JP2006076163A - Print controller, program, and test printing method of print controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print controller through which a user makes test printing easily without generating test print data in a printer where unnecessary data is deleted from received print data according to a prestored set value, and also to provide a program and a test print method of print controller. <P>SOLUTION: The print controller comprises a means for setting a set value including a value concerning the number of rows to be deleted of unnecessary data, a means for generating row data consisting of more rows than the maximum deleting number of rows which can be set by the setting means as test print data, and a means for transmitting the test print data thus generated to a printer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is used in connection with a printing apparatus that deletes unnecessary data from received print data based on setting values stored in advance, and performs a test printing of the printing apparatus, a program, and a printing control apparatus The present invention relates to a test printing method.

  Conventionally, in a printing apparatus that receives print data generated by a host computer and prints it on a receipt, for the purpose of decoration and sales promotion of the receipt, image data such as a store mark, store name, address, coupon ticket, etc. A printing method is known in which printing is performed by adding to the head or tail of a receipt or a position corresponding to a specific character string of received print data. When a printing method for printing print data by adding image data is newly introduced, a printing apparatus is disclosed that can print by adding image data without requiring a change in the host computer. (See Patent Document 1).

In the above printing apparatus, as a solution to the problem that the information of the received print data and the image data to be added overlaps, a setting value in which a portion where the information of the image data and the information overlap is set in advance from the received print data A method of deleting based on this is known. In this setting, it is assumed that the number of deleted lines is set with the first line of the print data received in units of lines as the deletion start line, or the number of deletion lines is set with the next line of the specific character string line as the deletion start line. it can.
JP 2004-58323 A

  By the way, in order to confirm whether the print data deletion process described above is performed normally, test print data is created and test print to confirm the print result of the printed matter is indispensable. Since print data consisting of more than the number of deleted lines is required, it is troublesome for the user to refer to the set number of deleted lines when creating test print data. Even if test print data having the maximum number of deleted lines that can be set is created, if the maximum number of deleted lines that can be set is changed, the user must recreate test print data.

  In view of the above problems, the present invention allows a user to easily perform test printing without generating test print data in a printing apparatus that deletes unnecessary data from received print data based on preset stored values. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control apparatus, a program, and a test print method for the print control apparatus.

  A print control apparatus according to the present invention is used in connection with a printing apparatus that deletes unnecessary data from received print data received in units of lines based on preset stored values, and performs test printing of the printing apparatus The setting means for setting the set value including a value relating to the number of deleted lines of unnecessary data, and line data including the number of lines equal to or larger than the maximum number of deleted lines settable by the setting means are generated as test print data. Test print data generation means and test print data transmission means for transmitting the generated test print data to a printing apparatus are provided.

  The test printing method of the printing control apparatus according to the present invention is used in connection with a printing apparatus that deletes unnecessary data from received print data received in units of lines based on setting values stored in advance. A test printing method for a print control apparatus for performing printing, which includes a setting step for setting the setting value including a value related to the number of deleted rows of unnecessary data, and a number of rows equal to or greater than the maximum number of deleted rows settable in the setting step. A test print data generation step for generating line data as test print data and a print data transmission step for transmitting the generated test print data to a printing apparatus are executed.

  According to these configurations, since the line data including the number of lines that is equal to or larger than the maximum settable deletion line number is generated as the test print data, it is possible to save the user from generating the test print data. It is possible to reliably check whether the print data for the set number of deleted lines has been deleted. In addition, even when the maximum number of deleted lines that can be set is changed, it is not necessary to create test print data again, which can further reduce the burden on the user. In addition, when generating line data with the number of lines equal to the maximum number of deleted lines, if all the line data is deleted and there is no output data, configure the line data with the number of lines exceeding the maximum number of deleted lines. May be.

  In this case, the line data preferably includes a number indicating the number of lines.

  According to this configuration, the number indicating the number of lines is displayed without comparing the test print data output without performing the deletion process and the test print data output after performing the deletion process. By simply confirming the output result of the test print data after the deletion process, the deletion start line and the number of deleted lines are obvious. That is, the time required for test printing is shortened, and the paper used for test printing is also saved.

  Further, in these cases, when the received print data includes a specific character string stored in advance, the printing apparatus deletes unnecessary data with the next line of the specific character string as a deletion start line. It is preferable that a specific character string is set as a setting value, and the test print data generation unit generates test print data by adding line data to the specific character string.

  According to this configuration, even when the deletion process is performed with the next line of the specific character string stored in advance as the deletion start line, the test print data is added to the specific character string by adding line data exceeding the set number of deleted lines. Since it is generated, it can be surely confirmed whether or not the test print data corresponding to the set number of deleted lines has been deleted from the next line of the specific character string.

  In this case, the setting unit sets a plurality of specific character strings as setting values, and the test print data generation unit adds line data for each specific character string to all of the plurality of specific character strings included in the setting value. It is preferable to generate test print data.

  According to this configuration, there is no possibility that other specific character strings will be deleted by the deletion process for one specific character string among the plurality of specific character strings included in the test print data. That is, it is possible to collectively perform test printing for confirming the deletion process for all the set specific character strings. Thereby, test printing can be performed efficiently.

  In this case, the setting means sets the number of deleted lines for each specific character string as a setting value, and the test print data generating means replaces the line data with the number of lines equal to or greater than the maximum number of deleted lines settable by the setting means. Preferably, the test print data is generated by adding line data equal to or more than the set number of deleted lines to each specific character string.

  According to this configuration, for example, by generating line data with the same number of deleted lines as the set number of deleted lines, it is possible to minimize test print data and print results. This saves paper and makes it easier to check the print result.

  In these cases, the test print data generation means replaces the line including the specific character string with another character string stored for replacement when the line data includes the specific character string. It is preferable to generate test print data.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the character string included in the row data that is originally to be deleted by the deletion process from being processed as the set specific character string.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as each unit in the print control apparatus according to any one of the above.

According to this configuration, there is provided a program that allows a user to easily perform test printing without generating test print data in a printing apparatus that deletes unnecessary data from received print data based on preset setting values. be able to.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a print control apparatus, a program, and a test print method of the print control apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1, a printing apparatus 50 according to the present embodiment is used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store, and 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 in the POS terminal device 40 provided with the POS application 41a is received and printed on the receipt. Further, the printing apparatus 50 performs a receipt decoration process (details will be described later) for adding image data to the payment information print data received from the POS terminal apparatus 40 and printing based on the prestored setting values. The setting of the setting value related to the receipt decoration process is performed by the print control apparatus 10 connected to the printing apparatus 50.

  The POS terminal device 40 is connected to the printing device 50 via an interface in a wired or wireless manner, and acquires input information related to a product by inputting from the keyboard 43 or reading a barcode by the barcode reader 44. In addition, the credit card or member card of the customer 60 is read by the card reader 45, and information relating to membership such as information relating to credit clearing or a membership number is acquired. 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 printing apparatus 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.

  On the other hand, the printing device 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 transport unit 110, the printing unit 120, the cutting unit 130, and the printing unit 120. And a drive unit 140 that drives the cutting unit 130, a control unit 200 that controls the entire printing apparatus 50, and the like. 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.

  The print control apparatus 10 is, for example, a personal computer, edits image data to be added to the receipt R, registers image data in the printing apparatus 50, and sets and acquires setting values related to the receipt decoration process described above. The printing control program 24 for performing test printing of the printing apparatus 50 is provided. The user can set setting values related to receipt decoration processing of the printing apparatus 50 and test printing via the input unit including the mouse 12 and the keyboard 11 and the display 13. It can be performed. In addition, the print control apparatus 10 and the printing apparatus 50 are connected by wire or wireless via an interface. The print control apparatus 10 is used by being connected to the printing apparatus 50 at the time of setting and obtaining setting values for image data editing and registration, and receipt decoration processing, and test printing. It is not connected.

Here, the control configuration of the printing control apparatus 10 and the printing apparatus 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the print control 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 printing apparatus 50. 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 OS) and a print control program 24 for performing settings related to the printing apparatus 50 and test printing, and the print control program 24 and It stores environment settings for other application programs and setting files related to display at startup. 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 the basic software for operating the print control apparatus 10. It is.

  The CPU 25 controls the print control 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 printing apparatus 50 includes an interface 51 that transmits and receives data to and from the POS terminal 40 and the print control apparatus 10, a receipt feed motor 111, a conveyance unit 110 that conveys the receipt R, and a print head 121. And a printing unit 120 that prints various print data on the receipt in synchronization with the conveyance of the receipt R.
Further, the printing apparatus 50 includes a receipt cutter 132 and a cutter motor 131 that drives the receipt cutter 132, 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 printing apparatus 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 print control device 10 as they are or after processing them into the system bus 250 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 printing apparatus 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 printing apparatus 50 via the IOC 240, thereby controlling the printing process.

  Here, the receipt decoration function provided in the printing apparatus 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 is set to any one of ID for identifying image data to be printed as the top logo TL and alignment of the top logo TL (left, center, or right). In addition to the received payment information print data information and the top logo TL information, the received payment information print data is set to delete unnecessary portions of the received payment information print data. The number of deleted lines from the first line is included.

  Further, the setting value stored in the bottom logo block 236 includes an ID for identifying image data to be printed as the bottom logo BL and the alignment of the bottom logo BL.

  The setting value stored in the watermark block 237 includes an ID for identifying image data to be printed as the watermark WM, and an upper margin L1 that is the length from the leading end of the receipt to the printing position of the first watermark. , A printing interval L2 that is the length between watermarks, and alignment.

  Further, the setting value stored in the keyword logo block 238 includes an ID for identifying image data to be printed as the keyword logo KL, and a specific character string that triggers the keyword logo printing (in the received payment information print data). If this specific character string is included, the keyword logo is printed based on the position of the specific character string), and in addition to the alignment, the next line of the specific character string line set for the same reason as the top logo TL The number of deleted lines, which is the deletion start line, is included. 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 with ID “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 ID “2021” is set as the bottom logo BL, and is printed at the position of “middle center” at the end of the receipt.

  In addition, image data with ID “2025” is set as the keyword logo KL, and 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. 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 with the ID “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.

  Here, a method for registering image data and setting a set value used for receipt decoration processing will be described with reference to FIGS. This process is performed by the print control program 24 of the print control apparatus 10. The screen shown in FIG. 5 shows a registration screen 300 for registering image data in the printing apparatus 50 in the printing control apparatus 10. In the registration screen 300, file names of image data stored in a predetermined location of the print control apparatus 10 or stored on a network that can be referred to from the print control apparatus 10 are displayed in a list 301.

  The user can register the image data by selecting the file name of the image data to be registered in the printing apparatus 50 from the list 301 and clicking the image registration button 302 arranged in the lower right part of the screen. When registering image data, image data and an ID for identifying the image data are stored as registered image information in the image data block 234 of the printing apparatus 50 as set values. In the registration screen 300, the density (brightness) of the image data can be changed. The user moves the density adjustment cursor 303 to the left and right, and adjusts the density (brightness) of the image data while referring to the preview screen 304 arranged on the right part of the registration screen. This process is realized by adding or subtracting RGB. When the pre-edit option button 305a is selected, the image data before density adjustment is displayed on the preview screen 304, and when the post-edit option button 305b is selected, image data reflecting the density adjustment is displayed on the preview screen 304. This density adjustment processing is particularly effective when registering image data used as the watermark WM.

  The screens shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are setting screens 310 and 320 for setting the setting values shown in FIG. In the upper part of the setting screen, lists 311 and 321 are arranged, and an ID for identifying image data stored in the image data block 234 of the printing apparatus 50 and a current setting value are displayed. Then, in a watermark setting unit 312 (see 6) at the bottom of the setting screen, a top logo setting unit 322a, a bottom logo setting unit 322b, and a keyword logo setting unit 322c (see FIGS. 7A and 7B), desired settings are made. By setting each value, various settings related to the receipt decoration process are performed. The setting values set on the setting screens 311 and 321 are transmitted from the printing control apparatus 10 to the printing apparatus 50 and stored in the top logo block 235, the bottom logo block 236, the watermark block 237, and the keyword logo block 238 of the printing apparatus 50, respectively. Is done. The image data registered in the printing apparatus 50 and various setting values related to the receipt decoration process may be transmitted to the printing apparatus 50 by a single operation.

  The set value of the keyword logo KL will be further described. As shown in the setting screen 320 of FIG. 7, a plurality of image data can be set as the keyword logo KL, and a specific character string serving as a keyword can be set for each set keyword logo KL. Then, the number of deleted lines is set for the set specific character string. For example, a specific character string “beer” is set for the image data of ID “2023” set as the keyword logo KL, and the number of deleted lines “2” is set for the set specific character string “beer”. (Refer to (a) 322c in the figure). On the other hand, for the image data with ID “2024”, the specific character string “Coke” is set, and the number of deleted lines “4” is set for the set specific character string “Cola” ( b) See 322c). In addition to the number of deleted lines, settings such as alignment and printing position can be set for each specific character string. The “add”, “change”, and “delete” buttons shown at the bottom of the setting screen are used to add, change, and delete specific character strings. It is also possible to set a plurality of specific character strings for one image data.

  Incidentally, it is indispensable to check whether the above-described receipt decoration processing is normally processed according to the set value. However, the print control apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performs the receipt decoration processing by the print control program 24. Test printing can be performed to check whether printing is performed according to the set value. This test printing is performed by generating test print data in the print control apparatus 10 and printing the generated test print data by the printing apparatus 50, and clicking the test print execution button 331 on the test print screen 330 shown in FIG. Then, test print data generation processing by the print control apparatus 10 is started. A list 332 is arranged at the upper part of the test print screen, and displays the ID of the image data and the current set value. Thereby, the user can confirm the setting status at the time of test print execution.

  The test print data generated by the print control device 10 includes logo test data for confirming settings for the top logo TL and the keyword logo KL, and a watermark test for confirming the print density (brightness) of the watermark WM. Consists of data. First, logo test data for confirming the settings for the top logo TL and the keyword logo KL, in particular, the payment information print data deletion process that accompanies the logo insertion, will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9 shows setting values related to the top logo TL and the keyword logo KL stored in the top logo block 235 and the keyword logo block 238 of the printing apparatus 50. And the logo test data which the printing control apparatus 10 produces | generates based on this setting value are shown to Fig.10 (a). The logo test data is obtained by adding line data G (G2, G3, G4) composed of a number of lines greater than or equal to the maximum settable number of deleted lines to a specific character string set for each of a plurality of keyword logos KL. is there. Further, for confirmation of the deletion process for the top logo TL, the line data G1 is inserted at the top and generated. In this embodiment, the maximum number of deleted lines is based on “4” lines (see FIG. 9), and “5” lines of line data G1 to G4 are generated. Furthermore, the row data G is configured by arranging numbers representing the number of rows. In addition, not all the row data G is composed of numbers, but may be configured such that numbers are included in each row.

  The printing result when the receipt decoration process is performed by the printing apparatus 50 and the test print data (logo test data) shown in FIG. 10A is output is shown in FIG. First, based on the set value of the top logo TL, the image data of ID “2020” is printed as the top logo TL at the top of the receipt, and the first line of the line data G1 is based on the set number of deleted lines “3”. It can be seen that the first to third lines are deleted. Further, the specific character string “beer” included in the logo test data is replaced with the keyword logo KL (image data with ID “2023”) based on the setting value shown in FIG. Based on the rows, the first to second rows of the row data G2 are deleted. Similarly, the specific character string “Cola” is replaced with the keyword logo KL (image data of ID “2024”), and based on the number of deleted lines “4” set for the specific character string “Cola”. Of the row data G3, the first to fourth rows are deleted. Further, the specific character string “strawberry” is replaced with the keyword logo KL (image data with ID “2025”), and the line data is based on the number of deleted lines “3” set for the specific character string “strawberry”. In G4, it can be confirmed that the first to third lines are deleted.

  As described above, since the line data G1 to G4 for the number of lines exceeding the maximum settable number of deleted lines are added to the head and each specific character string in the logo test data, the line data accompanying the insertion of the top logo There is no possibility that another specific character string is deleted by the deletion process or the row data deletion process for one specific character string. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the specific character strings “beer”, “cola”, and “strawberry” are deleted by the deletion process associated with the insertion of the top logo TL (see FIG. 11A). Even when the deletion process associated with the insertion into the logo TL is not performed, the other specific character strings “Cola” and “Strawberry” are deleted by the deletion process for the specific character string “beer” (see FIG. (B) can be prevented. In addition, since the numbers indicating the number of rows are arranged in the row data G, the logo test data shown in FIG. 10A not subjected to the receipt decoration process and the receipt shown in FIG. Even if both the print results after the decoration process are not output and compared, whether or not the line data G corresponding to the number of deleted lines is deleted according to the set value is referred to the print result shown in FIG. You can easily check it.

  Moreover, as shown to Fig.12 (a), the structure which produces | generates line data G1-G4 based on the set deletion line number may be sufficient. For example, when the row data G is configured with the number of rows equal to the set number of deleted rows based on the setting values shown in FIG. 9, the number of rows of the row data G1 is 3, the number of rows of the row data G2 is 2, and the row data The number of rows of G3 is 4, and the number of rows of row data G4 is 3. When the receipt decoration process is performed, as shown in FIG. 5B, all the line data G1 to G4 are deleted, and the keyword logo KL corresponding to the specific character string included in the top logo TL and the logo test data. Only printed. Accordingly, the user can confirm that the deletion processing has been normally performed because the line data G1 to G4 are not printed and all the keyword logos KL are printed. Note that the row data G1 to G4 may be generated with the set number of deleted rows + 1 rows.

  In addition, since the specific character string is included in the line data G, the replacement process of the keyword logo KL is performed on the line data to be deleted, and a test print result suitable for the purpose cannot be obtained. Can be assumed. In order to prevent such a situation, the print control apparatus 10 determines whether or not the specific character string is included in the line data G when the test print data is generated. If the specific character string is included, the specific character string is included. A process of replacing the line data of the line to be replaced with another character previously stored for substitution is performed.

  For example, in the setting value shown in FIG. 9, when the character string “44” is set as the specific character string instead of the specific character string “beer”, the logo test data is generated as shown in FIG. . That is, all the lines including the character string “44” in the line data G are replaced with substitute characters to generate the line data G (in this embodiment, “minus” “−” is used as the substitute character. ”). As described above, since the logo test data is generated by replacing the line including the specific character string in the line data G with another character, even if the line data G includes the specific character string, An appropriate test print result can be obtained (see FIG. 5B). Further, for example, one character representing the number of lines may be included in the line replaced with the substitute character (see (a ') in the figure). As a result, the number of lines can be easily confirmed no matter what character the line including the specific character string is replaced with.

Next, watermark test data for confirming the print density (brightness) of the watermark WM will be described.
The watermark test data to be printed over the watermark WM includes an arrangement pattern in which character groups C, which are aggregates of a plurality of characters, are distributed. As an example of the arrangement pattern, an arrangement pattern in which the character group C is arranged in a staggered pattern will be described as an example with reference to FIG.

  In the arrangement pattern shown in FIG. 14, the character group C is configured as a character string S, and the character string S and blanks P having a length substantially equal to the character string S are alternately arranged in the column direction. Then, the positions of the character string S and the blank P are interchanged with each other for each line feed, whereby the character string S and the blank P are alternately arranged in the row direction. In other words, it is a pattern in which the character string S is distributed and arranged in a staggered pattern. In this way, by creating the watermark test data with an arrangement pattern in which the character strings S are arranged in a staggered pattern, an overlapping portion X in which the watermark WM and the character string S overlap with each other with respect to one watermark WM. The non-overlapping portion Y where the watermark WM and the character string S do not overlap is formed at a ratio of approximately 1: 1.

  As a result, the optimum watermark (WM) for checking whether the watermark WM has an appropriate density (brightness), that is, whether the print data printed in an overlapping manner is legible and the watermark itself is legible. An overlapping state with the character string S can be realized. That is, regardless of the size of the watermark WM and the printing interval, as shown in FIG. 15A, the print portion of the print data overlaps the entire watermark WM, making it difficult for the watermark WM to be recognized. There is no possibility that the overlapping state cannot be recognized because the print portion of the print data and the watermark WM do not overlap as shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, in the character string S, numbers representing the number of lines are arranged, so that the set upper margin length L1 (see FIG. 14), that is, the length of the first watermark WM from the leading end of the receipt, and The print interval length L2 (see FIG. 14) can be recognized in units of lines. Thereby, on the setting screen 310 shown in FIG. 6, the user can grasp how many lines the length of the upper margin L1 and the length of the printing interval L2 set in units of dots are actually displayed by the user. Can be used as a reference when setting the length. The length L1 of the upper margin is the length from the leading end of the receipt R to the printing position (front end position) of the first watermark WM, and the printing interval length L2 is an arbitrary length in the receipt transport direction. This indicates the length from the rear end position of the watermark WM to the front end position of the subsequent watermark WM.

  Of course, as shown in FIG. 16A, the character group C may be composed of characters composed of symbols and lines instead of the character string S in which numbers are arranged. Moreover, you may include a number in a part of character. Furthermore, a character group C may be configured by a plurality of characters gathering in a predetermined shape as shown in FIG. In this case, the plurality of character groups C may have different shapes. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the watermark test data is generated by the printing apparatus 50 itself, and test printing is started by pressing a test button or the like provided in the printing apparatus 50. This makes it possible to perform test printing related to the watermark WM with the configuration of one printing apparatus.

  Further, the test print data may be generated by connecting the logo test data and the watermark test data. As a result, the print result of the test print related to the watermark WM and the print result of the test print related to the setting for the top logo and the keyword logo, particularly the print data deletion process associated with the logo insertion, are connected and output on one sheet of paper. Therefore, the confirmation of the printing result is further facilitated.

  Further, in the test print screen 330 shown in FIG. 8, a check box 333 is arranged for selecting whether to perform the receipt decoration process and execute the test print, or to perform the test print without performing the receipt decoration process. As a result, it is possible to confirm the print result when the receipt decoration process is not performed on the same output data as necessary. Furthermore, when generating test print data, especially logo test data, an option button is used to generate logo test data for all specific character strings or to generate logo test data only for one specified specific character string. 334 can be selected. Thereby, when a specific character string is newly added, a desired specific character string can be designated and test printing can be performed. As described above, the print control apparatus 10 of the present invention can perform test printing under various conditions.

  In the present embodiment, the POS terminal device 40 including the POS application 41a that generates receipt print data and the print control device 10 including the print control program 24 are configured as separate devices. Of course, these devices can be configured as one device. According to this configuration, the normal receipt issuing process, the setting process for the receipt decoration process, and the test printing can be performed by one apparatus, so that the apparatus configuration is simplified and the receipt issuing process is performed. It becomes easy to switch between setting processing for receipt decoration processing and test printing.

  Note that it is also possible to provide each unit (each function) of the print control apparatus 10 shown in the above example as a program. It is also possible to provide the program stored in a storage medium (not shown). As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, 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.

1 is a configuration diagram of a POS system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram of a printing control 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. 4 is a registration screen for image data stored in the printing apparatus. It is a setting screen for setting image data as a watermark. It is a setting screen for setting image data as a logo. It is the screen of the test printing by a printing control apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the setting value at the time of test printing execution. It is a figure which shows an example of test print data and a printing result. It is a figure which shows an example of test print data and a printing result. It is a figure which shows an example of test print data and a printing result. It is a figure which shows an example of test print data and a printing result. It is a figure which shows an example of a test printing result. It is a figure which shows an example of a test printing result. It is a figure which shows an example of a test printing result.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Print control apparatus 50 Printing apparatus 14 Print control program 234 Image data block 235 Top logo block 237 Watermark block 238 Keyword logo block R Receipt TL Top logo WM Watermark KL Keyword logo G Line data C Character group X Overlapping part Y Non-overlapping portion

Claims (8)

A print control apparatus that is used in connection with a printing apparatus that deletes unnecessary data based on setting values stored in advance from received print data received in units of lines and performs test printing of the printing apparatus,
Setting means for setting the set value including a value related to the number of deleted rows of the unnecessary data;
Test print data generation means for generating, as test print data, line data having a number of lines equal to or greater than the maximum number of deleted lines that can be set in the setting means;
A print control apparatus comprising: test print data transmission means for transmitting the generated test print data to the printing apparatus.   The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the line data includes a number indicating the number of lines. When the received print data includes a specific character string stored in advance, the printing device deletes unnecessary data with the next line of the specific character string as a deletion start line,
The setting means sets the specific character string as the setting value,
The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the test print data generation unit generates the test print data by adding the line data to the specific character string. The setting means sets a plurality of the specific character strings as the setting value,
The test print data generation unit generates the test print data by adding the row data for each specific character string to all of the plurality of specific character strings included in the setting value. The printing control apparatus according to 3. The setting means sets the number of deleted lines for each specific character string as the setting value,
The test print data generation means adds line data equal to or greater than the set number of deleted lines to each specific character string in place of line data consisting of the number equal to or greater than the maximum number of deleted lines settable by the setting means. The print control apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the test print data is generated.   When the specific character string is included in the line data, the test print data generation unit replaces the line including the specific character string with another character string stored for replacement, and performs the test print The print control apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the print control apparatus generates data.   A program for causing a computer to function as each means in the print control apparatus according to claim 1. A test printing method of a print control apparatus that is used in connection with a printing apparatus that deletes unnecessary data based on setting values stored in advance from received print data received in units of lines and performs test printing of the printing apparatus,
A setting step for setting the setting value including a value related to the number of deleted rows of the unnecessary data;
A test print data generation step for generating, as test print data, line data consisting of a number of lines equal to or greater than the maximum number of deleted lines that can be set in the setting step;
And a print data transmission step of transmitting the generated test print data to the printing apparatus.

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