JP2005316857A - Printing system, mobile printer, program, and print control method of printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system or the like constructable at low cost, which can issue various labels without using an expensive handy terminal. <P>SOLUTION: This printing system comprises a printer 10 acquiring input data inputted by information input equipment 20 and a host terminal 30 transmitting print data to the printer. The printer includes an interface 14 acquiring an identification code showing the equipment type of the information input equipment and an input result and result data as the input data; and a transmitting/receiving part 15 transmitting the input data to the host terminal. The host terminal includes a print format storage part 41a storing a plurality of print formats according to equipment types; a format selection part 33 selecting one of the print formats based on the identification code in the received input data; and a print data generation part 34 generating print data based on the result data in the input data and the selected print format. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that acquires input data input by an arbitrary information input device and transmits the input data to a host terminal, and a host terminal that receives the input data from the printing apparatus and controls printing of the printing apparatus A printing system, a mobile printer, a program, and a printing control method for the printing system.

In retail stores such as supermarkets, prices for products with a short shelf life, such as fresh foods and prepared dishes, are being reduced over time. In general, each product has a product label on which information about the price, date of manufacture, weight, etc. of the product is recorded as a bar code. Reading with a scanner and issuing a price reduction label based on the reading result. In this case, large-scale supermarkets need to issue price reduction labels promptly for a large number of products at an appropriate timing, so multiple shop assistants can use handy terminals (mobile information terminals) with barcode scanner functions, A mobile printer connected to this can be carried, and a product label can be read and a price reduction label can be issued at a sales floor. In recent years, a terminal in which a mobile printer function (printing function) is added to a handy terminal has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, in this publication, each handy terminal can communicate with a host terminal (file server) via wireless communication, and performs processing such as referring to the price of a product and sending the record of label issuance. It also states that it will be obtained.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-109960 (FIGS. 3 and 10, etc.)

  By the way, as described above, this type of handy terminal is configured to issue a price reduction label by the mobile printer based on the reading result of the bar code scanner. Therefore, the print data and bar code data for printing on the label are used. It is necessary to perform generation and printing control by the handy terminal itself. That is, the host terminal is not configured to directly perform print control of the mobile printer, and the control is left to the handy terminal side. In addition, the handy terminal is required to have a certain level of control processing performance in terms of work efficiency, so that there is a problem that the terminal price is expensive.

  On the other hand, in recent years, there is an increasing demand for using the printing function provided in the handy terminal for purposes other than issuing a price reduction label. For example, if a product label that is affixed at the time of manufacturing a product can be issued at the same handy terminal, the usage can be greatly expanded, but for that purpose, it is necessary to add a scale function (weight measurement function), etc. Furthermore, the terminal price becomes expensive. Moreover, such a handy terminal having a special function such as a scale function is naturally unsuitable for other uses, and thus has a problem of poor versatility.

  In view of the above, the present invention provides a variety of configurations by enabling communication between a printing apparatus that can connect various information input devices and a host terminal that performs printing control of the printing apparatus without using an expensive handy terminal. It is an object to provide a printing system, a mobile printer, a program, and a printing control method for a printing system that can issue labels and can be constructed at low cost.

  The printing system of the present invention has an interface to which an arbitrary information input device can be connected, and obtains input data input by the information input device, and input data acquired by the printing device via a network. And a host terminal that controls printing of the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus uses, as input data, an identification code indicating a device type of the information input device, and the information input device. Input data acquisition means for acquiring result data indicating an input result, input data transmission means for transmitting the input data to the host terminal, and printing means for performing printing based on the print data received from the host terminal, The host terminal has a print format storage means for storing a plurality of print formats according to the device type, and an input from the printing device. One of the plurality of print formats stored in the print format storage means on the basis of the input data receiving means for receiving the data and the identification code included in the input data received by the input data receiving means. A format selection unit to select, a result data included in the input data received by the input data reception unit, a print data generation unit that generates print data based on the print format selected by the format selection unit, and the generated print data And print data transmission means for transmitting to the printing apparatus.

  In addition, according to the printing control method of the printing system of the present invention, an arbitrary information input device can be connected, a printing apparatus that acquires input data input by the information input device, and a device type of the information input device A printing control method for a printing system, which comprises a host terminal that stores a plurality of printing formats, receives input data acquired by the printing device, and controls printing of the printing device. A host terminal that executes, as data, an identification code indicating a device type of the information input device, a result data indicating an input result by the information input device, and a step of transmitting the input data to the host terminal; Receives the input data and selects one print format from a plurality of print formats based on the identification code included in the input data. And extent, results in the input data the data, and based on the print format selected, and executes a process of generating print data, and transmitting the generated print data to the printing apparatus.

  According to these configurations, since the host terminal receives the input data from the printing apparatus and generates the print data based on the print format corresponding to the device type of the information input device connected to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus side Then, by receiving this and printing it, various printed materials according to the information input device can be issued. That is, the user who operates the printing apparatus can easily obtain a printed material corresponding to the input data from the information input apparatus without needing a special operation by simply replacing the information input apparatus connected to the printing apparatus. it can. In addition, the printing apparatus can directly send and receive data to and from the host terminal, and since printing control is performed by the host terminal, an information terminal (PDA) for controlling the printing apparatus and sending and receiving data to and from the host terminal. Or handy terminal). Therefore, a system can be constructed at a low cost.

  In this case, the printing apparatus further includes data format conversion means for converting the data format of the input data acquired by the input data acquisition means into a data format that can be identified by the host terminal, and after the data format conversion by the input data transmission means. It is preferable to transmit the input data.

  According to this configuration, even when the data format defined by the communication protocol between the information input device and the printing device is different from the data format between the printing device and the host terminal, the data format is converted by the printing device. Since this can be done, the host terminal can reliably identify the data.

  In these cases, the host terminal further includes a print necessity determination unit that determines whether or not the print data generation unit needs to generate print data based on the input data received by the input data reception unit, and the print data transmission unit includes When the print necessity determination means determines that the print data needs to be generated, the generated print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus. When it is determined that the print data generation is not required, the print data is transmitted. Instead, it is preferable that predetermined status data is transmitted to the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus further includes notifying means for notifying that when the predetermined status data is received.

  According to this configuration, since it is determined whether or not print data needs to be generated by the host terminal, it is not necessary to perform determination on the printing apparatus side. Therefore, the control load of the printing apparatus can be reduced. Further, when the host terminal determines that the print data is not required to be generated (or cannot be generated), the printing apparatus receives the predetermined status data, and the fact (that the predetermined status data has been received, that is, the print data by the host terminal). Therefore, the user can confirm that the printed matter is not issued by the notification. That is, there is no misunderstanding that a failure or some kind of error has occurred due to the fact that the user does not print out the information even though the user inputs information using the information input device.

  In these cases, the printing apparatus further includes processing mode input means for inputting information for designating one processing mode from a plurality of processing modes set in advance according to the information input device, and transmits input data. Preferably, the means transmits information on the processing mode together with the input data to the host terminal, and the host terminal preferably selects the print format on the basis of the identification code and the information on the processing mode by the format selection means.

  According to this configuration, when it is desired to output a printed matter having a different format based on input data from the same information input device, the print format can be specified by specifying the processing mode. For example, a barcode scanner is connected as an information input device, and based on the barcode reading result, a product label (a label on which the product name and its price are printed) and a price reduction label (in accordance with the passage of time from the date of manufacture) If you want to issue a label printed with the price after the price reduction determined by switching the processing mode between "Product Label Issuing Mode" and "Price Reduction Label Issuing Mode", determine the print format according to the label type, A desired label can be issued. Therefore, the versatility of the printing apparatus can be further improved.

  Another printing system of the present invention has an interface to which an arbitrary information input device can be connected, and obtains result data indicating an input result by the information input device, and a result from the printing device via a network. A printing system comprising: a host terminal that receives information including data and performs printing control of the printing apparatus; and the printing apparatus includes a device type determination unit that determines a device type of a connected information input device; Based on result data acquisition means for acquiring result data from the information input device, information on the determination result by the device type determination means, data transmission means for transmitting the result data to the host terminal, and print data received from the host terminal And a printing unit that stores a plurality of print formats corresponding to the device types. A plurality of prints stored in the print format storage unit based on the mat storage unit, the information on the determination result from the printing apparatus, the data receiving unit for receiving the result data, and the information on the determination result received by the data receiving unit A format selection unit that selects one print format from the formats, a result data received by the data reception unit, a print data generation unit that generates print data based on the print format selected by the format selection unit, and a generation And print data transmission means for transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus.

  In addition, according to another printing system of the present invention, a printing control method can connect an arbitrary information input device, obtain a result data indicating an input result by the information input device, and a device type of the information input device. A printing control method for a printing system, comprising: a host terminal that stores a plurality of print formats according to the information, receives information including result data from the printing device, and controls printing of the printing device; A step of determining a device type of the connected information input device, a step of acquiring result data from the information input device, a step of transmitting information on the determination result of the device type, and result data to the host terminal; And the host terminal selects one print format from a plurality of print formats based on the received information on the determination result; As a result of the data, and based on the print format selected, and executes a process of generating print data, and transmitting the generated print data to the printing apparatus.

  According to these configurations, the host terminal receives information about the determination result of the device type and the result data from the printing device, and prints based on the print format corresponding to the device type of the information input device connected to the printing device. In order to generate data, the printing apparatus can receive and print the data, thereby issuing various printed materials according to the information input device. That is, a user who operates the printing apparatus can easily obtain a printed matter corresponding to the input data from the information input apparatus by simply replacing the information input apparatus connected to the printing apparatus. In addition, since the printing apparatus has a function of determining the device type of the connected information input device, the information input device adds an identification code indicating the device type for each data output by the printing device. There is no need. Furthermore, since the printing apparatus can directly send and receive data to and from the host terminal and is controlled to print by the host terminal, an information terminal (PDA) for controlling the printing apparatus and sending and receiving data to and from the host terminal. Or handy terminal). Therefore, a system can be constructed at a low cost. The device type can be determined by the printing device when the information input device is connected via the interface, or when the printing device or the information input device is turned on. Alternatively, the determination may be made when an operation that triggers device type determination is performed by the user, such as when a predetermined key provided in the printing apparatus or the information input device is pressed.

  The mobile printer of the present invention is characterized in that the network is a wireless network and functions as a printing apparatus in the printing system described in any one of the above, and is portable.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a mobile printer that is inexpensive and highly versatile and can be used regardless of location.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of a printing apparatus or a host terminal in the printing system described in any one of the above items.

  According to this configuration, various labels can be issued by using a printing apparatus that can connect various information input devices and a host terminal that performs printing control of the printing apparatus without using an expensive handy terminal. A program for realizing the printing system can be provided.

  Hereinafter, a printing system, a mobile printer, a program, and a printing control method for a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention relates to a printing system including a printing apparatus having an interface to which an arbitrary information input device can be connected and a host terminal that performs printing control of the printing apparatus, and requires special operation on the printing apparatus side. In other words, various printed materials according to the information input device connected to the printing apparatus can be issued.

  Therefore, in the following, label printing used when issuing the printing system or the like of the present invention to a shelf label to be affixed to a product shelf displaying a product or a product label to be affixed to a product in a retail store such as a supermarket. A case will be described as an example where a mobile printer is used.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a printing system 1 is used by a retail clerk (hereinafter referred to as an “operator”) that is carried to issue various labels, and connected to the mobile printer 10. And a host terminal 30 that is connected to the mobile printer 10 via a LAN network (information communication network) N and performs print control of the mobile printer 10.

  The mobile printer 10 and the information input device 20 are used in combination in a one-to-one relationship, and are operated by the same operator as the mobile terminal group 5. In the present embodiment, as the information input device 20, either a barcode scanner 21 that reads barcode data or a scale 22 that measures the weight (internal capacity) of a product can be used. When the scanner 21 is connected, the shelf label L1 (see FIG. 8) is sent from the mobile printer 10, and when the latter scale 22 is connected, the product label L2 (see FIG. 9) is sent from the mobile printer 10. Has been issued. That is, by connecting the information input device 20 to the mobile printer 10, a label corresponding to the input data output from the device can be issued.

  Here, the control configuration of the mobile printer 10 will be described. The mobile printer 10 notifies a connection state and various errors of the printing unit 11 that performs printing based on the print data received from the host terminal 30, the storage unit 12 including a memory such as the ROM 12a and the RAM 12b, and the information input device 20. Sending / receiving information in the 802.11b standard with the host terminal 30 via the notification unit 13, the interface 14 to which the various information input devices 20 are connected, and the wireless LAN access point AP connected to the LAN network N. The receiving part 15 and the control part 16 which controls each of these parts are provided.

  The printing unit 11 has a thermal type or inkjet type print head, and is a label sheet S (label printing in which strip-shaped plain labels are arranged at a predetermined interval) accommodated in a wound state inside the mobile printer 10. Print on the medium, see FIG. In the mobile printer 10, a plurality of types of label sheets S can be used, and are appropriately replaced by an operator according to the type of label to be issued.

  The storage unit 12 includes a ROM 12a that stores control data and control programs, and a RAM 12b that includes transmission / reception buffers and various flags. The ROM 12a stores, as control data, data for determining a prefix code (identification code, see FIG. 2) included in the input data acquired from the information input device 20, and the information input device as a control program. A conversion program for converting the input data acquired from 20 into a data format that can be identified by the host terminal 30 is stored. The RAM 12b stores input data acquired from the information input device 20, converted data obtained by converting the data format of the input data, print data received from the host terminal 30, and the like divided into respective work areas. Yes.

  The notification unit 13 includes an LED 13a and a buzzer 13b, and the LED 13a is turned on by recognizing that the information input device 20 is connected to the interface. Further, when the information input device 20 can switch the power ON / OFF, it lights up when the power is ON. That is, by turning on the LED 13a, the operator can confirm that the input data can be obtained by the information input device 20 (use of the information input device 20). In addition, when an internal error occurs, the LED 13a notifies the operator of the error by blinking.

  On the other hand, the buzzer 13b generates a beep sound (electronic sound) when print data is not transmitted from the host terminal 30 even though the input data is acquired by the information input device 20 and transmitted to the host terminal 30. . Although the details will be described later, the beep sound is generated when the print data is not generated on the host terminal 30 side (when it is impossible to issue the printed matter or when the host terminal 30 does not need to issue the printed matter). (When it is determined), it occurs with reception of unissued status data to be transmitted to the mobile printer 10, so that the operator can confirm that no printed matter is issued.

  The interface 14 is an RS232C port that adopts the serial interface 14 of the RS232C standard, and acquires data from the information input device 20 via a cable (cable). The interface 14 can be connected to a computer for rewriting firmware in addition to the information input device 20, and is also used when rewriting various programs. Note that the interface 14 is not limited to the above-mentioned standard, and other standards may be adopted, and data from the information input device 20 may be acquired via wireless such as Bluetooth.

  With the above configuration, the control unit 16 acquires input data input by the information input device 20 through the interface 14 and performs data conversion of the input data according to the control program in the ROM 12a. Then, the converted data is transmitted to the host terminal 30 via the transmission / reception unit 15. Also, print data is received from the host terminal 30 via the transmission / reception unit 15, and is printed by the printing unit 11, thereby issuing a printed matter corresponding to the information input device 20 connected via the interface 14. To do.

  In this manner, the operator can obtain various labels without performing any operation on the mobile printer 10 by simply inputting data by a predetermined operation of the information input device 20. For example, when the barcode scanner 21 is used, when the barcode scanner 21 recognizes the reading of the barcode, the reading result (input data) is output to the mobile printer 10. The mobile printer 10 executes a series of processes up to label issuance using the reading result as a trigger. When the barcode is read on the barcode scanner 21 side, the operator performs a predetermined key input (switch depression) provided in the barcode scanner 21 or the mobile printer 10, and the barcode is triggered by the key input. The reading result of the scanner 21 may be output to the mobile printer 10.

  When the scale 22 is used as the information input device 20, when the scale 22 measures (recognizes) the weight of the product, the measurement result is output to the mobile printer 10, and the mobile printer 10 acquires the measurement result. Is used as a trigger to execute a series of processes up to label issuance. Even when the scale 22 is used, the measurement result of the scale 22 may be output to the mobile printer 10 by using a predetermined key input by the operator as a trigger.

  Next, the control configuration of the host terminal 30 will be described. The host terminal 30 includes a print necessity determination unit 31 that determines whether or not to generate print data based on data transmitted from the mobile printer 10, and various print formats such as various print formats of printed matter printed by the mobile printer 10. A storage unit 32 for storing data, a print format selection unit 33 for selecting an appropriate print format from among a plurality of print formats stored in the storage unit 32 based on data transmitted from the mobile printer 10, and a mobile printer 10 via the print data generation unit 34 that generates print data based on the data transmitted from the printer 10 and the print format selected by the print format selection unit 33, and the wireless LAN access point AP connected to the LAN network N. Receive data from 10 A data transmission / reception unit 35 for transmitting and receiving data such as sending the print data generated by the printing data generating unit 34, and a control unit 36 which controls these units, the.

  The print necessity determination unit 31 transmits data transmitted from the mobile printer 10 (conversion data obtained by the mobile printer 10 converting input data, which is a reading result of the information input device 20, in accordance with a predetermined rule, details will be described later). Based on the above, it is determined whether or not generation of print data is necessary, or whether or not generation of print data is possible. For example, when the information input device 20 is the barcode scanner 21, if the corresponding product name cannot be identified from the received data because the barcode has not been read normally, it is not necessary to generate print data. to decide. In this case, the control unit 36 transmits unissued status data to the mobile printer 10 via the data transmission / reception unit 35.

  The storage unit 32 includes a ROM 41, a RAM 42, a database 43 (external storage device), and the like. The ROM 41 stores a number of print formats corresponding to the type of the information input device 20 that can be connected to the mobile printer 10. A format storage unit 41a is provided. In the case of this embodiment, the print format storage unit 41a has a print format for the shelf label L1 issued when the barcode scanner 21 is connected to the mobile printer 10 and a scale 22 on the mobile printer 10. Two types of print formats for product label L2 issued when connected are stored.

  In the ROM 41, in addition to the print format, a format selection LUT (lookup table) in which an identification code for selecting a print format by a print format selection unit 33 (to be described later) and a print format are associated, a product master, etc. Various control data and various control programs for determining the necessity of print data generation by the print necessity determination unit 31 are stored. The RAM 42 includes various work areas in addition to a reception buffer that temporarily stores data transmitted from the mobile printer 10 and a transmission buffer that temporarily stores print data generated by the print data generation unit 34 described later. Have. Further, the database 43 stores a print data transmission history (label issuance history by the mobile printer 10) transmitted to the mobile printer 10 and the like.

  The print format selection unit 33 selects a print format according to the identification code (see FIG. 3) included in the data transmitted from the mobile printer 10 (refer to the format selection LUT stored in the ROM 41). For example, when the barcode scanner 21 is connected to the mobile printer 10, since the identification code is “0x71”, the print format for the shelf label L1 is selected by extracting this identification code.

  The print data generation unit 34 generates print data based on the print format selected by the print format selection unit 33 and data (result data) related to the input result of the information input device 20 transmitted from the mobile printer 10. For example, when the barcode scanner 21 is connected to the mobile printer 10, printing is performed by incorporating information such as “product name” and “price” specified from the result data into the print format for the shelf label L 1. Data is generated (see FIG. 8).

  With the above configuration, the control unit 36 receives the conversion data transmitted from the mobile printer 10 via the data transmission / reception unit 35, and the print necessity determination unit 31 generates print data based on the conversion data. Determine whether it is necessary. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the print data needs to be generated, the print format selection unit 33 selects one print format from the print format storage unit 41a, and the print data generation unit 34 generates the print data. . As a result of the determination, if it is determined that generation of print data is unnecessary (impossible), unissued status data is transmitted to the mobile printer 10 via the data transmission / reception unit 35.

  Next, the data format of the input data that the mobile printer 10 acquires from the information input device 20 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows input data acquired when the barcode scanner 21 is connected. The barcode scanner 21 adds a scanner prefix code (identification code: eg “S”) to the head of the read barcode data (result data: eg “49401650”) and a line feed at the end of the barcode data. A code (CR) is added, and this is output to the mobile printer 10 as input data. On the other hand, when the scale 22 is connected, a prefix code (identification code: eg “W”) is added to the head of the measured weight data (result data: eg “1350”) as shown in FIG. ]) And a line feed code (CR) are added to the end of the weight data, and this is output to the mobile printer 10 as input data.

  As described above, the information input device 20 is configured to add a prefix code, which is a different value for each device type, to the top of the result data indicating the input result and output the result to the mobile printer 10. Then, the mobile printer 10 side converts the input data acquired from the information input device 20 into a data format that can be identified by the host terminal 30 according to the prefix code, and transmits the data to the host terminal 30.

  Although the prefix code has a different value for each device type, even if the model is the same model (model having the same function), a different value is set when the model number (model number) is different. You may do it. According to this configuration, even if the model is the same, when a new function is added due to version upgrade of the information input device 20 or the like, it is possible to issue a printed matter corresponding to the new function.

  Next, the data format of the conversion data that the mobile printer 10 transmits to the host terminal 30 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A shows conversion data when the barcode scanner 21 is connected to the mobile printer 10. The mobile printer 10 determines the header code of the conversion data according to the prefix code of the input data acquired from the information input device 20. In the case of the barcode scanner 21, since the prefix code is “S”, a header code (for example, “0x71”) corresponding to the prefix code is determined, added to the head of the result data, and a terminator at the end of the result data. (For example, “0x00”) is added to generate conversion data.

  On the other hand, when the scale 22 is connected to the mobile printer 10, a header code (for example, “0x72”) corresponding to the prefix code “W” for the scale 22 is determined as shown in FIG. This is added to the beginning of the result data, and a terminator (eg, “0x00”) is added to the end of the result data to generate conversion data.

  A correspondence table (table) in which the prefix code is associated with the header code to be added is stored as control data in the ROM 41 (see FIG. 1). The header code is added not only to the head of the conversion data but also to the head of the status data when transmitting status data (such as an error status) of the information input device 20 to the host terminal 30. This will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Furthermore, the mobile printer 10 transmits not only data based on the input data acquired from the information input device 20 but also data relating to its own status (internal information) (hereinafter referred to as “printer status data”) to the host terminal 30. To do. In this case, a header code (for example, “0x70”) different from the above (a) and (b) is added to the head of data indicating its own status (for example, “0x81, 0xE7”), and at the end of the data. A printer status data is generated by adding a terminator (eg, “0x00”). Note that the printer status data includes online status, whether there is a remaining battery level, whether an error has occurred, whether a print medium (label sheet S) is stored (no paper) The status is generated based on the status regarding whether or not the printer is in a status, and a status combining these (for example, no paper, offline status, etc.) can also be transmitted as one printer status data.

  As described above, even if the data format defined by the communication protocol between the information input device 20 and the mobile printer 10 is different from the data format between the mobile printer 10 and the host terminal 30, the data format varies depending on the mobile printer 10. Therefore, the data can be surely identified on the host terminal 30 side. Further, since the data format of the printer status data is also unified with the data format of the conversion data, the host terminal 30 can easily determine what kind of event it is based on the header code.

  Next, processing 1 of the mobile printer 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This figure shows processing from receiving input data from the information input device 20 via the interface 14 to transmitting converted data to the host terminal 30. When the mobile printer 10 (control unit 16) receives input data from the information input device 20 via the interface 14 (S11: Yes), it detects (recognizes) a prefix code (S12).

  If the prefix code is “S” (S12: S), the result data is extracted (S13), and the scanner header code “0x71” is added to the head of the result data (S14). Further, at this time, a terminator is added to the end of the result data to generate conversion data (see FIG. 3A), and the generated conversion data for the scanner is transmitted to the host terminal 30 (S15).

  On the other hand, when the prefix code is “W” (S12: W), the result data is extracted (S16), and the header code “0x72” for the scale 22 is added to the head of the result data (S17), and the result A terminator is added to the end of the data to generate conversion data (see FIG. 3B), and the generated conversion data for the scale 22 is transmitted to the host terminal 30 (S15).

  Next, printer control processing of the host terminal 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The figure shows processing of the host terminal 30 based mainly on data transmitted from the mobile printer 10. When any event occurs (S21: Yes), the host terminal 30 (control unit 36) determines the event type (S22). The event type is determined by detecting (recognizing) the header code. For example, when the header code is “0x70”, it is determined that the printer status data (see FIG. 3C) has been received (see FIG. 3C). S22: Printer status reception).

  When the printer status data is received, the status type is further discriminated (S23), and when it is recognized as an error status based on the result data (S23: error status), an error notification is made according to the result data type. (S24). As an error notification method, for example, when the result data indicates a mechanical error of the mobile printer 10, an e-mail is automatically transmitted to a mobile phone held by the system administrator or a personal computer for the system administrator. Informs that a mechanical error has occurred. At the same time, it is possible to sound a buzzer installed in a room where the system administrator is waiting or to turn on an alarm lamp. The system administrator who has received the notification takes a different mobile printer 10 as a substitute and goes to the place where the operator is, and takes measures such as exchanging the mobile printer 10.

  If the result data indicates that there is no paper (S23: no paper status), the system administrator is notified of this as in the case of the error status described above. If an error occurs on the mobile printer 10 side as described above, the LED 13a (see FIG. 1) provided in the mobile printer 10 informs the operator of the error. When it is possible to cope with simple processing, notification to the system administrator may be omitted.

  On the other hand, if the header code is “0x71”, it is determined that data relating to the barcode scanner 21 (including conversion data for the scanner (see FIG. 3A)) has been received (S22: scanner data reception). Then, the scanner process is executed (S26). The scanner process will be described later with reference to FIG. If the header code is “0x72”, it is determined that data relating to the scale 22 (including the conversion data for the scale 22 (see FIG. 3B)) has been received (S22: scale data reception), Scale processing is executed (S27). If the header code is not “0x70”, “0x71”, or “0x72” (S22: other), processing corresponding to another event is executed (S28).

  Next, the scanner processing of the host terminal 30 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This figure shows a subroutine corresponding to (S26) of the flowchart shown in FIG. When receiving the scanner data (S26 in FIG. 5), the host terminal 30 (control unit 36) extracts the result data (S41) and determines the event type (S42). Here, when the result data is conversion data, that is, data indicating the input result by the barcode scanner 21 (S42: conversion data reception), whether or not the print necessity determination unit 31 needs to generate print data. (S43). If it is determined that it is necessary (S43: Yes), the print format selection unit 33 selects a print format (S44). Here, since the scanner data is received, the print format for the shelf label L1 is selected. Further, by incorporating information obtained from the result data into the selected print format, the print data generation unit 34 generates print data (S45), and transmits the print data to the mobile printer 10 (S46).

  If the print necessity determining unit 31 determines that the generation of print data is unnecessary (S43: No), the unissued status data is transmitted to the mobile printer 10 (S47). If scanner data other than the conversion data is received (S42: other), processing according to other events is executed (S48). As other processing, for example, when the result data indicates the error status of the barcode scanner 21, an error notification is sent to the system administrator (a notification that prompts the user to deal with the error).

  Note that the header code added by the mobile printer 10 may be different in the case of the conversion data transmission and in other cases. That is, the barcode scanner 21 uses different values for the prefix code for outputting the input result and the prefix code for outputting the error status. When the mobile printer 10 performs data conversion, the header is different based on these values. Add a code. The host terminal 30 determines the event type in the scanner process (S42) according to the header code. According to this configuration, the host terminal 30 can easily determine the event type not by the result data but by the header code.

  Note that the scale processing of the host terminal 30 corresponding to S27 in FIG. 5 is substantially the same as the scanner processing shown in FIG.

  Next, the process 2 of the mobile printer 10 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. This figure shows processing when data is received from the host terminal 30. When the mobile printer 10 (control unit 16) receives data from the host terminal 30 via the transmission / reception unit 15 (S51: Yes), it determines whether this is print data (print command) (S52). . If the received data is print data (S52: Yes), the printing unit 11 executes print processing (S53).

  If the received data is not print data (S52: No), it is determined whether the received data is unissued status data (S54). If the received data is unissued status data (S54: Yes), the buzzer is checked. By generating a beep sound by 13b (see FIG. 1) (S55), the operator is notified that the printed matter is not issued. On the other hand, if the received data is not unissued status data (S54: No), processing corresponding to the received data is executed (S56).

  Here, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the printed matter (issued label) issued in the printing process (S53) of FIG. 7 will be briefly described. As shown in both figures, each issued label is created by printing print data received from the host terminal 30 on a plain label arranged at equal intervals on the label sheet S.

  As described above, in the host terminal 30, the print data generation unit 34 specifies the print format (print form) stored in advance in the print format storage unit 41 a in the ROM 41 from the result data received from the mobile printer 10. The print data is generated by incorporating the information. In this case, the print format includes fixed information stored in advance as text information (image information) for printing predetermined contents at a predetermined position in the print form, and result data received from the mobile printer 10 by the host terminal 30. It consists of variable information whose printing content varies based on it. The fixed information is stored in advance as a template including bitmap image data reflecting character size, character color, format, logo, background image, and arrangement information thereof. In addition, as variable information, a character size, a character color, a format, and the like when text information that changes based on received information is incorporated into a template are stored.

  FIG. 8 shows an example of “shelf label L 1” issued when the barcode scanner 21 is connected to the mobile printer 10. Here, in addition to the product name, production place, and price, a barcode obtained by converting these information into barcode data is printed by fixed information and variable information. In the example shown in the figure, the text information “product name” and “price” are fixed information, and other text information and barcode data are variable information.

  The bar code data printed as variable information may incorporate various information added in the host terminal 30 in addition to the information read by the bar code scanner 21. For example, the barcode scanner 21 reads only the product code from the barcode to be read, and the host terminal 30 refers to the product master stored in the ROM 41 and uses the product code to determine the product name, production area, price, etc. Extract information. When print data is generated, bar code data and other variable information are generated based on these pieces of information. Further, if information on the number of labels to be issued is stored in the product master, it is possible to simultaneously issue a plurality of shelf label L1 according to the shape of the product shelf (by a single print command). . As described above, when the print data is generated in the host terminal 30, the necessary information can be obtained without performing any control on the barcode scanner 21 or the mobile printer 10 side by incorporating various information with reference to the product master. The required number of printed labels can be issued. In addition, with this configuration, it is only necessary to perform minimum data reading on the barcode scanner 21 side, and the data transmission amount to the host terminal 30 can be reduced also on the mobile printer 10 side, thereby reducing the control load on these terminals. be able to.

  On the other hand, FIG. 9 shows an example of the “product label L2” issued when the scale 22 is connected to the mobile printer 10. Here, a bar code in which such information is converted into bar code data is printed in addition to the product name, the date of manufacture, the expiration date, the unit price, the content, and the price using fixed information and variable information. In the case of the illustrated example, the text information “product name”, “production date”, “expiration date”, “unit price”, “content” and “price” are fixed information, and other text information and barcode data are variable. Information.

  In the issuance of the “product label L2”, the result data output from the scale 22 includes only information relating to the internal capacity, so other information is set in advance on the host terminal 30 side. This is a prerequisite. In other words, in this embodiment, a specific mobile printer 10 is set exclusively for label issuance of the product “potato salad (unit price: 100 yen)” (determined by the device ID of the mobile printer 10), and the mobile Based on the result data (internal capacity) and device ID transmitted from the printer 10, print data for printing the product label L2 as shown is generated. Various methods are conceivable as to which mobile printer 10 is dedicated to label issuing for which product. For example, the mobile printer 10 is provided with a user interface 14 for inputting numeric keys, and the numeric key is used. By inputting the product code, the product of the product label L2 to be issued may be designated (selected). In addition, once the barcode scanner 21 is connected as the information input device 20, the reading result is transmitted to the host terminal 30, the product is specified, and then connected to the scale 22 to be used. The label L2 may be issued. However, in this case, if a barcode scanner 21 for product designation is prepared, or the barcode scanner 21 for issuing a shelf label as described above is used, normal data transmission (data at the time of issuing the shelf label is issued) It is preferable to be configured so that it can be distinguished from transmission.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the host terminal 30 receives input data from the mobile printer 10 and is based on the print format corresponding to the device type of the information input device 20 connected to the mobile printer 10. In order to generate print data, the mobile printer 10 side can issue and print various prints according to the information input device 20 by receiving and printing the print data. That is, an operator who operates the mobile printer 10 can easily match the input data from the information input device 20 by simply replacing the information input device 20 connected to the mobile printer 10 without requiring any special operation. A printed matter can be obtained. Further, the operator can confirm the input result of the information input device 20 by issuing a printed matter without providing a display screen on the information input device 20 or the mobile printer 10.

  In addition, the mobile printer 10 can directly transmit and receive data to and from the host terminal 30 and print control is performed by the host terminal 30. Therefore, the mobile printer 10 controls the mobile printer 10 and transmits and receives data to and from the host terminal 30. Information terminals (PDA, handy terminal, etc.) are not required. Therefore, the printing system 1 can be constructed at a low cost.

  In addition, since it is determined on the host terminal 30 side whether the print data needs to be generated, it is not necessary to determine on the mobile printer 10 side. Therefore, the control load of the mobile printer 10 can be reduced. If the host terminal 30 determines that print data generation is not necessary, the mobile printer 10 receives unissued status data, and notifies the buzzer 13b that the print data generation is unnecessary by the host terminal 30. Therefore, the operator can confirm that the printed matter is not issued by the notification. That is, it is not misunderstood that a failure or some kind of error has occurred due to the fact that the print output is not performed from the mobile printer 10 even though the operator inputs information by the information input device 20.

  Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points. That is, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that a printed matter corresponding to the device type of the information input device 20 connected to the mobile printer 10 is issued (only one format printed matter is used for the information input device 20 of the same model). However, the present embodiment is different in that a printed matter having a different format can be issued based on input data from the same information input device 20. Therefore, a description will be given by taking as an example a configuration in which one of two types of labels can be issued by specifying a processing mode when a barcode scanner 21 is connected as the information input device 20.

  FIG. 10 is a correspondence table showing the relationship between the processing mode by the mobile printer 10 and the issued label when the processing mode is designated. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, when the barcode scanner 21 is connected as the information input device 20, the “shelf label L1 (see FIG. 8)” or “ One of the “Price reduction labels” can be issued. The “price reduction label” is issued when the price is reduced according to the passage of time for a product with a short shelf life, such as fresh food and prepared dishes. Customers can purchase products with this “price reduction label” at a discount price obtained by subtracting the amount written in the “price reduction label” from the price written in the product label L2. This is issued as one of the means for preventing the image from being left behind.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, when the scale 22 is connected as the information input device 20, there is no processing mode setting, and “product label L 2” is uniquely issued. That is, in this case, similarly to the first embodiment, a printed matter (product label L2) corresponding to the input result of the scale 22 can be issued without requiring any special operation by the operator.

  Here, a method for specifying the processing mode when the barcode scanner 21 is connected to the mobile printer 10 will be briefly described. The mobile printer 10 is provided with a setting key or a dip switch (processing mode input means) for setting a processing mode, and an operator sets (switches) either processing mode 1 or 2 using these keys. Thus, the processing mode can be specified. In this case, the data (conversion data) transmitted from the mobile printer 10 to the host terminal 30 includes a header code (identification code), result data, and terminator (see FIG. 3A), as well as information related to the designated processing mode. (Data indicating the processing mode) is included, and the host terminal 30 side (the print format selection unit 33, see FIG. 1) selects the print format based on the information related to the processing mode in addition to the header code. Then, print data is generated by incorporating information specified by the result data into the selected print format (see print data generation unit 34, FIG. 1). Therefore, for example, when the barcode scanner 21 is connected to the mobile printer 10 and “processing mode 2” is set by the setting key, the print format for “price reduction label” is selected on the host terminal 30 side and the print data is selected. And a “price reduction label” is issued from the mobile printer 10.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when it is desired to output a printed matter having a different format based on input data from the same information input device 20, the print format can be specified by specifying the processing mode. The versatility of the mobile printer 10 can be improved.

  Even when the “price reduction label” is issued, the printing necessity determination unit 31 (see FIG. 1) of the host terminal 30 determines whether printing is necessary. Accordingly, when the time has not elapsed from the manufacturing date and time to the extent of price reduction and the printing necessity determination unit 31 determines that there is no need for price reduction, unissued status data is transmitted to the mobile printer 10. It will be.

  Subsequently, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment differs from the above embodiment in the following points. That is, in the above embodiment, the print format is selected on the host terminal 30 side based on the header code of the converted data transmitted from the mobile printer 10, but in this embodiment, the print format is transmitted from the mobile printer 10. This is different in that a print format is selected on the basis of the information on the device type discrimination result. Accordingly, the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 12 with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, when the information input device 20 is connected to the interface 14 (when connection is detected) (S61: Yes), the mobile printer 10 (control unit 16) sets the information input device 20 to the device type. By receiving the corresponding signal, the device type is determined (S62). Here, when the device type is the barcode scanner 21 (S62: barcode scanner 21), the input data which is the input result of the barcode scanner 21 is received (S63), and the data (result data) is taken out (S64). ). The input data received at this time consists of result data and a line feed code, and does not include a prefix code (identification code) (see FIG. 2). Then, a header code (here, the scanner header code “0x71”) is added to the result data based on the device type discrimination result in S62 (S65), and converted data is generated and sent to the host terminal 30. Transmit (S66).

  Here, when the disconnection of the information input device 20 is detected (S67: Yes), it waits until a new information input device 20 is connected, and when the new information input device 20 is connected, the device type is set. Determine. If the disconnection of the information input device 20 is not detected (S67: No), it waits for input data from the barcode scanner 21 as it is (S63).

  On the other hand, when the device type is scale 22 (S62: scale), input data (result data and line feed code) as an input result of scale 22 is received (S68), and the result data is extracted (S69), and the header code. (Here, the header code for scale “0x72”) is added (S70). Then, the conversion data is generated and transmitted to the host terminal 30 (S71). When the disconnection of the information input device 20 is detected (S72: Yes), it waits until a new information input device 20 is connected. When the disconnection of the information input device 20 is not detected (S72: No), the scale 22 Waiting for reception of input data from (S68).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the mobile printer 10 has a function of determining the type of the connected information input device 20, the information input device 20 side has each data output by itself. There is no need to add a prefix code (see FIG. 2) indicating its own device type. Therefore, the amount of data transmitted to the mobile printer 10 can be reduced. On the mobile printer 10 side, the process of converting the prefix code into the header code each time input data is acquired from the information input device 20 can be omitted.

  In the illustrated example, the device type is determined when the information input device 20 is connected to the mobile printer 10, but may be determined when the mobile printer 10 or the information input device 20 is turned on. Alternatively, the determination may be made when an operator performs any operation that triggers device type determination, such as when a predetermined key provided in the mobile printer 10 or the information input device 20 is pressed.

  In addition, the mobile printer 10 does not add a header code that is the device type determination result (S62) to the conversion data to be transmitted to the host terminal 30 (S65), but temporarily transmits the device type determination result to the host terminal 30. It is possible to transmit the result data, and then transmit only the result data to the host terminal 30. In this case, the host terminal 30 has a table as to which mobile printer 10 and what type of information input device 20 is connected to the mobile terminal 10, and the table includes the device type transmitted from the mobile printer 10. Writing is performed based on the information regarding the determination result (transmitted at the determination time of S62). When the result data which is the input result of the information input device 20 is transmitted from the mobile printer 10, the mobile printer 10 is specified by the printer ID added to the result data, and the table is referred to. Then, the print format is selected by specifying the device type. With this configuration, the mobile printer 10 can reduce the amount of data transmitted to the host terminal 30.

  As described above, in the first to third embodiments, the printing system 1 of the present invention has been described. However, a printing apparatus capable of connecting the information input device 20 and a host terminal that performs printing control of the printing apparatus via a network. 30 can be applied to a system that realizes other business forms. The network is not limited to the 802.11b standard wireless LAN, but may be a standard other than this or a wired network.

  In addition, the device for issuing (outputting) printed matter may be a fixed large-sized device (such as a business printer) instead of the mobile printer 10 or an information output terminal (such as a display device) other than the printing device. The present invention is applicable. In addition, the information input device 20 is not limited to the barcode scanner 21 and the scale 22 described above, but may be an RFID (Radio Frequency-Identification) card, a reader capable of reading an IC tag, or the like.

  In addition, each function (each unit) in the mobile printer 10 and the host terminal 30 shown in the above example can be provided as a program. In addition, by storing the program in a storage medium (not shown) and installing the program in a personal computer or the like, the print control method of the present invention can be realized by other than the printing system 1 shown in the present embodiment. As the recording medium, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  In addition, the system configuration, the device configuration, and the like can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, without depending on the above-described embodiment.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a printing system according to a first embodiment. It is a figure explaining the input data which a mobile printer acquires from an information input device. It is a figure explaining the conversion data which a mobile printer transmits to a host terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process 1 of a mobile printer. It is a flowchart which shows the printer control processing of a host terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the scanner process of a host terminal. It is a flowchart which shows the process 2 of a mobile printer. It is a figure which shows an example of a shelf label. It is a figure which shows an example of a goods label. It is a figure which shows the correspondence table of the processing mode which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and an issue label. It is a figure which shows an example of a price reduction label. It is a flowchart which shows the process 3 of the mobile printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system 5 Mobile terminal group 10 Mobile printer 20 Information input device 21 Barcode scanner 22 Scale 30 Host terminal 31 Printing necessity judgment part 33 Print format selection part 34 Print data generation part 41a Print format storage part AP Access point L1 Shelf label Label L2 Product label L3 Price reduction label N LAN network

Claims (9)

A printing apparatus having an interface to which an arbitrary information input device can be connected, and acquiring input data input by the information input device;
A printing system comprising: a host terminal that receives input data acquired by the printing apparatus via a network and controls printing of the printing apparatus;
The printing apparatus includes:
As the input data, input data acquisition means for acquiring an identification code indicating the device type of the information input device and result data indicating an input result by the information input device;
Input data transmitting means for transmitting the input data to the host terminal;
Printing means for performing printing based on print data received from the host terminal,
The host terminal is
Print format storage means for storing a plurality of print formats according to the device type;
Input data receiving means for receiving the input data from the printing device;
Format selecting means for selecting one print format from a plurality of print formats stored in the print format storage means based on the identification code included in the input data received by the input data receiving means;
Print data generation means for generating the print data based on the result data included in the input data received by the input data reception means and the print format selected by the format selection means;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the generated print data to the printing apparatus;
A printing system comprising: The printing apparatus includes:
A data format conversion unit that converts the data format of the input data acquired by the input data acquisition unit into a data format that can be identified by the host terminal;
The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the input data transmission unit transmits the input data after the data format conversion. The host terminal is
Further comprising: a print necessity determination unit that determines whether the print data generation unit needs to generate the print data based on the input data received by the input data reception unit;
The print data transmission unit transmits the generated print data to the printing apparatus when the print necessity determination unit determines that the print data generation is necessary, and does not require generation of the print data. If determined, instead of transmitting the print data, the predetermined status data is transmitted to the printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
The printing system according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies the fact when the predetermined status data is received. The printing apparatus includes:
A processing mode input means for inputting information for designating one processing mode from a plurality of processing modes set in advance according to the information input device;
By the input data transmission means, information on the processing mode is transmitted to the host terminal together with the input data,
The host terminal is
4. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the format selection unit selects the print format based on the identification code and information on the processing mode. A printing apparatus having an interface to which an arbitrary information input device can be connected, and obtaining result data indicating an input result by the information input device;
A printing system comprising: a host terminal that receives information including the result data from the printing device via a network and controls printing of the printing device;
The printing apparatus includes:
Device type determining means for determining the device type of the connected information input device;
Result data acquisition means for acquiring the result data from the information input device;
Information on the determination result by the device type determination means, and data transmission means for transmitting the result data to the host terminal;
Printing means for performing printing based on print data received from the host terminal,
The host terminal is
Print format storage means for storing a plurality of print formats according to the device type;
Data receiving means for receiving information on the determination result from the printing apparatus, and the result data;
Format selecting means for selecting one print format from a plurality of print formats stored in the print format storage means based on the information on the determination result received by the data receiving means;
Print data generating means for generating the print data based on the result data received by the data receiving means and the print format selected by the format selecting means;
Print data transmission means for transmitting the generated print data to the printing apparatus;
A printing system comprising: The network is a wireless network;
A mobile printer that functions as the printing apparatus in the printing system according to claim 1 and is portable.   The program for functioning a computer as each means of the said printing apparatus or the said host terminal in the printing system of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 5. Arbitrary information input devices can be connected, and a printing apparatus that acquires input data input by the information input device;
Printing of a printing system comprising a plurality of print formats corresponding to device types of the information input device, a host terminal that receives input data acquired by the printing device and controls printing of the printing device A control method,
The printing device is
Obtaining the identification code indicating the device type of the information input device and the result data indicating the input result by the information input device as the input data;
Performing the step of transmitting the input data to the host terminal,
The host terminal is
Receiving the input data, and selecting one print format from the plurality of print formats based on the identification code included in the input data;
Generating print data based on the result data included in the input data and the selected print format;
And a step of transmitting the generated print data to the printing apparatus. Arbitrary information input devices can be connected, and a printing device that obtains result data indicating the input result by the information input device;
A printing system comprising: a host terminal that stores a plurality of printing formats according to device types of the information input device, receives information including the result data from the printing device, and controls printing of the printing device Printing control method,
The printing device is
Determining a device type of the connected information input device;
Obtaining the result data from the information input device;
Performing information on the determination result of the device type, and transmitting the result data to the host terminal;
The host terminal is
Selecting one print format from the plurality of print formats based on the received information on the determination result;
Generating print data based on the received result data and the selected print format;
And a step of transmitting the generated print data to the printing apparatus.

Images