image registration information (key code, file path, image processing method) are associated, they may be recorded in the same file. , It may be recorded in a database or registry instead of a file.

1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of an image registration apparatus and a printing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating setting values stored in a printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a receipt decoration process. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a print control program. FIG. It is a display example of the window of a gateway. It is a schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of a graphics register. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of a graphics register. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of a graphics register. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of a graphics register. It is a schematic diagram of a screen display displayed on the window of the receipt designer. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of the receipt designer. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of the receipt designer. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of the receipt designer. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of the receipt designer. It is another schematic diagram of the screen display displayed on the window of the receipt designer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of registration of image data in a printer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of deleting image data from a printer. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a preview flow of image data registered in a printer.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image Registration Device 50 Printer 60 Gateway 65 Registered Image Data Information File (Registration Log File)
70 Graphics Register 80 Receipt Designer

Claims (5)

An image registration apparatus comprising image registration means for registering an image in a printer and means for previewing an image registered by the image registration means,
The image registration means includes
A key code for identifying a registered image is generated, image data to be registered in a pair with the key code is transmitted to a printer, an identification code transmitted from the printer for identifying an individual printer is received, and a base of the image data is received. The path indicating the storage location of the image file to be associated with the key code is recorded in a registered image data information file generated as a separate file for each identification code,
Means for previewing the image registered by the image registration means;
When a preview instruction is input, the printer requests the printer to transmit the identification code and the key code, and receives the identification code transmitted from the printer in response to the request, and registered image data to be referred to An information file is specified, the key code transmitted from the printer is received in response to the request, and the path indicating the storage location of the image file described in the specified registered image data information file is referred to Search for the image data, and display the searched image data as a preview,
An image registration apparatus characterized by that. The image registration means includes
An image conversion process is performed on a base image file, the image data is generated and transmitted to the printer, and a path indicating a storage location of the image file and a parameter of the image conversion process are further included in the registered image data information The image registration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image registration apparatus is recorded in association with a file. The image registration means includes
When deleting an image to the printer, a delete instruction indicating image data to be deleted is transmitted to the printer, and an identification code is received from the printer.
The image registration means specifies the registered image data information file based on the identification code, and deletes the record of the deleted image data recorded in the specified registered image data information file. Item 3. The image registration apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. An image confirmation method for confirming an image registered in the printer by an image registration device comprising image registration means for registering an image in a printer and means for displaying a preview of the image registered by the image registration means on a display. There,
By the image registration means,
Generating a key code for identifying a registered image, and transmitting image data to be registered with the key code to the printer;
Receiving an identification code identifying the individual printer transmitted from the printer;
Associating a path indicating a storage location of an image file that is a basis of the image data with a key code thereof, and recording it in a registered image data information file generated as a separate file for each identification code ;
To register the image on the printer,
By means for previewing the image registered by the image registration means on a display,
And requesting to transmit the identification code and the key code and the preview instruction is input to the printer,
Receiving the identification code transmitted from the printer in response to the request, and specifying a registered image data information file to be referred to;
In response to the request, the key code transmitted from the printer is received, and the image data is searched with reference to a path indicating the storage location of the image file described in the specified registered image data information file. Steps,
Previewing the found image data on the display ;
And confirming the image registered in the printer . Generating a key code for identifying a registered image, and transmitting image data to be registered with the key code to the printer;
Receiving an identification code identifying the individual printer transmitted from the printer;
A step of associating a path indicating a storage location of an image file that is a basis of the image data with a key code thereof and recording it in a registered image data information file generated as a separate file for each identification code, is executed on a computer An image preview program for previewing image data registered in a printer,
Requesting the printer to transmit the identification code and the key code when a preview instruction is input;
Receiving the identification code transmitted from the printer in response to the request, and specifying a registered image data information file to be referred to;
In response to the request, the key code transmitted from the printer is received, and the image data is searched with reference to a path indicating the storage location of the image file described in the specified registered image data information file. Steps,
Displaying the searched image data as a preview;
An image preview program for previewing image data registered in a printer, wherein the image data is registered in a printer.

Images