JP2006346946A - Printer, printing system, and method for controlling the printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer capable of not erroneously recognizing a key code and image data, a printer system, and a method for controlling the printer. <P>SOLUTION: This printer 50 is communicably connected to an image registration device 10, and comprises a data communication section 100 for receiving image data transmitted from the image registration device 10, an image registration section 212 for registering the received image data to a prescribed memory area, and a GUID generation section 211 that updates a GUID every time when the processing is carried out by the image registration section 212. The printer 50 transmits the GUID to the image registration device 10 through the data communication section 100 every time when the GUID is updated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer, a printer system, and a printer control method.

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

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

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

  In Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-118965 filed earlier by the applicant, the host computer grasps the key code assigned to the image inside the printer, and what kind of image the image data corresponding to the key code is. The image registration means for grasping is described. When such an image registration unit is used, the host computer can quickly recognize the image data corresponding to the key code without acquiring the image data corresponding to the key code from the printer by acquiring only the key code from the printer. be able to.

  However, even if such a method is used, the image registration means that knows the relationship between the key code and the image data is not known, so that the printer can be connected to another host computer to store the image data inside the printer. If the image data in the printer is rewritten or rewritten from the same host computer using another image registration means, the key code and image data that the previous image registration means knows There is a risk that the relationship will be lost and the image registration means will erroneously recognize the image data corresponding to the key code.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a printer, a printer system, and a printer control method that do not misrecognize a key code and image data.

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following configurations.
(1) A printer that is communicably connected to an image registration device,
A data transmission / reception unit for receiving image data transmitted from the image registration device;
An image registration unit for registering received image data in a predetermined storage area;
An identification number rewriting unit that rewrites the identification number each time processing by the image registration unit is performed,
The data transmission / reception unit transmits the identification number to the image registration device every time the identification number rewriting unit rewrites the identification number.
(2) The printer according to (1), wherein the identification number includes a serial number of the printer and a predetermined character string.
(3) A printer system including an image registration device and a printer that are communicably connected to each other.
The image registration device instructs the printer to register or delete image data,
The printer executes a data transmission / reception unit that receives an instruction or image data transmitted from the image registration device, an image registration unit that registers registered image data in a predetermined storage area, and processing by the image registration unit An identification number rewriting unit that rewrites the identification number each time
The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission / reception unit of the printer transmits the identification number to the image registration device every time the identification number rewriting unit rewrites the identification number.
(4) Each time the identification number is transmitted from the printer, the image registration apparatus registers image data transmitted to the printer and a key code provided corresponding to each of the image data. The printer system according to (3), wherein an image data information file is associated with the transmitted identification number.
(5) The image registration apparatus receives the identification number from the printer before transmitting the image data, and when there is a registered image data information file that matches the received identification number, the image data Is transmitted to the printer, and the image data information is added to the registered image data information file to generate a new registered image data information file.
(6) The image registration device receives the identification number from the printer before transmitting the image data, and when there is no registered image data information file matching the received identification number, the image data The printer system according to (4), wherein a new registered image data information file having only the image data information is generated by being transmitted to the printer.
(7) The image registration apparatus receives the identification number from the printer before transmitting an instruction to delete the image data registered in the printer, transmits the deletion instruction to the printer, and then receives the received identification. (4) The printer system according to (4), wherein when the registered image data information file matching the number exists, the information of the image data is deleted from the registered image data information file.
(8) The image registration apparatus receives the identification number from the printer before displaying the image data registered in the printer, and there is a registered image data information file that matches the received identification number. (4) The printer system according to (4), wherein the image data is displayed without acquiring the image data from the printer only when the printer is on.
(9) The image registration apparatus refers to the predetermined file, and displays the image data without obtaining the image data from the printer with respect to the image data information written in the registered image data information file. (7) The printer system according to (7).
(10) A method for controlling a printer communicably connected to an image registration apparatus,
Receiving an instruction regarding image data transmitted from the image registration device;
Performing predetermined processing on the image data in response to an instruction relating to the image data;
Rewriting the identification number each time the predetermined process is executed;
And a step of transmitting the rewritten identification number to the image registration apparatus.
(11) The instruction relating to the image data is an instruction to register image data to the printer, and when the image data is registered, the identification number is rewritten and transmitted to the image registration apparatus. The printer control method according to (10).
(12) The instruction relating to the image data is an instruction to delete image data from the printer, and when the image data is deleted, the identification number is rewritten and transmitted to the image registration apparatus. (10) The printer control method according to (10).
(13) The printer control method according to any one of (10) to (12), wherein the identification number includes a serial number of the printer and a predetermined character string.

  According to the present invention, in response to an instruction from the image registration apparatus, the identification number in the printer is rewritten each time processing is performed by the image registration unit of the printer, and the rewritten identification number is transmitted to the image registration apparatus. . The image registration apparatus holds information of registered image data that is paired with the received identification number. Therefore, when image data stored in the printer or information related to the image data is changed by another image registration apparatus, the identification number of the printer is associated with the predetermined file in the image registration apparatus. By comparing the identification numbers, it is possible to easily grasp whether the information related to the image data grasped by the image registration apparatus matches the information inside the printer. Therefore, the operation is performed on the assumption that the correspondence between the image data grasped by the image registration apparatus and the image data registered in the printer is the same even though the correspondence is different from the previous one. In other words, the image data stored in the printer is manipulated by erroneous recognition, and the inconsistency between the information grasped by the printer and the information grasped by the image registration apparatus occurs. It can be prevented in advance.

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a printer, a printer system, and a printer control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

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

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

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

  The printer 50 is a receipt printer. In addition to the data transmission / reception unit 100 that receives various control commands and payment information print data from the POS terminal device 40, the conveyance unit 110, the printing unit 120, the cutting unit 130, the printing unit 120, and the cutting unit. A driving unit 140 that drives the unit 130, a control unit 200 that controls the entire printer 50, and the like are provided. The control unit 200 includes a memory (RAM 230, see FIG. 2) that stores image data to be added to the receipt for printing and various setting values (see FIG. 3) relating to the image data, and according to the various setting values. Control of receipt decoration processing (details will be described later) for adding image data to a receipt as a logo is performed. Note that the RAM 230 may be composed of a plurality of memory elements that are physically different depending on functions and applications. The data transmission / reception unit 100 also transmits / receives data to / from the image registration apparatus 10.

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

Here, the control configuration of the image registration apparatus 10 and the printer 50 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the image registration apparatus 10 includes a CPU 25, a ROM 26, a RAM 27, a keyboard 11, a mouse 12, a display 13, and a hard disk 22 in addition to an interface 21 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the printer 50. They are connected to each other via a system bus 28.

  The hard disk 22 stores other application programs in addition to an operating system (hereinafter referred to as an OS) and a print control program 24 for performing settings relating to the printer 50 and test printing, and the print control program 24 and others. The application program environment settings and setting files related to display at startup are stored. The OS 23 provides processing common to each application such as reception of input from the mouse 12 and the keyboard 11 and display on the display 13, and is a basic software for operating the image registration apparatus 10. It is.

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

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

The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, and an input / output control device (hereinafter referred to as “IOC: Input Output Controller”) 240, which are connected to each other via a system bus 250.
The ROM 220 stores a control program block 221 for storing a control program for the CPU 210 to execute control including printing and receipt decoration processing to be described later, control data for printing based on received print data and receipt decoration processing to be described later, And a control data block 222 for storing various tables and the like.
In the present embodiment, a predetermined program in the control program block 221 is executed by the CPU 210, whereby a GUID generation unit (identification number rewriting unit) 211 that generates a GUID (Global Unique Identifier) described later, and a predetermined number in the RAM 230. An image registration unit 212 that registers an image in an area or deletes an image is provided. The GUID and GUID generation unit 211 will be described in detail later.

  In addition to various work area blocks 231 used as flags and the like, the RAM 230 is ready for printing by the reception buffer 232 for temporarily storing print data received by the data transmission / reception 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 top of the receipt, that is, a set value related to the top logo TL, the image data to be added to the end of the receipt, that is, the bottom logo block 236 to store 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, a keyword logo block 238 that stores image data to be added to a receipt corresponding to a specific character string, that is, a setting value related to the keyword logo KL, and a GUID A GUID storage unit 239 for storing is provided. 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, the keyword logo block 238, and the GUID storage unit 239 may be stored in a nonvolatile memory such as NVRAM.

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

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

(About GUID)
The printer 50 according to the present embodiment is configured to generate an identification number called a GUID in consideration that image registration, image deletion, image preview, and the like are performed independently from a plurality of image registration apparatuses. Yes. This GUID is regenerated every time the image registration process (including the deletion process) by the image registration apparatus 10 starts or ends by the GUID generation unit 211 shown in FIG. The GUID is generated as follows based on the serial number and serial number of the printer 50, for example. The serial number is preferably a numerical value having a number of digits sufficiently larger than the order of the number of times in consideration of the number of times image registration or deletion is actually performed.

For example, if the serial number of the printer 50 is ABCDEFG, the GUID is regenerated by incrementing the serial number value as follows.

GUID (initial value): ABCDEFG0000000000000000
(After the first regeneration): ABCDEFG0000000000000001
(After the second regeneration): ABCDEFG0000000000000002
・ ・
・ ・
・ ・

  Then, the value of the GUID generated next after the GUID becomes ABCDEFGFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF returns to the initial value ABCDEFG0000000000000000 again. This ABCDEFG0000000000000000 overlaps with a GUID that has been used in the past, but if the number of digits in the numerical value part is sufficiently large, the corresponding GUID becomes quite old, and it is considered that there will be no particular problem in practical use.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the GUID is regenerated every time the image registration process is executed based on the serial number of the printer 50. Since the GUID is generated based on the serial number of the printer 50, it is unique to each printer. Since the GUID is regenerated every time the image registration process is executed, the printer 50 is completely distinguished from other printers, and even if the image registration is performed by a plurality of image registration apparatuses, the printer It is possible to always check whether the information related to the image registered in 50 matches the information related to the image recognized by the image registration apparatus 10.

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

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

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

  Further, the setting value stored in the keyword logo block 238 includes a key code (ID in the figure, the same applies hereinafter) for identifying image data to be printed as the keyword logo KL, and a specific character that triggers the keyword logo printing. In addition to the alignment (when the received payment information print data includes this specific character string, the keyword logo is printed based on the position of the specific character string), the alignment is set for the same reason as the top logo TL. , The number of deleted lines, with the next line after the specific character string line as the deletion start line. Further, the setting value of the keyword logo KL includes a print position. As the print position, the keyword logo KL is inserted in place of the specific character string line, inserted in the next line of the specific character string line, and the specific character string. You can choose whether to insert it before the line. Specific setting values are shown in 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 FIG. On this receipt R, image data of ID (key code) “2020” is set as the top logo TL, and is printed at the position of “middle center” at the top of the receipt. Further, the third line from the first line (first line) of the payment information print data is regarded as a deleted line based on the set value of the number of deleted lines “3” of the top logo TL, and printing is not performed. In addition, image data with an ID (key code) “2021” is set as the bottom logo BL, and is printed at the position “center center” at the end of the receipt.

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

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

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

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

  When registering an image in the printer 50 or setting an image setting value via the graphics register 70 or the receipt designer 80, the connection name registration / designation unit 61 selects a connection destination and stores it in the tool activation unit 63. The button 64 or the button 65 is clicked. As a result, the graphics register 70 or the receipt designer 80 is selected as an application corresponding to the button 64 or the button 65, and the graphics register 70 or the receipt designer 80 communicates with the printer designated by the transmission condition setting unit 62. However, it is activated under circumstances where various tasks can be performed.

  The graphics register 70 is an image registration application (image registration means, image registration program) having various functions for registering image data in the printer 50. The graphics register 70 includes a window as a user interface. The user registers various settings by switching the display in this window.

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

  In the screen 70 a shown in FIG. 7, a list display unit 72 showing a list of image files to be registered is provided in the center, and a list to be displayed on the list display unit 72 is opened below the list display unit 72. A list opening unit 73a and a list editing unit 73b for adding graphics to the list, deleting from the list, or editing graphics on the list are provided. The user selects an image file as a basis of image data to be registered in the printer 50 on the screen 70a shown in FIG. The base image file is various image files stored in the storage device in the image registration apparatus 10. When the image registration apparatus 10 is connected to another apparatus via a network or the like, an image file stored in the other apparatus may be selected.

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

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

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

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

  The user assigns a key code to image data to be registered in the printer 50 in the window shown in FIG. Then, by selecting a registration button provided in the image data registration unit 77c with a mouse click or the like, image data for transmission is generated from the original image file, and the generated image data is transmitted to the printer 50. The In the printer 50, image data is stored in the RAM 230 of the printer 50 in association with the key code by the image registration unit 212. In the present embodiment, the operation of storing this image in association with the key code is called “registration”.

  Here, the graphics register 70 acquires the GUID from the printer 50 before performing registration with the printer 50. When a series of registration processes is completed, a new GUID is acquired from the printer. The graphics register 70 searches the registered image data information file associated with the old GUID, and saves the image file that is the basis of the image data registered in the printer 50 in the storage device in the image registration apparatus 10 (root directory). The logical path indicating the file location on the basis of the image), the key code, and the type and content of the image conversion process applied to the image file (number of colors, color reduction method, brightness, size, amount of bottom margin, etc.) The data is stored in a registered image data information file (registered log file) 66. Then, this registered image data information file is associated with a new GUID.

  By configuring in this way, the graphics register 70 misrecognizes the image file registered in the printer 50 and what kind of image data is actually transmitted simply by acquiring the key code from the printer 50. I can grasp without. The image data registered in the printer 50 is displayed on the registered image data list display unit 76.

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

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

  When the user selects the “acquire registration information” button of the registration information acquisition unit 78 a on the screen 70 d shown in FIG. 10 by clicking the mouse, the graphics register 70 issues an instruction to the printer 50 and registers in the printer 50. Only the key code of the obtained image data is acquired. Then, the graphics register 70 refers to the acquired key code and the registered image data information file 66, the original file name of the image data registered in the registration information acquisition unit 78a, the key code and the registered image data. List sizes and. When the user performs option setting via the option setting unit 78b and issues a print instruction via the print instruction unit 78c, the selected information or all image data in the list of the registration information acquisition unit 78a is printed. The printer 50 is instructed. Also in this case, the printer 50 is caused to execute printing by transmitting only the key code to the printer 50.

  As described above, the graphics register 70 registers image data with the key code in the printer 50, and manages the information registered using the key code as a key by using the registered image data information file 66. In response, the user can list up or give a print instruction to the printer 50.

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

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

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

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

  When the user selects the acquisition button of the registration information acquisition unit 83a in the screen 80a shown in FIG. 11 with a mouse click or the like, the receipt designer 80 outputs a command to the printer 50, and the GUID of the printer 50 is saved from the printer 50. The key code of each image data and the set value set for each image data are acquired and displayed in a list on the list display unit 82. The receipt designer 80 searches the corresponding registered image data information file 66 based on the GUID of the printer 50, refers to the corresponding registered image data information file 66, and lists the file names for the image key code (ID). A list is displayed on the display unit 82. In the image data displayed in the list shown in FIG. 11, no setting value has been set yet, and the print position and its details may not be determined.

  When the receipt designer 80 previews the image data registered in the printer 50, when a file name or the like in the list is selected by double-clicking the mouse or the like, the registered image data information file 66 is referred to and the corresponding data is selected. The image conversion process processed at the time of registration is performed on the image file to be displayed and displayed on the screen.

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

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

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

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

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

  In the screen 80d, the icon button 81e indicated by “5” in FIG. 11 is selected, and the display below the list display portion 82 is partially switched compared to the screen 80a shown in FIG. . A screen 80e shown in FIG. 15 is a screen for transmitting setting information to the printer 50. When the user selects a registration button provided in the registration unit 87 with a mouse click or the like, setting values held in the receipt designer 80 are displayed. Is transmitted to the printer 50 together with the key code. In the printer 50, when the setting value is received together with the key code, the image registration unit 232 stores the key code (ID) and the detailed setting value in the top logo block 235, the bottom logo block 236, the watermark block 237, and the keyword logo block 238, respectively. To do. Thereby, the setting of the setting value for the image data stored in the printer 50 is completed.

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

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

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

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

(Processing of image data using GUID)
Next, the cooperative operation using the GUID between the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 and the printer 50 will be described in detail.

  As described above, the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 do not acquire any image data from the printer 50. The graphics register 70 generates a registered image data information file 66 when registering the image data. Thereafter, the graphics register 70 and the receipt designer 80 obtain only the GUID and the key code of the registered image, and this registered image data information. With reference to the file, the image data for each key code is printed and previewed.

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

First, registration of image data to the printer 50 will be described.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of registration of image data in the printer 50. Here, a flow in which the graphics register 70 of the image registration apparatus 10 registers image data in the printer 50 will be described.

  First, as a preparation for registering image data in the printer 50, the graphics register 70 requests the printer 50 to acquire a GUID (step S1). When the printer 50 is requested to acquire the GUID, the printer 50 reads the GUID stored in the GUID storage unit 239 in the NV area (hereinafter referred to as NVRAM) of the RAM 230 and transmits it to the graphics register 70 (image registration apparatus 10). (Step S2).

  After obtaining the GUID from the printer 50, the graphics register 70 instructs the printer 50 to shift to the NVRAM writing mode (step S3). When the printer 50 is instructed to shift to the NVRAM writing mode, the printer 50 shifts to the NVRAM writing mode, and the image data block 234, the top logo block 235, the bottom logo block 236, and the watermark block 237, which are NV areas of the RAM 230. And the keyword logo block 238 is in a rewritable state (step S4).

  Thereafter, the graphics register 70 generates transmission image data in which the number of colors of the image data, color reduction, brightness, size, bottom margin amount, etc. are adjusted according to the settings from the base image file, and is sent to the printer 50. Registration information, specifically, image data for transmission and a key code are transmitted (step S5). Upon receiving the transmission image data, the printer 50 stores the received image data together with the key code in the image data block 234, and registers the image data (step S6).

  When the graphics register 70 completes the transmission of the registration information, it instructs the printer 50 to end the NVRAM writing mode (step S7). When the end of the NVRAM writing mode is instructed, the printer 50 generates a new GUID in the GUID generation unit 211, and overwrites and saves the generated new GUID in the GUID storage unit 239 (step S8). Then, the NVRAM write mode is terminated and a normal standby state is entered (step S9).

When the printer 50 ends the NVRAM write mode, the printer 50 transmits the newly generated GUID to the graphics register 70 (step S10).
When receiving a new GUID from the printer 50, the graphics register 70 opens the registered image data information file 66 having a file name corresponding to the GUID received in step S2 (step S11). Then, the key code in the registered image data information file 66 is searched, and the information in the registered image data information file 66 is rewritten according to the transmitted key code and image data (step S12). At this point, the correspondence between the image data and key code information registered in the printer 50 and the image data and key code information recorded in the registered image data information file 66 match.

  Then, the graphics register 70 updates the file name of the registered image data information file 66 based on the name of the new GUID received in step S10 (step S13). Here, the file name is the same as the new GUID or a file name associated with the GUID. As described above, registration of image data in the printer 50 is executed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, when the graphic register 70 registers an image in the printer 50, the printer 50 rewrites the GUID by itself. Then, the graphics register 70 is given the file name of the registered image data information file 66 on the basis of the rewritten GUID, thereby knowing that the information of the printer 50 has been rewritten or not rewritten reliably. be able to. Here, if the image registration apparatus 10 communicates with the printer 50 next and the GUID received from the printer 50 via the graphics register 70 matches the GUID associated with the registered image data information file 66, The graphics register 70 can determine that the information of the printer 50 has not been rewritten by another image registration apparatus from the previous connection to the present. On the other hand, if the GUID received from the printer 50 is different from the GUID associated with the registered image data information file 66, the graphics register 70 relates to the image data in which another image registration device 10 is registered in the printer 50. It is possible to determine that the information has changed by performing some operation on the information.

  In other words, in this embodiment, the printer 50 rewrites the GUID every time the image data is rewritten regardless of the type of the image registration device 10, so a GUID is always generated and the GUID is unique. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the image data stored in the printer 10 by another image registration apparatus is operated on the correspondence relationship between the key codes and the image data grasped by the graphics register 70. The correspondence between the key code and the image data is different from the previous one, but the image data stored in the printer 10 is operated with incorrect recognition, and there is a mismatch between the key code and the image data. It can be prevented in advance.

  If the relationship between the key code and the image data known by the previous image registration means is broken, the graphics register 70 acquires the key code and the image data from the printer 10, and the registered image data information The file 66 may be reconfigured. In this case, by associating the GUID newly acquired from the printer 10 with the registered image data information file 66, the processing can proceed in a state where the correspondence between the key code and the image data is taken in the next processing. it can.

Next, deletion of image data from the printer 50 will be described.
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a flow of registration of image data in the printer 50. Here, a flow in which the graphics register 80 of the image registration apparatus 10 deletes image data from the printer 50 will be described.

  First, as a preparation for deleting image data from the printer 50, the graphics register 70 requests the printer 50 to obtain a GUID (step S21). When the printer 50 is requested to acquire the GUID, the printer 50 reads the GUID stored in the GUID storage unit 239 in the NV area of the RAM 230 and transmits it to the graphics register 70 (image registration apparatus 10) (step S22).

  The graphics register 70 instructs the printer 50 to shift to the NVRAM writing mode (step S23). When the printer 50 is instructed to shift to the NVRAM writing mode, the printer 50 shifts to the NVRAM writing mode, and the image data block 234, the top logo block 235, the bottom logo block 236, and the watermark block 237, which are NV areas of the RAM 230. The keyword logo block 238 is rewritable (step S24).

  Thereafter, the graphics register 70 transmits a key code corresponding to the image data to be deleted to the printer 50 (step S25). When receiving the key code, the printer 50 deletes the registration of the image data corresponding to the key code (step S26).

  When the graphics register 70 completes the transmission of the key code to be deleted, the graphics register 70 instructs the printer 50 to end the NVRAM writing mode (step S27). When the end of the NVRAM writing mode is instructed, the printer 50 generates a new GUID in the GUID generation unit 211, and overwrites and saves the generated new GUID in the GUID storage unit 239 (step S28). Then, the NVRAM write mode is terminated and a normal standby state is entered (step S29).

When finishing the NVRAM writing mode, the printer 50 transmits the newly generated GUID to the graphics register 70 (step S30).
When receiving a new GUID from the printer 50, the graphics register 70 opens the registered image data information file 66 having a file name corresponding to the GUID received in step S2 (step S31). Then, the key code in the registered image data information file 66 is searched, and the key code corresponding to the deleted image data and the associated information are deleted from the registered image data information file 66 (step S32). At this point, the correspondence between the image data and key code information registered in the printer 50 and the image data and key code information recorded in the registered image data information file 66 match.

  Then, the graphics register 70 updates the file name of the registered image data information file 66 based on the name of the new GUID received in step S10 (step S33). Here, the file name is the same as the new GUID or a file name associated with the GUID. As described above, deletion of image data in the printer 50 is executed.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the printer 50 rewrites the GUID by itself. Then, the graphics register 70 is given the file name of the registered image data information file 66 on the basis of the rewritten GUID, thereby knowing that the information of the printer 50 has been rewritten or not rewritten reliably. be able to. Therefore, as in the case of registration, the image registration apparatus 10 communicates with the printer 50 next, and the GUID received from the printer 50 via the graphics register 70 is the GUID associated with the registered image data information file 66. If they match, the graphics register 70 can determine that the information of the printer 50 has not been rewritten by another image registration apparatus from the previous connection until now. On the other hand, if the GUID received from the printer 50 is different from the GUID associated with the registered image data information file 66, the graphics register 70 relates to the image data in which another image registration device 10 is registered in the printer 50. It is possible to determine that the information has changed by performing some operation on the information.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the image data stored in the printer 10 by another image registration apparatus is operated on the correspondence relationship between the key codes and the image data grasped by the graphics register 70. The correspondence between the key code and the image data is different from the previous one, but the image data stored in the printer 10 is operated with incorrect recognition, and there is a mismatch between the key code and the image data. It can be prevented in advance.

  If the relationship between the key code and the image data known by the previous image registration means is broken, the graphics register 70 receives the key code and the image data from the printer 10 as in the case of registration. The registered image data information file 66 may be acquired and reconfigured. In this case, by associating the GUID newly acquired from the printer 10 with the registered image data information file 66, the processing can proceed in a state where the correspondence between the key code and the image data is taken in the next processing. it can.

Next, a description will be given of a process for acquiring setting information (hereinafter, in particular, a key code) related to image data registered in the printer 50 from the printer 50 and browsing corresponding image data.
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a flow from acquisition of a key code from the printer 50 of image data to preview of the image data. Here, a case where the graphics register 70 of the image registration apparatus 10 acquires a key code from the printer 50 will be described. The acquisition of information can also be performed by the receipt designer 80. In this case as well, the processing is performed in the order shown below.

  First, as a preparation for acquiring a key code corresponding to image data from the printer 50, the graphics register 70 requests the printer 50 to acquire a GUID (step S41). When the printer 50 is requested to acquire the GUID, the printer 50 reads the GUID stored in the GUID storage unit 239 in the NV area of the RAM 230 and transmits it to the graphics register 70 (image registration apparatus 10) (step S42).

  After obtaining the GUID from the printer 50, the graphics register 70 requests the printer 50 to transmit a key code (step S43). When instructed to transmit the key code, the printer 50 reads out the key code stored in the RAM 230 and transmits it to the graphics register 70 (step S44).

  When receiving the key code from the printer 50, the graphics register 70 opens the registered image data information file 66 having the file name corresponding to the GUID received in step S2 (step S45). Then, the key code in the registered image data information file 66 is searched to search for a key code that matches the received key code (step S46). Then, according to the operation from the user, the image data is displayed with reference to the file path of the image data corresponding to the key code stored in the registered image data information file 66 (step S47).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the graphic register 70 receives the GUID before receiving the key code from the printer 50, refers to the registered image data information file 66 corresponding to the GUID, and performs image display or the like. Therefore, the processing is executed after confirming that the information relating to the image data of the printer 50 has not been changed by another image registration apparatus.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the image data stored in the printer 10 by another image registration apparatus is operated on the correspondence relationship between the key codes and the image data grasped by the graphics register 70. Inconsistency between the key code and the image data, such as display of image data different from the image data stored in the printer 10, even though the correspondence relationship between the key code and the key code is different from the previous one. It can be prevented in advance.

  If the relationship between the key code and the image data known by the previous image registration means is broken, the graphics register 70 acquires the key code and the image data from the printer 10, and the registered image data information The file 66 may be reconfigured. In this case, by associating the GUID newly acquired from the printer 10 with the registered image data information file 66, the processing can proceed in a state where the correspondence between the key code and the image data is taken in the next processing. it can.

  In the above description, the GUID is described as a serial number added to the serial number of the printer. However, if the printer can transmit the serial number independently, only the serial number is used as the GUID, and the serial number and the GUID. Both of these may be used to confirm the identity of the printer and the match / mismatch of information about the image. Further, since it is sufficient that the GUIDs do not overlap, other IDs that can identify individual printers may be used instead of the printer serial numbers. The time etc. may be used also about a serial number.

  In the above description, one GUID has one printer, and it has been described that one GUID is regenerated. However, a GUID may be set for each image data. The GUID in this case is generated from some information (for example, the image file name or the key code itself) corresponding to the serial number, serial number, and key code of the printer.

  Further, the image data may be classified for each category, and the printer may generate a GUID for each classified category. In this case, the definition of the write mode and the instruction to shift to and end the write mode may be changed to the write mode for a certain category and the instruction to shift to and end the write mode.

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

Explanation of symbols

10 Image Registration Device 50 Printer 60 Gateway 66 Registered Image Data Information File (Registration Log File)
70 Graphics Register 80 Receipt Designer

Claims (13)

A printer communicably connected to an image registration device,
A data transmission / reception unit for receiving image data transmitted from the image registration device;
An image registration unit for registering received image data in a predetermined storage area;
An identification number rewriting unit that rewrites the identification number each time processing by the image registration unit is performed,
The data transmission / reception unit transmits the identification number to the image registration device every time the identification number rewriting unit rewrites the identification number.   The printer according to claim 1, wherein the identification number includes a serial number of the printer and a predetermined character string. A printer system including an image registration apparatus and a printer that are communicably connected to each other,
The image registration device instructs the printer to register or delete image data,
The printer executes a data transmission / reception unit that receives an instruction or image data transmitted from the image registration device, an image registration unit that registers registered image data in a predetermined storage area, and processing by the image registration unit An identification number rewriting unit that rewrites the identification number each time
The printer system according to claim 1, wherein the data transmission / reception unit of the printer transmits the identification number to the image registration device every time the identification number rewriting unit rewrites the identification number.   Each time the identification number is transmitted from the printer, the image registration device registers image data information in which image data transmitted to the printer is associated with a key code provided corresponding to each of the image data. 4. The printer system according to claim 3, wherein a file is associated with the transmitted identification number.   The image registration device receives the identification number from the printer before transmitting the image data, and when there is a registered image data information file that matches the received identification number, the image data is transferred to the printer. 5. The printer system according to claim 4, wherein a new registered image data information file is generated by adding the information of the image data to the registered image data information file and adding the information of the image data to the registered image data information file.   The image registration device receives the identification number from the printer before transmitting the image data, and transmits the image data to the printer when there is no registered image data information file that matches the received identification number. 5. The printer system according to claim 4, wherein a new registered image data information file having only the image data information is generated.   The image registration device receives the identification number from the printer before transmitting an instruction to delete the image data registered in the printer, and after transmitting the deletion instruction to the printer, matches the received identification number. 5. The printer system according to claim 4, wherein when there is a registered image data information file to be deleted, the image data information is deleted from the registered image data information file.   The image registration device receives the identification number from the printer before displaying the image data registered in the printer, and only when a registered image data information file that matches the received identification number exists. 5. The printer system according to claim 4, wherein the image data is displayed without acquiring the image data from the printer.   The image registration device refers to the predetermined file, and displays the image data without acquiring the image data from the printer with respect to the image data information written in the registered image data information file. The printer system according to claim 7. A method for controlling a printer communicably connected to an image registration apparatus,
Receiving an instruction regarding image data transmitted from the image registration device;
Performing predetermined processing on the image data in response to an instruction relating to the image data;
Rewriting the identification number each time the predetermined process is executed;
And a step of transmitting the rewritten identification number to the image registration apparatus.   The instruction relating to the image data is an instruction to register image data in the printer, and when the image data is registered, the identification number is rewritten and transmitted to the image registration apparatus. The printer control method according to claim 10.   11. The instruction relating to the image data is an instruction to delete image data from the printer, and when the image data is deleted, the identification number is rewritten and transmitted to the image registration apparatus. The printer control method as described in 1.   The printer control method according to claim 10, wherein the identification number includes a serial number of the printer and a predetermined character string.

Images