JP2011136514A - Label printer and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label printer which can reduce the number of files for storing layout data. <P>SOLUTION: The label printer 1A includes: a nonvolatile memory 42 in which each of one or more-sheet issuance layout data composed of layout data of two kinds of formats printable to one sheet of a label and spread over two sheets of labels matched with the number of formats is stored as one file; and a CPU 40 which performs control of continuously printing to two sheets of labels in one or more-sheet issuance processing in which the one or more-sheet issuance layout data is read out from the nonvolatile memory 42 to print to the labels. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a label printer that performs printing on a label and a storage medium that stores data to be printed on the label.

  The label printer is used, for example, for printing and issuing product price information, product manufacturer information, product time limit information, and the like. In particular, as an application for printing and issuing price information of a product on a label, there is an application for issuing a price reduction display label composed of a price after reduction, a price reduction rate, and the like.

  When product price information is managed with code information such as barcodes, the price reduction display label prints both character information such as numbers that can be visually recognized by consumers and code information that can be read by registers, etc. It is necessary to

  Now, when a product is displayed, a barcode may be written at a position that is difficult to see. In such a case, an issuance method referred to as two labels being issued, in which a bar code label composed of a price-reduction display label and code information that can be visually recognized, is issued one by one.

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing an outline of the two labels output. When two labels are put out, the price reduction display label 200A is attached to a surface that is easy for the consumer to see when the product 100 is displayed, for example, and the barcode label 200B is placed on the original barcode on the back of the product 100, etc. It is pasted.

  When attaching the price reduction display label 200A and the barcode label 200B having the same content to a plurality of products, it is necessary to issue the price reduction display label 200A and the barcode label 200B alternately in order to facilitate the work. This is because the price reduction display label 200A is first pasted to a plurality of products, and then the barcode label 200B is pasted, so that the price reduction display label 200A and the barcode label 200B are pasted to one product in order. This is because the work is less likely to cause work errors such as forgetting to paste.

  Here, in a label printer capable of issuing a single label, called a stand-alone type, a label layout is created using a label creation application on a personal computer or the like, and the created layout data is attached to the label printer. Stored in memory.

  A file number or a file name is attached to the layout data of the label, and when a label is issued, a desired file can be read by searching the file number or file name (for example, patent document) 1).

  Conventionally, in order to carry out two labels, the layout data of the price reduction display label and the layout data of the barcode label are each stored in a memory as one file. Also, when issuing one normal label, in order to be able to issue a label with different contents from the price reduction label used for two labels, the layout data used for one label is stored in one file. Was saved in memory. For this reason, it is necessary to have three files in order to output two labels.

2005-238524

  Conventional label printers require a large memory capacity because the number of layout data to be stored increases in order to output two labels. Providing a large-capacity memory increases the cost of the product.

  In addition, the conventional label printer requires processing to alternately develop and print the layout data of the price reduction display label and the layout data of the barcode label when two labels are output, which increases the time for the printing process. It was.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a label printer capable of reducing the number of files for storing layout data and a storage medium used in the label printer.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention is composed of layout data of at least two types of formats, each of which can be printed on one label, and a multi-sheet layout that spans a plurality of labels according to the number of formats. In the storage means in which the data is saved as one file and the multiple-sheet output process in which the multiple-sheet layout data is read from the storage means and printed on the label, the number of formats constituting the multiple-sheet layout data is adjusted. In addition, the present invention is a label printer provided with control means for performing control to continuously print on a plurality of labels.

  Further, the present invention is composed of layout data of at least two types of formats that can be printed on one label each, and a plurality of layout data across a plurality of labels corresponding to the number of formats is stored in one file. As a storage medium.

  In the present invention, using layout data stored in one file, printing is performed on a plurality of labels in different formats, and labels in different formats are printed alternately. Thereby, a plurality of labels related to the contents can be printed in a continuous form, and the label attaching operation is facilitated.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to print a plurality of labels in different formats using layout data saved in one file. As a result, the number of files to be saved can be reduced. Also, when labels of different formats are printed alternately, one layout data may be expanded and printed continuously, and compared with a process where two layout data are alternately expanded and printed. Time can be shortened.

It is a functional block diagram which shows an example of the label printer of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the label printer of this Embodiment. It is an external view which shows an example of the operation display part of the label printer of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the label printed with the label printer of this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of multiple sheet | seat placement layout data. It is a block diagram which shows an example of 1 sheet | seat taking out layout data. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the label printed by the multiple sheet | seat layout data and 1 sheet | seat layout data. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a detection principle of a printable area mark when printing is performed with a plurality of single-sheet layout data and single-sheet layout data. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detection process of the printable area | region at the time of taking out two sheets of labels. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the example of a transition of the detection frequency in the detection process of the printable area | region at the time of 2 sheet | seat extraction. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the example of a transition of the detection frequency in the detection process of the printable area | region at the time of 2 sheet | seat extraction. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detection process of the printable area | region at the time of taking out several sheets of labels. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating a transition example of the number of detections in the printable area detection process when a plurality of sheets are output. FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating a transition example of the number of detections in the printable area detection process when a plurality of sheets are output. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the label printed with the same content in the multiple sheet layout data and the single sheet layout data. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the label printed by the content from which the several sheet | seat arrangement | positioning layout data differ from 1 sheet | seat arrangement layout data. It is explanatory drawing which shows the comparative example of the memory usage-amount by the presence or absence of use of multiple sheet | seat placement layout data. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the layout data of a label. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a layout management table. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process which selects the item printed on a label. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows an example of the transition of the selection screen in which selection of the item printed on a label is performed. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows an example of the input screen displayed corresponding to selection of the discount method. It is explanatory drawing which shows the outline | summary of taking out two labels.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a label printer and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Example of Configuration of Label Printer of this Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a label printer according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a label printer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 illustrates an operation of the label printer according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a label printed by the label printer of the present embodiment.

  The outline of the label printer 1A according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the label printer 1A has a plurality of labels 2 arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the long release paper 20. Printing is performed on the label 2 while the adhered label paper 21 is conveyed along the direction in which the labels 2 are arranged.

  The label printer 1A is configured as one layout data in which layout data of at least two kinds of formats configured with a size that can be printed on one label 2 spans a plurality of labels according to the number of formats. Saved in one file. The layout data extending over a plurality of labels is referred to as a plurality of layout data.

  In the process of printing on the label 2 using the multi-sheet layout data, the control is performed to continuously print on the plurality of labels 2 in accordance with the number of formats constituting the multi-sheet layout data. Two or more different types of layout data can be alternately printed on the label 2 and output.

  Next, details of the label 2 on which the layout data is printed by the label printer 1A of the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the label 2 is provided in a form that is detachably attached to a surface that is one surface of the long release paper 20. On the surface of the release paper 20, a plurality of labels 2 having the same size are attached, for example, without leaving an interval. Further, a printable area mark 22 indicating a printable area is printed in accordance with the label 2 on the back surface, which is the other surface of the release paper 20, thereby forming a long label paper 21. In the label printer 1A, as shown in FIG. 2, a label roll 23 in a form in which a label sheet 21 is wound in a roll shape is set.

  The printable area mark 22 is information for specifying a printable area that is an area in which layout data is printed in the label 2. In order to be able to detect the printable area mark 22 with a reflective or transmissive optical sensor, a predetermined value corresponding to the printable area is provided on the back surface of the release paper 20 corresponding to the part to which each label 2 is attached. This range is different from the release paper 20 in that the light reflectance or light transmittance is different. For example, when the release paper 20 is white, the printable area mark 22 is configured by black printing having a low light reflectance with respect to the white color of the release paper 20.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the label paper 21 in a form in which the label 2 is stuck to the release paper 20 without a gap, if the printable area mark 22 has the same length as the label 2, the adjacent printable area The mark 22 is connected to make it impossible to identify the printable area. Accordingly, in consideration of a case in which the label 2 is pasted on the release paper 20 without a gap and the almost entire surface of the label 2 is set as a printable area, a printable area mark is formed from the label 2. The length of 22 is set short.

  Further, the front end of the printable area mark 22 along the conveyance direction F of the label paper 21 indicated by the arrow is positioned inward by a predetermined amount from the front end of the label 2, and the rear end of the printable area mark 22 is placed on the label 2. It is located inside a predetermined amount from the rear end.

  As a result, in the label paper 21, the white color of the release paper 20 between the adjacent printable area marks 22 corresponding to the cut portion of the label 2 attached to the surface of the release paper 20 without a gap. The printable area mark 22 is printed at a predetermined interval on the back surface of the release paper 20 so that there is a portion. The leading end of the printable area mark 22 along the conveyance direction F of the label sheet 21 becomes the start reference position 22S for detecting the leading end position of the label 2, and the trailing end position for detecting the trailing end position of the label 2 22E.

  Next, details of the label printer 1A of the present embodiment will be described. The label printer 1 </ b> A serves as a transport unit for the label 2, a platen roller 30 that transports the label paper 21 drawn from the label roll 23, a transport motor 31 that drives the platen roller 30, and a motor driver 32 that drives the transport motor 31. Is provided.

  Further, the label printer 1A includes a print head 33 configured as a thermal head as a printing unit for the label 2 when the label 2 is a thermal paper. Further, the label printer 1A includes a label detection sensor 34 that detects the printable area mark 22 and the like as a label 2 detection unit.

  In this example, the label printer 1A includes a reflective optical sensor including a light emitting element and a light receiving element as the label detection sensor 34. As described above, the label paper 21 conveyed by the platen roller 30 has a printable area mark 22 printed in black on the back surface of the release paper 20, and the label printer 1A performs the conveyance direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. While the label paper 21 is conveyed to F, the printable area mark 22 is read by the label detection sensor 34. The start reference position 22S and the end reference position 22E are detected from the difference in reflectance between the white portion of the release paper 20 and the black printable area mark 22, and the start reference position 22S and the end reference position 22E are detected. The printable area in between is detected.

  Thus, in the label printer 1A, the printable area mark 22 formed on the label paper 21 is read by the label detection sensor 34, and the printable area set in the label 2 is detected. In the process of printing the multiple-sheet layout data on the label 2, the start reference position 22S and the end reference position 22E are detected every predetermined number of times according to the number of labels 2 printed with the multiple-sheet layout data. A printable area extending over a plurality of labels 2 is set. Then, control for printing various information on the printable area of the label 2 by the print head 33 is executed.

  Therefore, the label printer 1A is rewritable with a CPU 40 that is an example of a control unit that executes control for printing various types of information in accordance with a predetermined program, and a RAM 41 that is used as a working memory when the CPU 40 executes control. A non-volatile memory 42, which is an example of a storage medium (storage means) composed of a simple semiconductor memory or the like, is provided.

  The label printer 1A includes a display 43a as an example of a display unit and an operation display unit 43 including an input unit 43b as an example of an input unit such as a keyboard, and a code such as a barcode reader as an example of an input unit. A scanner 44 is provided.

  Further, the label printer 1A is connected to an external information processing apparatus 45 such as a personal computer or a host computer via a communication line 46a such as a public network or a dedicated line, and communicates with the information processing apparatus 45 to transfer data. A communication I / F 46, which is an example of communication means for performing transmission and reception, is provided.

  In the label printer 1A, one or more layout data to be printed on the label 2 are stored in the nonvolatile memory 42 with a unique file number (file name) attached.

  FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an example of layout data for a plurality of sheets. In this example, the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 is composed of a price reduction display label 2A and a barcode label 2B, and the layout data of two labels is stored in the nonvolatile memory 42 as one file.

  For example, when the items printed on the label 2 in the multi-sheet layout data are the barcode 25A, the discount rate 25B, the price 25C after discount, and the price 25D before discount, the format of the price reduction display label 2A is printed on the label 2 Items to be discounted are the discount rate 25B, the discount price 25C, and the discount price 25D. On the other hand, in the format of the barcode label 2B, items printed on the label 2 are the barcode 25A, the discount rate 25B, the discount price 25C, and the discount price 25D.

  The price reduction display label 2 </ b> A and the barcode label 2 </ b> B each have a size that can be printed on one label 2. In addition, when the price reduction display label 2A and the barcode label 2B are printed on two continuous labels 2, the rear end side of the price reduction display label 2A is printed on the second label 2, and the barcode label In order to prevent the front end side of 2B from being printed on the first label 2, a predetermined interval is provided between the price reduction display label 2A and the barcode label 2B. The interval between the price reduction display label 2A and the bar code label 2B is set to be approximately the same as the interval between the end reference position 22E of the preceding printable area mark 22 and the subsequent start reference position 22S on the label sheet 21 shown in FIG. Is done.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the single-sheet layout data. The single-sheet layout data DA2 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 42 as a single file of layout data configured in a size that can be printed on one label 2. The format shown in FIG. 6 is layout data in which items printed on the label 2 are a barcode 25A, a discount rate 25B, a price 25C after discount, and a price 25D before discount.

  In the label layout data, each item printed on the label 2 is referred to as an object. In the multiple print layout data DA1 and the single print layout data DA2, which are labels related to discounting, the item printed on the label 2 is a barcode. Code information such as price, and character information combining numbers such as price and kanji such as “yen”.

  When the label printer has a kanji font, numbers, alphabets, symbols, kanji, hiragana, katakana, etc. are treated as character codes. On the other hand, in the label printer 1A having no kanji font, kanji characters such as “yen” are printed, so layout data is composed of kanji characters such as “display price” and “yen” as image data, and objects such as numbers are displayed. Has been inserted.

  The layout data is created by the information processing apparatus 45 such as a personal computer using a predetermined label creation application. In the label creation application, label size settings, code information such as barcodes, input frame settings for inputting character information such as numbers and kanji, input of code information and character information, character size settings, etc. Done.

  For an object whose contents can be changed, an input frame in which code information or character information is input can be edited by the label printer, and the contents can be changed by the label printer when the label is issued. In addition, an arbitrary name, for example, a name related to the content is set as a display name for the object whose content can be changed.

  The layout data created by the label creation application is stored in the nonvolatile memory 42 of the label printer 1A by communicating with the information processing apparatus 45 and the label printer 1A, for example. The layout data stored in the nonvolatile memory 42 of the label printer 1A is set to be partly or entirely updatable through communication with the information processing apparatus 45.

  Further, when the information processing apparatus 45 is a host computer, a layout stored in the nonvolatile memory 42 of the plurality of label printers 1A by performing communication between the information processing apparatus 45 and the plurality of label printers 1A. Part or all of the data is set to be updatable. In this way, by connecting one or more label printers 1A via the external information processing apparatus 45 and the communication line 46a, layout data stored in the label printer 1A can be easily updated.

  The layout data created by the information processing device 45 may be stored in a detachable memory, and this memory may be attached to the label printer 1A and used as the nonvolatile memory 42.

<Operation example of label printer of this embodiment>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a label printed with the multiple-sheet layout data and the single-sheet layout data. FIG. 7A is an explanatory view of the label sheet viewed from the front side, and FIG. ) Is an explanatory view of the label sheet viewed from the back side. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the principle of detection of a printable area mark when printing is performed using a plurality of layout data and a single layout data. Next, a label printing process executed by the label printer 1A of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The CPU 40 of the label printer 1A drives the platen roller 30 by controlling the transport motor 31 and transports the label paper 21 in the transport direction F indicated by the arrow in FIG. Read.

  In the control of reading the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 described in FIG. 5 from the nonvolatile memory 42 and printing it on the label 2, the CPU 40 detects the start reference position 22S in the printable area mark 22 shown in FIG. This is performed at a predetermined number of times according to the number of labels 2 printed by the multiple-sheet output layout data DA1. In this example, since printing is performed on two labels 2 with the multiple-sheet layout data DA1, the leading end ST of the label 2 is determined every time the start reference position 22S is detected twice.

  That is, when the CPU 40 detects the first start reference position 22S, the CPU 40 determines that the leading end ST of the label 2 and starts printing a plurality of sheets of layout data DA1. Even if the CPU 40 detects the first reference end position 22E and the second start reference position 22S, the CPU 40 does not determine the trailing edge and leading edge of the label 2 and continues printing the multiple-sheet layout data DA1. When the CPU 40 detects the end reference position 22E for the second time, the CPU 40 determines that the label 2 is at the end, and ends printing of the multiple-sheet layout data DA1.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a printable area detection process when two labels are put out, and FIGS. 10 and 11 are operations showing a transition example of the detection frequency in the printable area detection process when two sheets are put out. Next, details of the printable area mark 22 detection process shown in FIG. 7B will be described. Here, there are a method of starting printing from the point of time when the mark is recognized, and a method of remembering the recognized point and conveying the label sheet to a predetermined point and starting printing. When the distance between the label detection sensor 34 and the print head 33 is long, the latter control method is adopted.

  When the label paper 21 shown in FIG. 2 is conveyed for the first time, the CPU 40 of the label printer 1A initializes the number of detections of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 to zero in step SA1 of FIG. When the label paper 21 is conveyed in step SA2 in FIG. 9, the CPU 40 monitors the output of the label detection sensor 34, and determines whether the tip of the printable area mark 22 has been detected in step SA3.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when it is determined that the conveyance start position S1 of the label paper 21 is between the printable area marks 22 and the leading edge of the printable area mark 22 is detected in step SA3 in FIG. In step SA4a of No. 9, it is determined whether the number of times of detection of the tip of the printable area mark 22 is once or twice. When determining that the number of times of detection of the front end of the printable area mark 22 is one, the CPU 40 recognizes the front end of the printable area mark 22 in step SA5 and uses the layout data as the start reference position 22S shown in FIG. Start printing.

  The CPU 40 considers that the first time has already been detected even if the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is detected 0 times in step SA6 of FIG. If the CPU 40 determines in step SA4a of FIG. 9 that the number of times of detection of the leading edge of the printable area mark 22 is two, it ignores the detection of the leading edge of the printable area mark 22 in step SA7.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when the CPU 40 determines that the conveyance start position S2 of the label paper 21 is in the middle of the printable area mark 22 and does not detect the leading end of the printable area mark 22 in step SA3 of FIG. Thus, it is determined whether the rear end of the printable area mark 22 has been detected.

  If it is determined that the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 has been detected, the CPU 40 determines whether the number of detections of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is one, three, or two in step SA9a of FIG. . If the CPU 40 determines that the number of times of detection of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is one or three, the CPU 40 recognizes the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 in step SA10, and ends the end reference position 22E shown in FIG. And

  When the number of times of detection of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is 3 in step SA11a of FIG. 9, the CPU 40 finishes printing the layout data of the plurality of sheets, in this example, the two sheets. In preparation for printing layout data, the trailing edge detection of the printable area mark 22 is regarded as the first time, and the number of times of detection of the leading edge of the printable area mark 22 is reset to zero.

  If the CPU 40 determines in step SA9a in FIG. 9 that the number of detections of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is two, it ignores the detection of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 in step SA12.

  As described above, in the control for printing the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 on the label 2, as shown in FIG. 8, it is recognized as a form in which two printable area marks 22 are connected in a pseudo manner. A straddling printable area is set. As a result, printing is performed on two labels 2 with the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 stored as one file, and as shown in FIG. 2A is printed, and the barcode label 2B is printed on the second label 2.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printable area detection process when a plurality of labels are output, and FIGS. 13 and 14 are operations illustrating a transition example of the number of detection times in the printable area detection process when a plurality of sheets are output. Next, the details of the detection process of the printable area mark 22 when the number of sheets to be printed is more than two, for example, three, will be described.

  When the label paper 21 is transported for the first time, the CPU 40 of the label printer 1A initializes the number of detections of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 to zero in step SA1 in FIG. When the CPU 40 transports the label paper 21 in step SA2 of FIG. 12, the CPU 40 monitors the output of the label detection sensor 34, and determines whether the tip of the printable area mark 22 has been detected in step SA3.

  As shown in FIG. 13, when it is determined that the conveyance start position S1 of the label paper 21 is between the printable area marks 22 and the leading edge of the printable area mark 22 is detected in step SA3 in FIG. In step SA4b of step 12, it is determined whether the number of times of detection of the tip of the printable area mark 22 is the first time or the second time or later. When determining that the number of times of detection of the front end of the printable area mark 22 is one, the CPU 40 recognizes the front end of the printable area mark 22 in step SA5 and uses the layout data as the start reference position 22S shown in FIG. Start printing.

  The CPU 40 considers that the first time has already been detected even if the trailing edge detection of the printable area mark 22 is zero in step SA6 in FIG. If the CPU 40 determines in step SA4b in FIG. 12 that the number of times the leading edge of the printable area mark 22 is detected is the second or later, the CPU 40 ignores the leading edge detection of the printable area mark 22 in step SA7.

  As shown in FIG. 14, when the CPU 40 determines that the conveyance start position S2 of the label paper 21 is in the middle of the printable area mark 22 and does not detect the leading end of the printable area mark 22 in step SA3 in FIG. Thus, it is determined whether the rear end of the printable area mark 22 has been detected.

  If it is determined that the rear end of the printable area mark 22 has been detected, the CPU 40 detects the number of times of detection of the rear end of the printable area mark 22 once or (N + 1) times or twice in step SA9b in FIG. Judge whether N times. If the CPU 40 determines that the number of detections of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is one or (N + 1) times, the CPU 40 recognizes the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 in step SA10, and terminates it as shown in FIG. The position is 22E.

  In step SA11b of FIG. 12, when the number of detections of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is (N + 1) times, the CPU 40 finishes printing a plurality of layout data, in this example, three layouts, In preparation for printing the next layout data, the trailing edge detection of the printable area mark 22 is regarded as the first time, and the number of times of detection of the leading edge of the printable area mark 22 is reset to zero.

  If the CPU 40 determines in step SA9b in FIG. 12 that the number of detections of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 is 2 to N times, it ignores the detection of the trailing edge of the printable area mark 22 in step SA12.

  In this way, in the control for printing the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 on the label 2, for example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, a printable area extending over the three labels 2 is set. Thus, printing is performed on the three labels 2 using the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 stored as one file. The same applies to the case of three or more sheets.

  In the control for reading the single-sheet layout data DA2 described in FIG. 6 from the nonvolatile memory 42 and printing it on the label 2, the CPU 40 detects the start reference position 22S in the printable area mark 22 shown in FIG. Every time, it is determined that the leading edge ST of the label 2 is reached.

  That is, when detecting the start reference position 22S, the CPU 40 determines the leading end ST of the label 2, starts printing the single-sheet layout data DA2, and determines the end of the label 2 when detecting the end reference position 22E. The printing of the single sheet layout data DA2 is completed.

  In this way, in the control for printing the single-sheet layout data DA2 on the label 2, a printable area is set by one printable area mark 22 as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7A, one sheet of layout data DA2 is printed on one label 2.

  If either one or both of the multi-sheet layout data DA1 and the single-sheet layout data DA2 is layout data including an item whose contents can be changed, the CPU 40 stores the layout data of the selected label in a nonvolatile manner. When an item that can be read from the memory 42 and whose contents can be changed is selected, the display name set for the object at the time of creating the label is displayed on the display 43 a of the operation display unit 43.

  When the input unit 43b of the operation display unit 43 or the code scanner 44 is operated to input numbers, code symbols, or the like, the screen is switched according to the input contents, and label layout data is selected. Set the entered value in the selected item. Thereby, the content to be printed on the label 2 can be changed by the operation of the label printer 1A.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a label printed with the same contents of the multi-sheet layout data and the single-sheet layout data, and FIG. 16 is printed with different contents of the multi-sheet layout data and the single-sheet layout data. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the labeled label.

  In the label issuance form in which the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 is used, the label printed with the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 is different from the case where the label is the same as the label printed with the single-sheet layout data DA2. There is a case.

  In FIG. 15, the barcode label 2B of the two labels printed with the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 shown in FIG. 15A and the single-sheet layout data DA2 shown in FIG. 15B are printed. This is a case where the display of the price reduction display label 2Ca is the same.

  On the other hand, in FIG. 16, the barcode label 2B of the two labels printed with the multiple-sheet layout data DA1 shown in FIG. 16A and the single-sheet layout data DA2 shown in FIG. This is a case where the display of the price reduction display label 2Cb to be printed is different.

  In the case of the issuance form as shown in FIG. 15, it is also possible to have the price reduction display label 2A and the barcode label 2B of the multi-sheet layout data DA1 shown in FIG. 5 as independent layout data. That is, in the case of two sheets, two layout data are developed and the start reference position 22S in the printable area mark 22 shown in FIG. The print image is switched every time. In the case of taking out one sheet, only layout data corresponding to the barcode label 2B is developed and printed.

  However, in this method, as shown in FIG. 16, labels having different contents cannot be printed when two sheets are taken out and when one sheet is put out. Therefore, by having both the multi-sheet layout data DA1 and the single-sheet layout data DA2, as shown in FIG. 15, the label is the same when two sheets are ejected and when one sheet is ejected, and as shown in FIG. Applicable to both labels with different contents when two sheets are taken out and when one sheet is put out.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a comparative example of memory usage depending on whether or not multiple layout layout data is used. FIG. 17A shows the concept of memory usage when multiple layout data is used. FIG. 17B shows the concept of the memory usage when two labels can be output without using the multiple-sheet layout data as a comparative example.

  Conventionally, two layout data DD1 and DD2 are required to output two labels without using a plurality of layout data. In addition, in order to be able to print labels with different contents when two sheets are put out and when one sheet is put out, one layout data DD3 is necessary for putting out one label, and as shown in FIG. It was necessary to have three files FB1 to FB3.

  On the other hand, in the present invention, by using a plurality of layout data DA1 as shown in FIG. 5, if one layout data DC1 and DC2 are provided for two labels and one label, respectively. Well, two labels can be put out in one file, and labels with different contents can be printed when two sheets are put out. As a result, the function that has conventionally been realized with three files can be reduced to two files FA1 and FA2 as shown in FIG.

  In the label printer, one sector 42a of the memory such as the nonvolatile memory 42 is required for one file. In FIG. 17, the actual amount of data 42b stored in the memory is schematically shown in a shaded display. Conventionally, as shown in FIG. 17B, three sectors are stored to store three files. Necessary and memory usage increases. On the other hand, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 17A, two sectors may be used to store two files, and even though the total amount of data is almost the same, the memory usage can be reduced. it can.

<Modification of Label Printer of this Embodiment>
In a label printer 1A that issues labels relating to discounts, the contents of labels to be issued are limited to some extent. For this reason, in the label printer 1A, the layout data of labels of a plurality of types of formats that are assumed are assigned with unique file numbers (file names) and stored in the nonvolatile memory 42. However, when the number of files increases, it becomes difficult to search for desired layout data using file numbers.

  Therefore, the label printer 1A according to the present embodiment reads layout data in a desired format by selecting an item to be printed on the label without knowing the file number of the label layout data stored in advance. To be able to.

  For this reason, a predetermined offset value is set corresponding to an item that can be printed on a label, and a layout management table in which an offset value corresponding to the selected item is read when printed on a label is stored in the nonvolatile memory 42. . The file number assigned to the layout data is information associated with the offset value corresponding to the item that can be printed on the label, and is a value obtained by a predetermined calculation rule using the offset value. Here, the nonvolatile memory 42 may be a memory built in the label printer 1A, or may be a card-like memory that can be attached to and detached from the label printer 1A.

  18 to 25 are configuration diagrams showing examples of label layout data. In the present embodiment, the discount method, whether to print half price display, whether to print the original price before discount, whether to print the after price after discount, whether to print one label or two For example, 28 types of label layout data are stored depending on the combination.

  FIGS. 18A to 18D show a case where one label is put out, the discount method is displayed with “% discount”, and the discount rate is 50%. The format shown in FIG. 18A is the layout data DB1 in which the items printed on the label 2 are the barcode 25A and the discount rate 25B, and the file number of the layout data DB1 is “901” in decimal notation. And

  In the format shown in FIG. 18B, the items printed on the label 2 are the layout data DB2 with the barcode 25A, the discount rate 25B, and the discounted price 25C, and the file number of the layout data DB2 is “902”. To do.

  In the format shown in FIG. 18C, the items to be printed on the label 2 are the layout data DB3 with the barcode 25A, the discount rate 25B, and the price 25D before discount, and the file number of the layout data DB3 is “903”. To do.

  The format shown in FIG. 18D is the layout data DB4 in which the items printed on the label 2 are the barcode 25A, the discount rate 25B, the discount price 25C, and the discount price 25D, and the file number of the layout data DB4. Is “904”.

  FIGS. 19A to 19D show a case where one label is put out, the discount method is displayed with “% discount”, and the half price display is printed with a discount rate of 50%. In the format shown in FIG. 19A, the item printed on the label 2 is the layout data DB 5 with the barcode 25A and the half price display 25E, and the file number of the layout data DB 5 is “905”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 19B, the items printed on the label 2 are the layout data DB6 in which the bar code 25A, the discounted price 25C, and the half price display 25E are displayed, and the file number of the layout data DB6 is “906”. To do.

  In the format shown in FIG. 19C, the items printed on the label 2 are the layout data DB 7 in which the bar code 25A, the price before discount 25D, and the half price display 25E are displayed, and the file number of the layout data DB 7 is “907”. To do.

  The format shown in FIG. 19D is layout data DB8 in which items printed on label 2 are barcode 25A, price 25C after discount, price 25D before discount, and half price display 25E, and the file number of layout data DB8. Is “908”.

  FIG. 20A to FIG. 20D show a case where the labeling method is displayed by “circle discount” when one label is put out. In the format shown in FIG. 20A, the items to be printed on the label 2 are the layout data DB 9 with the barcode 25A and the discount amount 25F, and the file number of the layout data DB 9 is “909”.

  The format shown in FIG. 20B is the layout data DB 10 in which the items printed on the label 2 are the barcode 25A, the discount price 25C, and the discount amount 25F, and the file number of the layout data DB 10 is “910”. To do.

  The format shown in FIG. 20C is the layout data DB 11 in which the items printed on the label 2 are the barcode 25A, the price before discount 25D, and the discount amount 25F, and the file number of the layout data DB 11 is “911”. To do.

  The format shown in FIG. 20D is the layout data DB 12 in which the items printed on the label 2 are the barcode 25A, the discount price 25C, the discount price 25D, and the discount amount 25F, and the file number of the layout data DB 12 Is “912”.

  FIG. 21A to FIG. 21B show a case in which one label is put out and the discount method is displayed in an item called “displacement price” that is a price after discount. In the format shown in FIG. 21A, the items printed on the label 2 are the layout data DB 13 with the barcode 25A and the discounted price 25C, and the file number of the layout data DB 13 is “913”.

  The format shown in FIG. 21B is the layout data DB 14 in which the items printed on the label 2 are the barcode 25A, the price 25C after discount, and the price 25D before discount. The file number of the layout data DB 14 is “914”. And

  FIGS. 22A to 22D show a case where two labels are put out, the discount method is displayed by “% discount”, and the discount rate is 50%. The format shown in FIG. 22A is the layout data DB 15 in which the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discount rate 25B and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A and the discount rate 25B. The file number of the layout data DB 15 is “915”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 22B, the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discount rate 25B and the discounted price 25C, and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A and the discount rate 25B. The layout data DB 16 has a discounted price 25C, and the file number of the layout data DB 16 is “916”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 22C, the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discount rate 25B and the price before discount 25D, and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A and the discount rate 25B. The layout data DB 17 has a price before discount 25D, and the file number of the layout data DB 17 is “917”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 22D, the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discount rate 25B, the price 25C after discount, and the price 25D before discount, and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A. The layout data DB 18 has a discount rate 25B, a price 25C after discount, and a price 25D before discount, and the file number of the layout data DB 18 is “918”.

  FIG. 23A to FIG. 23D show a case where two labels are put out, the discount method is displayed by “% discount”, and the half price display is printed at a discount rate of 50%. The format shown in FIG. 23A is the layout data DB 19 in which the item printed on the price reduction display label 2A is the half price display 25E, and the item printed on the barcode label 2B is the barcode 25A and the half price display 25E. The file number of the layout data DB 19 is “919”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 23B, the item printed on the price reduction display label 2A is the discounted price 25C and the half price display 25E, and the item printed on the barcode label 2B is the barcode 25A and the discounted price 25C. The layout data DB 20 is the half price display 25E, and the file number of the layout data DB 20 is “920”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 23C, the item printed on the price reduction display label 2A is the price before discount 25D and the half price display 25E, and the item printed on the barcode label 2B is the barcode 25A and the price before discount 25D. The layout data DB 21 is the half price display 25E, and the file number of the layout data DB 21 is “921”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 23D, the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discounted price 25C, the price before discount 25D, and the half price display 25E, and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A. The layout data DB 22 is the price 25C after discount, the price 25D before discount, and the half price display 25E, and the file number of the layout data DB 22 is “922”.

  FIG. 24A to FIG. 24D show a case where two labels are put out and the discount method is displayed by “circle discount”. The format shown in FIG. 24A is the layout data DB 23 in which the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discount amount 25F and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A and the discount amount 25F. The file number of the layout data DB 23 is “923”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 24B, the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discounted price 25C and the discount amount 25F, and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A and the discounted price 25C. The layout data DB 24 is the discount amount 25F, and the file number of the layout data DB 24 is “924”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 24C, the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the price before discount 25D and the discount amount 25F, and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A and the price before discount 25D. The layout data DB 25 is the discount amount 25F, and the file number of the layout data DB 25 is “925”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 24D, the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discounted price 25C, the price before discount 25D, and the discount 25F, and the items printed on the barcode label 2B are the barcode 25A. The layout data DB 26 is the price 25C after discount, the price 25D before discount, and the discount amount 25F, and the file number of the layout data DB 26 is “926”.

  FIG. 25A to FIG. 25B show a case where two labels are put out and the discount method is displayed with an item called “displacement price” which is the price after discount. The format shown in FIG. 25A is a layout data DB 27 in which the item printed on the price reduction display label 2A is the discounted price 25C and the item printed on the barcode label 2B is the barcode 25A and the discounted price 25C. The file number of the layout data DB 27 is “927”.

  In the format shown in FIG. 25B, the item printed on the price reduction display label 2A is the discount price 25C and the price before discount 25D, and the item printed on the barcode label 2B is the barcode 25A and the price after discount. The layout data DB 28 is 25C and the price before discount 25D, and the file number of the layout data DB 28 is “928”.

  FIG. 26 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a layout management table. In order to be able to generate the file numbers “901” to “928” of the layout data DB1 to DB28 described in FIGS. 18 to 25, the layout management table TB includes one label as an item that can be printed on the label. An offset value A1 is set in correspondence with whether the sheet is to be ejected or two sheets are ejected. Note that when the code 128 and JAN code can be selected as the type of barcode to be printed on the label, the offset value A1 is set.

  In the layout management table TB, as an item that can be printed on the label, an offset value A2 is set corresponding to the selection of the discount method, and the offset value A3 is set corresponding to whether or not half price display is printed. The offset value A4 is set corresponding to the selection of whether or not to print the original price, and the offset value A5 is set corresponding to the selection of whether or not to print the subsequent price.

  In the layout management table TB, the type of barcode to be printed on the label, the discount method, whether to display half price display, whether to display the original price before discount, whether to display the after price after discount The combination of the offset values selected for each item is uniquely determined by the combination.

  Therefore, the generation of the file number Fn is obtained by the following equation (1), where N is a variable for calculating the file number.

  Fn = N + A1 + A2 + A3 + A4 + A5 (1)

  In the layout management table TB, by setting the base number of the file number to “901” and the base number as a variable N, whether to print one or two labels, a discount method, whether to print half price display, When calculation is performed to add the offset values A1 to A5 selected according to whether the original price before discounting is displayed or whether the after price after discounting is displayed, to the variable N, the left side of FIG. The file number shown in the column is generated.

  The layout data created using a predetermined label creation application in the information processing apparatus 45 such as a personal computer is set according to the rules of the layout management table TB described in FIG. 26 corresponding to the items to be printed on the labels. The file number obtained using the offset value is assigned and stored.

  The CPU 40 shown in FIG. 1 displays a selection screen for selecting items to be printed on the label 2 on the display 43 a of the operation display unit 43. In addition, the input of the input unit 43b of the operation display unit 43 is monitored, the screen is switched according to the selected item, and an offset value corresponding to the selected item is selected and read from the layout management table TB. Then, using the read offset values A <b> 1 to A <b> 5, the calculation according to the above equation (1) is performed to generate the file number Fn, and the layout data specified by the file number Fn is read from the nonvolatile memory 42.

  Further, the CPU 40 displays, on the display 43 a of the operation display unit 43, an input screen on which the content of the item is changed among the items to be printed on the label 2 and the content of the item is set to be changeable. When the input unit 43b of the operation display unit 43 or the code scanner 44 is operated to input numbers, code symbols, or the like, the screen is switched according to the input contents, and label layout data is selected. Set the entered value in the selected item.

<Operation Example of Label Printer of Modified Example of Embodiment>
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing an example of processing for selecting an item to be printed on a label, and FIG. 28 is an operation explanatory diagram showing an example of transition of a selection screen for selecting an item to be printed on a label. With reference to the drawings, a layout data reading process executed by the label printer 1A according to a modification of the present embodiment will be described.

  The CPU 40 of the label printer 1A prepares a variable N for calculating the file number at step SB1 in FIG. 27, and sets the base number of the file number, “901” in this example, to the variable N at step SB2.

  In step SB3 of FIG. 27, the CPU 40 displays a selection screen SE1 for selecting whether to output one or two labels shown in FIG. 28A as an item to be printed on the label. Lets you select whether to put out two.

  When “select one” is selected on the selection screen SE1, the CPU 40 reads the offset value A1 corresponding to “select one” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB4 of FIG. The offset value corresponding to “single sheet” is A1 = 0.

  When “two sheets” is selected on the selection screen SE1, the CPU 40 reads an offset value A1 corresponding to “two sheets” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB5 of FIG. The offset value corresponding to “2 sheets out” is A1 = 14.

  In step SB6 of FIG. 27, the CPU 40 displays a selection screen SE2 for selecting the discount method shown in FIG. 28B as an item to be printed on the label, and selects the discount method.

  When “% discount” is selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2, the CPU 40 reads the offset value A2 corresponding to “% discount” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB7 of FIG. The offset value corresponding to “% discount” is A2 = 0.

  When “circle discount” is selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2, the CPU 40 reads the offset value A2 corresponding to “circle discount” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB8 of FIG. The offset value corresponding to “rounding” is A2 = 8.

  When “exclusive price” is selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2, the CPU 40 reads the offset value A2 corresponding to the “exclusive price” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB9 of FIG. The offset value corresponding to the “perfect price” is A2 = 12.

  FIG. 29 is an operation explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed corresponding to the selection of the discount method. FIG. 29 shows an input screen E1 in which a discount rate can be input when “% discount” is selected as the discount method.

  For example, as described in FIGS. 18A to 18D and FIGS. 22A to 22D, the layout data whose discount method is “% discount” is set to an arbitrary discount rate. In order to be able to do so, the contents of the discount rate item are set to be changeable.

  For this reason, when “% discount” is selected as the discount method, as shown in FIG. 29, the display name input for the object of the discount rate item set to be changeable at the time of label creation, in this example, The input screen E1 specified by “change discount rate” is displayed on the display 43a of the operation display unit 43, thereby enabling the input of the discount rate.

  In addition, if “Yen discount” or “Zubari price” is selected as the discount method, or if it is selected to display the original price or the latter price, it is necessary to enter the price. Is set to be changeable.

  When the discount method is selected and the discount rate or the like is input in response to the selection of the discount method, the CPU 40 displays the half price shown in FIG. 28C as an item to be printed on the label in step SB10 of FIG. A selection screen SE3 for selecting whether to print the display is displayed, and whether to print the half price display is selected. Here, the selection of whether to print half price display is an item that can be selected when “% discount” is selected as the discount method and the discount rate is set to 50%.

  If it is selected that the half price display is not printed on the selection screen SE3, the CPU 40 reads the offset value A3 corresponding to “do not print the half price display” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB11 of FIG. . The offset value corresponding to “Do not print half price display” is A3 = 0.

  If it is selected that half price display is to be printed on the selection screen SE3, the CPU 40 reads an offset value A3 corresponding to “print half price display” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB12 of FIG. The offset value corresponding to “print half price display” is A3 = 4.

  When it is selected whether or not to print the half price display, the CPU 40 selects whether or not to print the original price shown in FIG. 28 (d) as an item to be printed on the label in step SB13 of FIG. The screen SE4 is displayed, and whether or not to print the original price is selected.

  If it is selected that the original price is not printed on the selection screen SE4, the CPU 40 reads an offset value A4 corresponding to “no original price is printed” from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB14 of FIG. . The offset value corresponding to “Do not print original price” is A4 = 0.

  When “% discount” or “yen discount” is selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2, and the original price is selected to be printed on the selection screen SE4, the CPU 40 performs layout management shown in FIG. 26 in step SB15 of FIG. The offset value A4 corresponding to “print original price” when the discount method is “% discount” or “yen discount” is read from the table TB. When the discount method is “% discount” or “yen discount”, the offset value corresponding to “print original price” is A4 = 2.

  When “disappointing price” is selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2 and the original price is selected to be printed on the selection screen SE4, the CPU 40 reduces the discount from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26 in step SB16 of FIG. An offset value A4 corresponding to “print original price” is read out when the method is “perfect price”. The offset value corresponding to “print original price” is “4” as the discount method is “Variable price”.

  When it is selected whether or not to print the original price, the CPU 40 selects whether or not to print the discounted price shown in FIG. 28E as an item to be printed on the label in step SB17 of FIG. The selection screen SE5 to be displayed is displayed, and whether or not to print the price after discount is selected.

  If it is selected on the selection screen SE5 that the price after discount is not printed, the CPU 40, in step SB18 of FIG. 27, from the layout management table TB shown in FIG. 26, the offset corresponding to “do not print the price after discount” Read the value A5. The offset value corresponding to “do not print the discounted price” is A5 = 0. Here, when “discount price” is selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2, “print price after discount” is selected. When “extra price” is selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2, the offset value A5 corresponding to “print price after discount” is read with the “discount price” as the discount method. The offset value corresponding to “Print price after discount” when the discount method is “Extra price” is A5 = 0.

  If “disappointing price” is not selected as the discount method on the selection screen SE2 and it is selected that the price after discount is printed on the selection screen SE5, the CPU 40 performs layout management shown in FIG. 26 in step SB19 of FIG. The offset value A5 corresponding to “print price after discount” is read from the table TB. The offset value corresponding to “print price after discount” is A5 = 1.

  When the item to be printed on the label is selected on the selection screens SE1 to SE5 and the offset value corresponding to the selected item is read from the layout management table TB, the CPU 40 uses the read offset values A1 to A5 as described above ( 1) The file number Fn is generated by performing the calculation according to the equation, and the layout data specified by the file number Fn is read from the nonvolatile memory 42.

  For example, the barcode type to be printed on the label is “Two copies of code 128”, the discount method is “% discount”, the half price display is “not printed”, the original price is “printed”, and the latter price is “printed” Are selected, the offset values are A1 = 14, A2 = 0, A3 = 0, A4 = 2, and A5 = 1, respectively, and Fn = 918 is obtained when the calculation according to the above equation (1) is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 22D, the layout data identified by the file number Fn “918” is a two-sheet label, and the items printed on the price reduction display label 2A are the discount rate 25B and the discounted price 25C. The item to be printed on the barcode label 2B at the price 25D before discount is the layout data DB 18 with the barcode 25A, the discount rate 25B, the price 25C after discount and the price 25D before discount, and is selected to be printed on the label. You can see that the format matches the item. When printing on the label, the file number is generated in the same manner even if the selected item is another combination.

  As a result, in the label printer 1A according to the modification of the present embodiment, even if the file number of the label layout data stored in advance in the nonvolatile memory 42 is not known, an operation for selecting an item to be printed on the label is performed. The layout data of a desired format can be read out from a plurality of files, and the label can be printed in a format including items to be printed by the user who is the label issuer. Further, the discount rate information, the original price information, and the like can be set to objects that can be changed when issued by the label printer 1A, so that values arbitrarily input by the user can be printed.

  Furthermore, if file numbers are assigned according to a predetermined layout management table as shown in FIG. 26, the same file format used in conventional label creation applications and label printers can be used, and the layout data is the conventional one. Therefore, compatibility with existing label production applications and label printers can be ensured. Also, the label layout can be easily changed or replaced.

  The file number may be generated by a method other than the calculation using the above-described equation (1). For example, an offset value corresponding to an item to be printed on a label may be associated with a file number digit. In the above example, the type of barcode printed on the label is “Two copies of code128”, the discount method is “% discount”, the half price display is “not printed”, the original price is “printed”, and the latter price is When “Print” is selected, the offset values are A1 = 14, A2 = 0, A3 = 0, A4 = 2, A5 = 1, and the file number is “140021”. However, in this method, the number of digits of the file number increases as the number of items increases. A method of creating a folder for each item is also conceivable. However, as the number of items increases, the hierarchy becomes deeper and it is necessary to specify a folder, so the procedure for updating the file becomes complicated.

  The present invention is applied to a label printer in which a plurality of formats are prepared in advance.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A ... Label printer, 2 ... Label, 40 ... CPU, 42 ... Nonvolatile memory, 43 ... Operation display part, TB ... Layout management table

Claims (8)

A storage unit that is composed of layout data of at least two types of formats that can be printed on a single label, and that stores a plurality of layout data across a plurality of labels corresponding to the number of formats, as a single file. When,
In the multi-sheet printing process in which the multi-sheet layout data is read from the storage unit and printed on a label, printing is continuously performed on a plurality of labels according to the number of formats constituting the multi-sheet layout data. A label printer comprising: control means for performing control. The storage means stores one-sheet layout data composed of layout data that can be printed on one label,
2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs a control to print on a single label in a single-sheet output process in which the single-sheet layout data is read from the storage unit and printed on a label. Label printer. The control means detects an end position of the label or a print start position by an optical sensor, and in the process of printing a plurality of labels, a predetermined number of times according to the number of labels printed by the plurality of print layout data The label printer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an end position of a label or a print start position is detected every time. On the other surface of the release paper on which the label is releasably attached to one surface, a printable area mark for detecting the end position of the label is formed,
The control means reads the printable area mark to detect the end position of the label, and in the process of outputting a plurality of labels, a predetermined number according to the number of labels printed by the plurality of layout output data. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein the leading edge of the label is detected every number of times. In the process of outputting a plurality of labels, the control means ignores the detection of the leading edge of the label for a predetermined number of times according to the number of labels printed by the multiple-sheet printing layout data after detecting the leading edge of the label. The label printer according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by the above-mentioned. The control means reads the printable area mark to detect the leading edge and the trailing edge of the label, sets the printable area, and prints with the multiple-sheet-layout layout data in the process of multiple-label printing. 6. A label printer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein a printable area over a plurality of labels is set. The label printer according to claim 6, wherein the control unit sets a printable area corresponding to layout data for a predetermined one of the plurality of layout data. Each layout is composed of at least two types of layout data that can be printed on one label, and multiple layout data that spans multiple labels according to the number of formats is saved as one file. Feature storage media.

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