JP2011232716A - Label creating system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an operator, in an actual execution of label creation, to visually identify at a glance a quantity and a connection state of label creating devices as well as a variety of information on the respective label creating devices.SOLUTION: In a label creating system LS, a label creating device 200 outputs device related information of its own to a label creating device 100 through a communication cable 9b. The label creating device 100 outputs device related information of its own as well as the device related information on the label creating device 200 input through the communication cable 9b to an operation terminal 400 through a communication cable 9a. The operation terminal 400 shows on a display unit 401, in list form, a connection state diagram showing connection states of the label creating devices 100 and 200 with the operation terminal 400 as well as individual states of the label creating devices 100 and 200 that are generated from the device related information on the label creating devices 100 and 200 input through the communication cable 9a.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label production system for producing a print label by printing on a label tape.

  Conventionally, multiple label creation devices that print out desired characters and produce printed labels while feeding out the label tape from a roll in which a label tape (indefinite length roll sheet) is wound into a roll are connected to a network Such a label producing system is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, a label producing apparatus (tape printing apparatus) that prints characters, symbols, designs, etc. while feeding a label tape (label tape) from a tape cartridge (tape cassette) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 2). ).

JP 2007-317157 A JP 2008-234481 A

  In Patent Document 1, a plurality of label producing apparatuses are connected to an operation terminal via a network. Each of these label producing apparatuses detects the type of the label tape and outputs the detection result to the operation terminal. When an operator performs a label creation operation in a desired form on the operation terminal, the operation terminal determines a suitable label creation device based on the label tape type detection result in each of the label creation devices. Then, an instruction signal corresponding to the label producing operation by the operator is input to the determined label producing apparatus via the network. In the label producing apparatus, a print label is produced in accordance with the label producing operation based on the input instruction signal.

  However, in Patent Document 1, in order to create a label in an aspect intended by the operator using a plurality of label producing devices as appropriate, a plurality of label producing devices and an operation terminal are connected using a LAN cable or a wireless LAN. Network connection in advance. It is labor intensive for the operator to construct such a system with a large network connection in a fixed manner. In addition, the network connection may cause a recognition error or a communication error due to the influence of the communication environment or the like, and quick recovery in that case is not easy for an operator with a normal skill. Therefore, Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in that a plurality of label producing apparatuses can be used more easily.

  In Patent Document 2, one label producing apparatus is connected to an operation terminal via a communication cable. When the operator performs an appropriate operation on the operation terminal, the operation terminal displays the width of the label tape detected by the label producing apparatus connected via the communication cable.

  However, in Patent Document 2, no particular consideration is given to the case where a plurality of label producing apparatuses are connected. Even when a plurality of label producing devices are sequentially connected, it is more convenient to display the number of label producing devices, the connection state, and various information for each of these label producing devices on the operation terminal side. Such a matter is not particularly considered in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2.

  An object of the present invention is to allow an operator to visually recognize the number of label producing apparatuses, the connection state, and various types of information for each of these label producing apparatuses at a glance when actually producing labels. It is to provide a label production system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention provides a first cartridge holder in which a first tape cartridge having a first label tape roll wound with a first label tape is detachable, and the first cartridge holder. First tape detecting means for detecting the type of the first label tape of the first tape cartridge mounted on the first tape, and the first label tape supplied from the first tape cartridge mounted on the first cartridge holder And a first printing means for performing desired printing on the first label tape conveyed by the first conveyance means, the first label tape being A second tape car provided with a first label producing device capable of producing a print label using a second label tape roll wound with a second label tape A second cartridge holder capable of detaching a ridge, a second tape detecting means for detecting the type of the second label tape of the second tape cartridge mounted on the second cartridge holder, and mounted on the second cartridge holder A second conveying means for conveying the second label tape supplied from the second tape cartridge; and a second printing means for performing desired printing on the second label tape conveyed by the second conveying means. At least one second label producing device having two printing means and capable of producing a printed label using the second label tape, an operation terminal for operating the first label producing device, and a host device A label producing system having a plurality of communication cables each having a one-side connection portion connected to the target device and a second-side connection portion connected to the target device. Thus, the first label producing device includes a first target connection means for detachably mounting the other side connection portion of the communication cable having the one side connection portion connected to the operation terminal; 1st host connection means which attaches | detaches the said 1 side connection part of the said communication cable by which the said other side connection part was connected to 2 label production apparatuses, and the 1st apparatus related to the said 1st label production apparatus First output means for outputting information and second apparatus related information related to the second label producing apparatus to the operation terminal via the communication cable attached to the first target connection means. The second label producing device can attach the other side connection portion of the communication cable to which the one side connection portion is connected to the first host connection means of the first label producing device. First A second target connection means; and a second output means for outputting the second device related information relating to the second label producing device via the communication cable attached to the second target connection means. And the first output means of the first label producing apparatus outputs the first apparatus related information and the second output outputted from the second output means of the second label producing apparatus and inputted via the communication cable. 2 device-related information is output to the operation terminal, and the operation terminal outputs the first device-related information input from the first output unit of the first label producing device and input via the communication cable, and the first A connection state diagram representing a connection state of the first label producing device and the second label producing device with respect to the operation terminal configured based on two device-related information, and the first label producing device And individual state of each micro-second label producing apparatus, characterized by comprising display means for displaying a list.

  In the first invention of the present application, the operation terminal and the first label producing device, and the first label producing device and the second label producing device are connected to each other by a communication cable.

  In connection between the operation terminal and the first label producing apparatus, one side connection portion of the communication cable is connected to the operation terminal, and the other side connection of the communication cable is connected to the first target connection means of the first label producing apparatus. Parts are connected. Thereby, in a functional relationship between the operation terminal and the first label producing device, the operation terminal functions as a host device and the first label producing device functions as a target device.

  When the first tape cartridge is loaded into the first cartridge holder of the first label producing apparatus, the type of the first label tape provided in the first tape cartridge is detected by the first tape detecting means, The first label tape is supplied from the first tape cartridge and conveyed by one conveying means. Desired printing is performed by the first printing means on the conveyed first label tape, and a printed label is created.

  On the other hand, in the connection between the first label producing apparatus and the second label producing apparatus, the one side connection portion of the communication cable is connected to the first host connecting means of the first label producing apparatus, and the second label producing apparatus The other-side connection portion of the communication cable is connected to the second target connection means. Thereby, in the functional relationship between the first label producing device and the second label producing device, the first label producing device functions as a host device, and the second label producing device functions as a target device.

  As in the case of the first label producing apparatus, when the second tape cartridge is mounted on the second cartridge holder of the second label producing apparatus, the type of the second label tape provided in the second tape cartridge is determined. While being detected by the second tape detecting means, the second label tape is supplied from the second tape cartridge and conveyed by the second conveying means. Desired printing is performed by the second printing means on the conveyed second label tape, and a printed label is created.

  In the above case, in the second label producing apparatus, the second apparatus related information is output to the first label producing apparatus via the communication cable by the second output means. In the first label producing device, the first device related information and the second device related information inputted from the second label producing device are outputted to the operation terminal by the first output means via the communication cable. In the operation terminal, the first label producing device and the second label producing device for the operation terminal configured based on the first device related information and the second device related information input from the first label producing device. A connection state diagram representing the connection state and the individual states of the first label producing device and the second label producing device are displayed as a list by the display means.

  As a result, according to the first invention of the present application, when creating a label using a plurality of label producing devices, it is possible to easily connect as many label producing devices as necessary via a simple communication cable connection, The system can be configured easily and easily. At this time, in the operation terminal, the device related information related to the first label producing device and the second label producing device is totaled, the connection state of each label producing device, and the individual state for each label producing device, Can be displayed as a list by the display means. Therefore, when actually creating a label, the number of label producing apparatuses, the connection state, and various types of information for each label producing apparatus can be visually recognized by an operator at a glance.

  According to a second invention, in the first invention, a plurality of the second label producing devices are provided, and each of the plurality of second label producing devices attaches and detaches the one side connection portion of the communication cable. A second host connecting means that can be attached, the one side connecting portion of the communication cable being attached to the second host connecting means of one of the second label producing devices, and the other of the communication cables being attached The plurality of second label producing devices are sequentially connected via the communication cable by attaching a side connection portion to the second target connecting means of the other second label producing device, The second target connection means provided in one of the second label production apparatuses is connected to the first host connection means of the first label production apparatus. The communication cable to which the one side connection portion is connected is detachably attached to the other side connection portion, and each of the second output means of the plurality of second label producing devices includes the second output means. The second device related information related to the two label producing device and the second device related information outputted from the second output means of another second label producing device and inputted via the communication cable are output together. It is characterized by doing.

  In the second invention of the present application, a plurality of second label producing apparatuses are sequentially connected by a communication cable. In the connection between the plurality of second label producing apparatuses, the one-side connection portion of the communication cable is connected to the second host connecting means of one second label producing apparatus, and the other second label producing apparatus is connected. The other side connection portion of the communication cable is connected to the second target connection means. Further, the second target connection means of one second label producing apparatus is connected to the other side connection portion of the communication cable connected to the first host connecting means of the first label producing apparatus. Thereby, the operation terminal, the first label producing device (first target connecting means, the first host connecting means), and the one second label producing device (second target connecting means, the second host connecting means), The second label producing apparatus (second target connecting means / second host connecting means) to the next second label producing apparatus, one first label producing apparatus and a plurality of second label producing apparatuses. It is possible to reliably realize a system configuration in which the two-label producing apparatus is sequentially connected via a communication cable.

  At this time, in the functional relationship between one second label producing device and the other second label producing device, one second label producing device functions as a host device, and the other second label producing device. Functions as the target device. In this case, in the other second label producing apparatus, the second apparatus related information is outputted to the one second label producing apparatus via the communication cable by the second output means. The second output means of one of the second label producing devices combines the second device related information inputted in this way and its own second device related information together with another second label producing device (or Sequentially output to the first label producing apparatus).

  In this way, a plurality of second label producing devices sequentially connected to the second label producing device to the second label producing device through the communication cable are finally transferred to the operation terminal via the first label producing device. Can be connected. As a result, in the operation terminal, the device-related information related to the first label producing device and the plurality of second label producing devices is totaled, the connection state of each label producing device, and the individual state for each label producing device, Can be displayed as a list by the display means. As a result, it is possible to make the operator visually recognize at a glance the number of label producing apparatuses, the connection state, and various information for each of the label producing apparatuses.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the first label producing device inputs a first device inquiry signal for inquiring about the first device related information from the operation terminal. And the first output means responds to the first device inquiry signal inputted by the first signal input means, and the second device-related information and the second of the second label producing device. At least one of the second device related information output from the output means and input via the communication cable is output to the operation terminal.

  In the third invention of the present application, a first device inquiry signal is output from the operation terminal to the first label producing device. The first label producing device outputs its own first device related information and at least one second device related information acquired as described above to the operation terminal as a response to the first device inquiry signal. As a result, on the operation terminal, the connection state of each label producing device and the individual state for each label producing device can be reliably displayed as a list on the display means.

  In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the second label producing device sends a second device inquiry signal for inquiring about the second device related information from the first label producing device, or the other second A second signal input means for inputting from the second label producing apparatus, wherein the second output means is provided to the second label producing apparatus in response to the second apparatus inquiry signal inputted by the second signal input means. The related second device related information is output to the first label producing device (parent device), or the second device related information relating to the second label producing device and another second label producing device The second apparatus related information output from the second output means and input via the communication cable is output to the first label producing apparatus.

  In the fourth invention of the present application, a first device inquiry signal is output from the operation terminal to the first label producing device, and a second device inquiry signal corresponding thereto is sent from the first label producing device to the second label producing device. (Or sequentially to another second label producing apparatus). The second label producing device outputs its second device related information to the first label producing device as a response to the second device inquiry signal, or as described above with its own second device related information. Together with the second device related information relating to another second label producing device acquired in this way, and outputting it to the first label producing device as a response to the second device inquiry signal. As a result, on the operation terminal, the connection state of each label producing device and the individual state for each label producing device can be reliably displayed as a list on the display means.

  In a fifth aspect based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first apparatus related information includes type information of the first label tape based on a detection result by the first tape detection unit, the first It includes first tape related information including at least one of color information of the label tape and remaining amount information of the first label tape, and the second device related information is a detection result by the second tape detecting means. Second tape related information comprising at least one of the second label tape type information, the second label tape color information, and the second label tape remaining amount information. And

  This allows the operator to visually and surely recognize the type, color, remaining amount, and the like of the label tape of the tape cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder of each label producing apparatus at a glance.

  In a sixth aspect based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the first device related information includes identification information of the first label producing device, operation state information of the first printing means, and the first label. Among the identification information of the second label producing device corresponding to the target device of the producing device, includes at least one first main body related information, and the second device related information is the identification of the second label producing device. Second body related information comprising at least one of information, operation state information of the second printing means, and identification information of another second label producing apparatus corresponding to the target device of the second label producing apparatus. It is characterized by including.

  Thereby, the identification information of each label producing device, the operating state of each printing means, the identification information of the target device, and the like can be visually recognized with certainty by the operator.

  7th invention is the operation | movement which can be connected to the said other side connection part of the said communication cable by which said one side connection part was connected to the said 2nd label production apparatus in any one of the said 1st thru | or 6th invention. The second label creating apparatus further includes device information input means for inputting device-related information related to the operating device from the operating device, and the second output means is provided by the device information input means. The input device-related information is output together with the second device-related information related to the second label producing device, and the first output means of the first label producing device is configured to output the first label of the second label producing device. The at least one second device related information and the device related information output from the two output means and input via the communication cable are output to the operation terminal together with the first device related information; The display means of the production terminal is the first apparatus related information output from the first output means of the first label producing apparatus and inputted via the communication cable, the at least one second apparatus related information, and A connection state diagram representing a connection state of the first label producing device, at least one second label producing device, and the operating device for the operation terminal configured based on the device related information, and the first label A list of the creation device, the at least one second label creation device, and the individual state of each of the operating devices is displayed.

  In the seventh invention of this application, the operating device and the second label producing apparatus are connected to each other by a communication cable. In the connection between the operating device and the second label producing device, the one side connecting portion of the communication cable is connected to the second label producing device, and the other side connecting portion of the communication cable is connected to the operating device. Thereby, in the functional relationship between the operating device and the second label producing device, the second label producing device functions as a host device and the operating device functions as a target device.

  In this case, in the second label producing apparatus connected to the operating device, the device related information related to the operating device is input by the device information input means, and the device related information together with the second device related information is the second output means. Is output to the first label producing apparatus via the communication cable (or to another second label producing apparatus). In the first label producing device, the at least one second device related information and device related information input from the second label producing device together with its own first device related information is connected to the communication cable by the first output means. Output to the operation terminal. In the operation terminal, the first label creation for the operation terminal is configured based on the first device related information, the at least one second device related information, and the device related information input from the first label creating device. The connection state diagram showing the connection state of the device, at least one second label producing device, and the operating device, and the individual state of each of the first label producing device, at least one second label producing device, and the operating device are displayed. Listed by means.

  As a result, the operator can also visually recognize the connection state of the operating device and various information on the operating device.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the first label producing device or the second label producing device is provided on the front surface portion of the casing constituting the device outer shell for the first host. In addition to the connection means or the second host connection means, the first target connection means or the second target connection means is provided on the rear surface of the casing.

  By providing the first or second host connection means on the front surface, it is possible to easily and clearly make a connection on the front surface on the host device side so that the host device becomes the host device and the other side becomes the target device. Further, by providing the first or second target connection means on the back side, it is possible to make the connection so that it becomes a target device of another device inconspicuously on the back side of the device. As a result, it is possible to clearly distinguish the connection location between the two (connection location as the target device and connection location as the host device).

In order to achieve the above object, a ninth aspect of the present invention is a third cartridge holder in which a third tape cartridge having a third label tape roll around which a third label tape is wound is detachable, and the third cartridge holder. Third tape detecting means for detecting the type of the third label tape of the third tape cartridge attached to the third tape, and the third label tape supplied from the third tape cartridge attached to the third cartridge holder And a third printing means for performing desired printing on the third label tape conveyed by the third conveyance means, and the third label tape A fourth tape car comprising a third label producing device capable of producing a print label using a fourth label tape roll wound with a fourth label tape A fourth cartridge holder capable of detaching a ridge, a fourth tape detecting means for detecting the type of the fourth label tape of the fourth tape cartridge mounted on the fourth cartridge holder, and mounted on the fourth cartridge holder A fourth conveying means for conveying the fourth label tape supplied from the fourth tape cartridge; and a fourth printing means for performing desired printing on the fourth label tape conveyed by the fourth conveying means. 4 printing means, at least one fourth label producing device capable of producing a printed label using the fourth label tape, an operation terminal for operating the third label producing device, and a host device A communication cable having a one-side connection part for connecting to a target device and a second-side connection part for connecting to a target device. The third label producing device comprises: a third target connecting means for detachably attaching the other side connecting portion of the communication cable having the one side connecting portion connected to the operation terminal; and the fourth label producing Infrared communication means for host for performing information transmission / reception to function as the host device of the apparatus by infrared communication with the fourth label producing apparatus, third apparatus related information relating to the third label producing apparatus, and the third 4th apparatus related information which concerns on 4 label production apparatuses is output to the said operation terminal via the said communication cable with which the said 3rd target connection means was mounted | worn, The 4th label The creation device transmits and receives information for functioning as the target device of the third label creation device or the other fourth label creation device. Target infrared communication means for performing infrared communication with the line communication means or the other fourth label producing apparatus, and the fourth apparatus related information related to the fourth label producing apparatus via the target infrared communication means. And a fourth output means for outputting to the third label producing device or the other fourth label producing device, wherein the third output means of the third label producing device is the third device. The related information and at least one fourth device related information output from the fourth output unit of the fourth label producing device and input by the infrared communication is output to the operation terminal, The third device related information output from the third output means of the third label producing device and input via the communication cable and the at least one fourth device A connection state diagram representing a connection state of the third label producing device and at least one fourth label producing device with respect to the operation terminal configured based on the link information; A display means for displaying a list of the individual states of the fourth label producing devices is provided.

  In the ninth invention of this application, the operation terminal and the third label producing device are connected by a communication cable, and the third label producing device and the fourth label producing device are connected by infrared communication.

  In connection between the operation terminal and the third label producing apparatus, one side connection portion of the communication cable is connected to the operation terminal, and the other side connection of the communication cable is connected to the third target connection means of the third label producing apparatus. Parts are connected. Thereby, in a functional relationship between the operation terminal and the third label producing device, the operation terminal functions as a host device and the third label producing device functions as a target device.

  When the third tape cartridge is attached to the third cartridge holder of the third label producing apparatus, the type of the third label tape provided in the third tape cartridge attached to the third cartridge holder is the third tape detecting means. And the third label tape is supplied from the third tape cartridge and conveyed by the third conveying means. Desired printing is performed on the conveyed third label tape by the third printing means, and a printed label is created.

  On the other hand, in connection between the third label producing apparatus and the fourth label producing apparatus, the third label producing apparatus is provided with the host infrared communication means, and the fourth label producing apparatus is provided with the target infrared communication means. Thereby, in the functional relationship between the third label producing device and the fourth label producing device, the third label producing device functions as a host device, and the fourth label producing device functions as a target device.

  As in the case of the third label producing apparatus, when the fourth tape cartridge is attached to the fourth cartridge holder of the fourth label producing apparatus, the fourth tape cartridge provided in the fourth cartridge holder is provided. The type of the 4-label tape is detected by the fourth tape detecting means, and the fourth label tape is supplied from the fourth tape cartridge and conveyed by the fourth conveying means. Desired printing is performed on the conveyed fourth label tape by the fourth printing means, and a printed label is created.

  In such a case, in the fourth label producing apparatus, the fourth apparatus related information is output by the fourth output means to the third label producing apparatus via infrared communication from the target infrared communication means. In the third label producing device, the third device related information and the fourth device related information input from the fourth label producing device are output to the operation terminal by the third output means via the communication cable. In the operation terminal, the third label producing device and the fourth label producing device for the operation terminal configured based on the third device related information and the fourth device related information input from the third label producing device. A connection state diagram representing the connection state and the individual states of the third label producing device and the fourth label producing device are displayed as a list by the display means.

  In the ninth invention of the present application, it is also possible to connect another fourth label producing apparatus to the above fourth label producing apparatus using infrared communication, and one of the fourth label producing apparatuses is a host. It functions as a device, and the other fourth label producing apparatus functions as a target device. In this case, in the other fourth label producing apparatus, the fourth apparatus related information is output to one fourth label producing apparatus through infrared communication by the fourth output means. The fourth output means of one of the fourth label producing devices described above is combined with the fourth device related information relating to the other fourth label producing device inputted in this way and its own fourth device related information. (The same applies to the case where a new fourth label producing apparatus is further connected to the other fourth label producing apparatus through infrared communication in sequence).

  As a result, according to the ninth invention of the present application, when creating labels using a plurality of label producing apparatuses, it is possible to simplify a plurality of label producing apparatuses as necessary through simple communication cable connection or infrared communication connection. The system can be configured easily and easily. At this time, in the operation terminal, the device-related information related to the third label producing device and the fourth label producing device is totaled, the connection state of each label producing device, and the individual state for each label producing device, Can be displayed as a list by the display means. Therefore, when actually creating a label, the number of label producing apparatuses, the connection state, and various types of information for each label producing apparatus can be visually recognized by an operator at a glance.

  In a tenth aspect based on the ninth aspect, the third label producing apparatus comprises the host infrared communication means on a side surface on one side in the left-right direction of the casing constituting the apparatus outer shell. The four-label producing device is characterized in that the target infrared communication means is provided on the side surface of the other side in the left-right direction of the casing constituting the outer shell of the device.

  Thereby, the 3rd label production apparatus and the 4th label production apparatus which mutually transmit / receive information by infrared communication can be arranged side by side, aligning the direction of the front-back direction.

  According to the present invention, when actually creating a label, the operator can visually recognize at a glance the number of label producing devices, the connection state, and various types of information for each of the label producing devices. .

It is a system configuration figure showing the label creation system of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the external appearance structure of the cartridge holder inside a housing | casing and the cartridge with which it is mounted | worn in the state which opened and closed the lid | cover of the label production apparatus. It is a top view which shows the peripheral part of the cartridge holder of the state with the cartridge mounted | worn with a cartridge. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of a label production apparatus. It is the top view and bottom view showing an example of the appearance of a printed label. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a transverse cross-sectional view taken along the VI-VI ′ section by 90 ° rotation. A control procedure executed by the operation terminal and each label producing device when displaying a connection state diagram representing the connection state of each label producing device with respect to the operation terminal and the individual state of each label producing device on the display unit FIG. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the display screen displayed on the display part of an operating terminal. In the modification which has three label production apparatuses, it is a system block diagram showing a label production system. A control procedure executed by the operation terminal and each label producing device when displaying a connection state diagram representing the connection state of each label producing device with respect to the operation terminal and the individual state of each label producing device on the display unit FIG. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the display screen displayed on the display part of an operating terminal. FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a label creation system in a modification example in which an operation device is connected to the label creation device. When displaying a connection state diagram representing the connection state of each label producing device and barcode reader to the operation terminal and the individual state of each label producing device and barcode reader on the display unit, the operation terminal and each label It is a sequence diagram showing the control procedure which a creation apparatus and a barcode reader perform. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the display screen displayed on the display part of an operating terminal. FIG. 10 is a system configuration diagram showing a label producing system in a modification in which label producing apparatuses are connected by infrared communication. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of a label production apparatus. A control procedure executed by the operation terminal and each label producing device when displaying a connection state diagram representing the connection state of each label producing device with respect to the operation terminal and the individual state of each label producing device on the display unit FIG.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a label creation system according to the present embodiment. 1A is a perspective view of the label production system as viewed from the front side of each component, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the label production system as viewed from the back side of each component. is there.

  1A and 1B, the label creation system LS includes two communication cables 9a and 9b, an operation terminal 400, and two print labels L (see FIG. 5 described later). Label producing apparatuses 100 and 200.

  In this example, the communication cables 9a and 9b are each a well-known Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. Each of these communication cables 9a and 9b has a first connector (one side connection portion, so-called series A plug) connected to the host device, and a second connector (other side connection portion, so-called series B plug) connected to the target device. And a cable body 9M disposed between the first connector 9H and the second connector 9T. Hereinafter, as appropriate, these communication cables 9a and 9b (including other communication cables 9c and 9d as will be described later) are collectively referred to simply as “communication cable 9”.

  The operation terminal 400 is a general-purpose personal computer for operating a label producing apparatus (label producing apparatus 100 as will be described later in the present embodiment) corresponding to the target device. The operation terminal 400 includes a display unit 401 (display unit) made up of a liquid crystal display, an operation unit 402 made up of a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and a host socket 403H (removably attached to the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9). So-called USB jack A type). The host connector 403H is attached with the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9a to which the second connector 9T is connected to the target socket 105T (described later) of the label producing apparatus 100.

  The label producing apparatus 100 (first label producing apparatus) includes an upper surface portion 108, a lower surface portion (not shown), a front surface portion 109, a back surface portion 110, and left and right side surface portions 106 and 107 that constitute the outer shell of the device. The housing 101s has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

  The upper surface part 108 is provided with an openable / closable lid 102 that can be opened and closed.

  A tape outlet 104 for discharging the printed tape 23 (see FIG. 3 described later) created inside the housing 101s and the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9 are detachably mounted on the front surface 109. Host socket 105H (first host connection means, so-called USB jack A type) is provided. The host connector 105H is attached with the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9b to which the second connector 9T is connected to the target socket 205T (described later) of the label producing apparatus 200.

  The back surface portion 110 is provided with a target socket 105T (first target connection means, so-called USB jack B type) to which the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9 is detachably attached. In the target socket 105T, the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9a to which the first connector 9H is connected to the host socket 403H of the operation terminal 400 is attached.

  The label producing apparatus 200 (second label producing apparatus) includes an upper surface portion 208, a lower surface portion (not shown), a front surface portion 209, a back surface portion 210, and left and right side surface portions 206 and 207, which form the outer shell of the device. The housing 201s has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

  The upper surface 208 is provided with an openable / closable lid 202 that can be opened and closed.

  A tape outlet 204 for discharging the printed tape 23 created in the housing 201s and a first socket 9H of the communication cable 9 are detachably attached to the front surface portion 209 of the host socket 205H (first connector). 2 host connection means, so-called USB jack A type). In the present embodiment, the host socket 205H may be omitted.

  The back surface portion 210 is provided with a target socket 205T (second target connection means, so-called USB jack B type) to which the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9 is detachably attached. The target socket 205T is mounted with the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9b to which the first connector 9H is connected to the host socket 105H of the label producing apparatus 100.

  The communication cable 9a may be configured integrally with the operation terminal 400 side. In this case, the communication cable 9a is integrated with the operation terminal 400 by omitting the first connector 9H, and the second connector 9T provided at the distal end thereof is detachably attached to the target socket 105T of the label producing apparatus 100. It is done. Or you may comprise the communication cable 9a integrally with the label production apparatus 100 side. In this case, the communication cable 9a is integrated with the label producing apparatus 100 by omitting the second connector 9T, and the first connector 9H provided at the distal end of the communication cable 9a is detachably attached to the host socket 403H of the operation terminal 400. It is done.

  Further, the communication cable 9b may be integrated with the label producing apparatus 100 side. In this case, the communication cable 9b has an integrated structure with the label producing apparatus 100 with the first connector 9H omitted, and the second connector 9T provided on the tip side of the communication cable 9b can be attached to and detached from the target socket 205T of the label producing apparatus 200. It is attached. Or you may comprise the communication cable 9b integrally with the label production apparatus 200 side. In this case, the communication cable 9b has an integrated structure with the label producing apparatus 200, omitting the second connector 9T, and the first connector 9H provided at the distal end thereof is detachably attached to the host socket 105H of the label producing apparatus 100. It is done.

  Further, the first connector 9H of the new communication cable 9 is attached to the host socket 205H of the label producing apparatus 200, and the communication is made to the target socket of another label producing apparatus (another second label producing apparatus). By attaching the second connector 9T of the cable 9, the label producing apparatus 200 and the another label producing apparatus may be connected (see a modification of (1) described later).

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the cartridge holder inside the housing 101s and the cartridge to be attached thereto in a state where the opening / closing lid 102 of the label producing apparatus 100 is opened. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the opening / closing lid 102 opened upward is omitted in order to avoid the complexity of the illustration.

  In FIG. 2, a cartridge holder 27, the print head 19, a tape feed roller drive shaft 30, a ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31, and a cartridge sensor 37 are provided inside the housing 101 s of the label producing apparatus 100. ing.

  The cartridge holder 27 (first cartridge holder) is configured to be detachable from a cartridge 10 (first tape cartridge) for supplying a label tape (a cover film 11 in the example shown in FIG. 3 to be described later) as a printing medium. Yes.

  The print head 19 (first printing means) performs desired printing on the label tape (the cover film 11 in the example shown in FIG. 3 described later) conveyed by the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the like.

  The tape feed roller drive shaft 30 (first transport means) is for transporting the label tape (cover film 11 in the example shown in FIG. 3 to be described later) supplied from the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27. It is a drive shaft. The ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 is a drive shaft for transporting the ink ribbon 13 for printing (see FIG. 3 described later). The tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 are rotationally driven in conjunction with each other.

  The cartridge sensor 37 (first tape detecting means) detects the detected portion 24 (see FIG. 3 described later) formed on the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 and detects the type of the cartridge 10. The type of the label tape in the cartridge 10, for example, the tape type (cover film, receptor tape, heat sensitive tape, etc.) or tape width (6 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, etc.) is indirectly detected.

  On the other hand, in this example, the cartridge 10 is a box formed entirely in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a head insertion opening 39 penetrating both the front and back surfaces is formed in a part thereof.

  FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the peripheral portion of the cartridge holder 27 with the cartridge 10 attached together with the cartridge 10. 3, 4, 5, and 6, the case where the type of the cartridge 10 attached to the cartridge holder 27 is a so-called laminate type will be described as an example.

  In FIG. 3, the cartridge 10 is detachably accommodated in the cartridge holder 27 which is a recess in the housing 101s. The cartridge 10 includes a base tape roll 17, a cover film roll 12, a ribbon supply side roll 14, a ribbon take-up roller 15, and a tape feed roller 18.

  The base tape roll 17 has the base tape 16 wound around a base tape spool 17a.

  The base tape 16 has a laminated structure of a plurality of layers (4 layers in this example) (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3). That is, the pressure-sensitive adhesive for bonding the cover film 11 made of a suitable pressure-sensitive adhesive from the side wound inside (right side in the partial enlarged view of FIG. 3) to the opposite side (left side in the partial enlarged view of FIG. 3). The layer 16a, for example, a tape base layer 16b made of polyethylene terephthalate, an adhesive layer 16c made of an appropriate adhesive, and a release paper 16d are laminated in this order.

  The release paper 16d can be adhered to the pasting object by the adhesive layer 16c by peeling off the finally completed printing label L (see FIG. 5 described later). It is paper for doing so.

  The cover film roll 12 (first label tape roll) has a cover film 11 (first label tape), which is a kind of the label tape, wound around a cover film spool 12a.

  The ribbon supply side roll 14 has a printing ink ribbon 13 wound around a ribbon supply side spool 14a.

  The ribbon take-up roller 15 includes a ribbon take-up spool 15a, and is driven by the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 on the cartridge holder 27 side to take up the printed (used) ink ribbon 13. The ribbon is wound around the ribbon take-up spool 15a.

  The tape feed roller 18 is driven by the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 on the cartridge holder 27 side so that the base tape 16 and the cover film 11 are pressed and bonded to form a printed tape 23, while the arrow in FIG. The tape is fed in the direction indicated by T. That is, the tape feed roller 18 also functions as a so-called tape pressure roller.

  The ribbon take-up roller 15 and the tape feed roller 18 are driven by a driving force of a tape feed motor 33 (see FIG. 4 described later) provided outside the cartridge 10 via a gear mechanism (not shown). By being transmitted to the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 30, they are driven to rotate in conjunction with each other.

  Further, the cartridge 10 has a detected portion 24 at a corner opposite to the tape feeding roller 18 (upper right corner in FIG. 3). The detected portion 24 is provided with a plurality of switch holes in a predetermined pattern. The pattern of the switch holes of the detected portion 24 represents the type of label tape in the cartridge 10 (tape type, tape width, etc.).

  In the present embodiment, various types of cartridges 10 having different types of label tape are prepared, and any of the cartridges 10 can be selectively mounted on the cartridge holder 27.

  On the other hand, the cartridge holder 27 includes the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 that drives the ribbon take-up roller 15, the tape feed roller drive shaft 30, the print head 19, and the cartridge sensor 37 (shown in FIG. 3). (See FIG. 2) and a roller holder 22.

  In this example, the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 conveys the cover film 11, the base tape 16, and the printed tape 23 by driving the tape feed roller 18.

  The print head 19 includes a large number of heating elements. In this example, the print head 19 performs printing on a predetermined print area of the cover film 11 fed out from the cover film roll 12.

  The cartridge sensor 37 indirectly detects the type of the label tape in the cartridge 10 by detecting the pattern of the switch hole of the detected portion 24 and detecting the type of the cartridge 10. The cartridge sensor 37 may be configured so that the type of label tape can be directly detected. Further, when the type of cartridge 10 that can be mounted is uniquely determined to be one specific type, the cartridge sensor 37 may not have the function of detecting the type of the cartridge 10 as described above. It is only necessary to have a function of detecting that the cartridge 10 is mounted on the cartridge holder 27.

  The roller holder 22 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 29 and can be switched between a printing position and a release position by a switching mechanism. A platen roller 20 and a tape pressure roller 21 are rotatably disposed in the roller holder 22. When the roller holder 22 is switched to the printing position, the platen roller 20 and the tape pressure roller 21 are The print head 19 and the tape feed roller 18 are pressed against each other.

  Further, a cutter 28 is disposed in the cartridge holder 27 adjacent to a tape outlet (not shown) of the cartridge 10. The cutter 28 is operated by operating a cutter drive button 38 (see FIG. 4 described later), and cuts the printed tape 23 into a predetermined length to generate a print label L.

  In the above configuration, after the cartridge 10 is mounted on the cartridge holder 27, the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 are driven to rotate in synchronization with each other by the driving force of the tape feed motor 33. As the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 is driven, the tape feed roller 18, the platen roller 20, and the tape pressure roller 21 rotate to feed the base tape 16 from the base tape roll 17, and the tape feed roller 18 as described above. Supplied to. On the other hand, the cover film 11 is fed out from the cover film roll 12, and a plurality of heating elements of the print head 19 are energized by a print head drive circuit 32 (see FIG. 4 described later). At this time, the ink ribbon 13 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 11 by being pressed by the print head 19. As a result, desired printing (mirror image printing) is performed in a predetermined printing area on the back surface of the cover film 11. The base tape 16 and the cover film 11 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by a tape feeding roller 18 and a tape pressing roller 21 to form a printed tape 23, and the cartridge 10 is removed from the tape discharge port. It is carried out to. Then, the printed tape 23 is cut by the cutter 28, and a print label L on which a desired print is made is generated.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 100.

  In FIG. 4, a control circuit 40 is disposed on a control board (not shown) of the label producing apparatus 100. The control circuit 40 is provided with a CPU 44, which is connected to an input / output interface 41, a ROM 46, an EEPROM 47, a RAM 48, and a communication interface (“communication I / F” in the drawing) via a data bus 42. 43T and 43H are connected.

  The ROM 46 reads out data from a print buffer 48B, which will be described later, and a print drive control program for driving the print head 19 and a tape feed motor 33, which will be described later. Various programs necessary for control, such as a cutting drive control program for driving and feeding the tape feed motor 33 and cutting the printed tape 23 by driving a solenoid 35 described later, are stored. The CPU 44 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 46.

  The RAM 48 temporarily stores various calculation results calculated by the CPU 44. The RAM 48 is provided with a text memory 48A, a print buffer 48B, a work memory 48C for storing various calculation data, and the like. Printing data is stored in the text memory 48A.

  The communication interface 43T is composed of, for example, a USB or the like, and performs information communication (for example, serial communication) with the host device via the communication cable 9. The communication interface 43H is composed of, for example, a USB or the like, and performs information communication (for example, serial communication) with the target device via the communication cable 9.

  Connected to the input / output interface 41 are a print head drive circuit 32 for driving the print head 19, a tape feed motor drive circuit 34, a solenoid drive circuit 36, the cartridge sensor 37, and a cutter drive button 38. Has been.

  The tape feed motor drive circuit 34 drives the tape feed motor 33 to drive the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31.

  The solenoid drive circuit 36 drives a solenoid 35 that drives the cutter 28 to perform a cutting operation.

  The cutter driving button 38 is a button for the operator to manually operate the cutter 28 to set the print label L (see FIG. 5 described later) to a desired length.

  The functional configuration of the label creating apparatus 200 other than that shown in FIG. 1 is substantially the same as the functional configuration of the label creating apparatus 100 described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, in the label producing apparatus 200, the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 200 corresponds to the second cartridge holder, and the cartridge 10 that can be attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 27 corresponds to the second tape cartridge. The cover film 11 in the cartridge 10 corresponds to a second label tape, and the cover film roll 12 around which the cover film 11 is wound corresponds to a second label tape. In the label producing apparatus 200, the cartridge sensor 37 functions as a second tape detecting unit, the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 functions as a second conveying unit, and the print head 19 functions as a second printing unit.

  Hereinafter, the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 having the same configuration as described above will be collectively described as appropriate.

  That is, in the control system having the control circuit 40 shown in FIG. 4 as a core, when printing data is input from the operation terminal 400 to the label producing apparatus 100 via the communication cable 9a and the communication interface 43T (or When printing data is input from the label producing apparatus 100 to the label producing apparatus 200 via the communication cable 9b and the communication interface 43T), the printing data is sequentially stored in the text memory 48A. The stored print data is read again and subjected to predetermined conversion by the conversion function of the control circuit 40, whereby dot pattern data is generated and stored in the print buffer 48B. Further, the print head 19 is driven via the print head drive circuit 32, and each of the heating elements is selectively driven to generate heat corresponding to the print dots for one line, and the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 48B is stored. Printing is performed, and in synchronization with this, the tape feed motor 33 performs transport control of the cover film 11 and the like via the tape feed motor drive circuit 34 and finally creates a print label L.

  FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are a top view and a bottom view showing an example of the appearance of the print label L created by the label creating apparatus 100 as described above. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI ′ in FIG.

  5A, 5B, and 6, the print label L has a five-layer structure in which the cover film 11 is added to the base tape 16 shown in FIG. That is, in the order of the cover film 11, the adhesive layer 16a, the tape base layer 16b, the adhesive layer 16c, and the release paper 16d from the surface (upper side in FIG. 6) to the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 6). Stacked and configured.

  Further, on the back surface of the cover film 11, a print R (character “Taro Nagoya” in this example) corresponding to the print data is printed by mirror image printing.

  3 to 6, when the type of the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 is a so-called laminate type, that is, printing is performed on the cover film 11 different from the base tape 16. The case where the print label L is created by pasting together is described as an example. However, the type of the cartridge 10 is not limited to the laminate type, and may be a so-called receptor type or a so-called heat-sensitive type. When the type of the cartridge 10 is a receptor type or a heat-sensitive type, printing is performed on the print-receiving tape layer provided on the base tape itself (the above-mentioned bonding is not performed, so the cover film 11 is wound. The rotated cover film roll 12 is unnecessary), and the print label L is created.

  In this case, a base material tape (a receptor tape in the case of the receptor type, a heat sensitive tape in the case of the heat sensitive type), which is a printing medium in the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 100, is requested. The base tape roll around which the base tape is wound corresponds to the first label tape roll. Further, a base tape (a receptor tape in the case of the receptor type, a thermal tape in the case of the thermal type), which is a printing medium in the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 200, is described in each claim. It corresponds to the second label tape, and the base tape roll around which the base tape is wound corresponds to the second label tape roll.

  Here, the greatest feature of the present embodiment is that the operation terminal 400 is configured based on device-related information (described later) related to the label creating device 100 and device-related information (described later) related to the label creating device 200. The connection state diagram showing the connection state of each label producing device 100, 200 and the individual state of each label producing device 100, 200 are displayed in a list on the display unit 401 of the operation terminal 400.

  FIG. 7 shows a connection state diagram representing the connection state of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 with respect to the operation terminal 400 and the individual state of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 when a list is displayed on the display unit 401. It is a sequence diagram showing the control procedure which the terminal 400 and each label production apparatus 100,200 perform.

  In FIG. 7, first, in step SS <b> 10, the CPU (not shown) of the operation terminal 400 determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed via the operation unit 402. If the predetermined operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. If the predetermined operation is performed, the determination is satisfied and the process proceeds to step SS20.

  In step SS20, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 makes an inquiry signal (first apparatus inquiry signal for inquiring apparatus related information (first apparatus related information) related to the label producing apparatus 100 corresponding to the target device. Signal A ”). The device related information related to the label producing device 100 will be described in detail in step SA40 described later. Then, the generated inquiry signal A is output to the label producing apparatus 100 via the communication cable 9a.

  Accordingly, in step SA10, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 inputs the inquiry signal A output from the operation terminal 400 in step SS20 via the communication cable 9a and the communication interface 43T. This step functions as first signal input means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step SA20, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 makes an inquiry signal (second apparatus inquiry signal, hereinafter appropriate) for inquiring apparatus related information (second apparatus related information) related to the label producing apparatus 200 corresponding to the target device. , Referred to as “inquiry signal B”). The device related information related to the label producing device 200 will be described in detail in step SB20 and the like described later. Then, the generated inquiry signal B is output to the label producing apparatus 200 via the communication interface 43H and the communication cable 9b.

  In step SB10, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 inputs the inquiry signal B output from the label producing apparatus 100 in step SA20 via the communication cable 9b and the communication interface 43T. This step functions as second signal input means described in each claim.

  After that, in step SB20, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 returns the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9b as a response to the inquiry signal B input in step SB10. Output to the label producing apparatus 100. This step functions as second output means described in each claim.

  Here, in the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200, tape related information (second tape related information; hereinafter appropriate) related to the label tape included in the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 200. , And is referred to as “tape related information relating to the label producing apparatus 200”) and main body related information relating to the label producing apparatus 200 (second main body related information).

  In this example, the tape-related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 is label tape type information (information indicating the type of label tape. For example, “tape type” based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 37 of the label producing apparatus 200. : Cover film tape width: 24 mm ") and the remaining amount information of the label tape (representing the remaining amount of the label tape) based on the detection result by the remaining tape amount detection sensor (not shown) provided in the label producing apparatus 200 Information (for example, “remaining tape amount: 4 m”). Note that color information of the label tape related to the label producing apparatus 200 (information indicating the color of the label tape. For example, “tape color; transparent color”) may be added to the tape related information.

  In this example, the main body related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 is identification information of the label producing apparatus 200 (for example, information indicating the model name of the label producing apparatus 200 or unique serial number information. For example, “model name: PT-9800” And “serial No .: SN001001”) and operation state information of the print head 19 provided in the label producing apparatus 200 (information indicating the operation state of the print head 19. For example, “state: printing” and “state: standby”). And is composed of.

  In step SA30, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 inputs the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 output from the label producing apparatus 200 in step SB20 via the communication cable 9b and the communication interface 43H. .

  Thereafter, in step SA40, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 returns the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 and the label producing apparatus input in step SA30 as a response to the inquiry signal A input in step SA10. 200-related information is output to the operation terminal 400 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9a. This step functions as the first output means described in each claim.

  Here, the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 includes tape related information (first tape related information; hereinafter appropriate as related to the label tape included in the cartridge 10 attached to the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 100. , And is referred to as “tape related information related to the label producing apparatus 100”), and main body related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 (first main body related information).

  In this example, the tape-related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 includes the label tape type information based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 37 of the label producing apparatus 100, and the remaining tape amount detection sensor provided in the label producing apparatus 100. And the remaining amount information of the label tape based on the detection result (not shown). In addition, you may make it add the color information of the label tape concerning the said label production apparatus 100 to this tape relevant information.

  In this example, the main body related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 includes identification information of the label producing apparatus 100 (for example, information indicating the model name of the label producing apparatus 100 or unique serial number information) and the label producing apparatus 100. The printing head 19 includes operating state information and identification information of the label producing apparatus 200 corresponding to the target device of the label producing apparatus 100.

  In step SS30, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 outputs the device related information related to the label creating device 100 and the device related information (related to the label creating device 200) output from the label creating device 100 in step SA40. Hereinafter, as appropriate, these are collectively referred to as “apparatus related information relating to the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200”) and input via the communication cable 9a.

  Thereafter, in step SS40, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 determines the connection state of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 with respect to the operation terminal 400 based on the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100, 200 input in step SS30. Display information for displaying a list of connection state diagrams to be displayed and individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 is generated.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SS50, and the CPU of the operation terminal 400 outputs the display information generated in step SS40 to the display unit 401. As a result, the display unit 401 displays a list of connection state diagrams representing the connection states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 with respect to the operation terminal 400 and individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 (see below). 8). Thus, this sequence is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 401 of the operation terminal 400 by executing each control procedure of the sequence illustrated in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, on this display screen, a connection state representing the connection state of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 to the operation terminal 400, which is configured based on the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100, 200. A list and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 are displayed in a list.

  In the connection state diagram, the operation terminal 400 is represented by a desktop personal computer-like symbol Sy1, the label producing apparatus 100 is represented by a label printer-like symbol Sy2, and the label producing apparatus 200 is represented by a symbol Sy3 similar to the symbol Sy2. ing. The connection state (connection relationship) of the operation terminal 400, the label producing apparatus 100, and the label producing apparatus 200 is represented by the symbols Sy1, Sy2, Sy3 and the two block arrows A1, A2.

  That is, the operation terminal 400 and the label producing apparatus 100 are connected to each other by the block arrow A1 connecting the symbols Sy1 and Sy2. In addition, the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 are connected to each other by a block arrow A2 connecting the symbols Sy2 and Sy3.

  The individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 are displayed in balloons B1 and B2 related to the symbols Sy2 and Sy3 representing the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200, respectively.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the identification information (in this example, “model name: PT-9800 <A>”) of the label creating apparatus 100 and the label as the individual state related to the label creating apparatus 100 are included in the balloon B1. Label tape type information relating to the creating apparatus 100 (in this example, “tape type: cover film / 24 mm”) and label tape remaining amount information relating to the label creating apparatus 100 (in this example “tape remaining amount: 8m ") and operation state information (in this example," standby ") of the print head 19 included in the label producing apparatus 100 is displayed.

  Further, in the balloon B2, as individual statuses related to the label creating apparatus 200, identification information of the label creating apparatus 200 (in this example, “model name: PT-9800 <B>”) and the label creating apparatus 200 are related. Label tape type information (in this example, “tape type: thermal tape / 12 mm”), label tape remaining information (in this example, “tape remaining amount: 4 m”) related to the label producing apparatus 200, Operation state information (in this example, “printing”) of the print head 19 included in the label producing apparatus 200 is displayed.

  Note that <A> and <B> displayed in each of the balloons B1 and B2 are device codes, and each of the label creation devices 100, 200 is stored in the EEPROM 47 (see FIG. 4) of each label creation device 100, 200. 200 are identified by the serial number stored as the identification information 200, and are assigned A, B, C...

  The display of the connection state diagram and the individual state is not limited to the display mode and display content as described above, and other display modes and display content may be used.

  As described above, in the label production system LS of the present embodiment, the operation terminal 400 and the label production device 100 are connected to each other by the communication cable 9a, and the label production devices 100 and 200 are connected to each other by the communication cable 9b. Yes.

  In the connection between the operation terminal 400 and the label producing apparatus 100, the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9a is connected to the host socket 403H of the operation terminal 400, and the target socket 105T of the label producing apparatus 100 is connected to the target socket 105T. A second connector 9T of the communication cable 9a is connected. Thereby, in the functional relationship between the operation terminal 400 and the label production apparatus 100, the operation terminal 400 functions as a host apparatus, and the label production apparatus 100 functions as a target apparatus.

  On the other hand, in the connection between the label producing apparatus 100 and the label producing apparatus 200, the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9b is connected to the host socket 105H of the label producing apparatus 100, and the target for the label producing apparatus 200 is used. The second connector 9T of the communication cable 9b is connected to the socket 205T. Thereby, in the functional relationship between the label producing apparatus 100 and the label producing apparatus 200, the label producing apparatus 100 functions as a host device, and the label producing apparatus 200 functions as a target device.

  In such a case, the label producing apparatus 200 outputs its own apparatus related information to the label producing apparatus 100 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9b (see step SB20 in FIG. 7). Then, in the label producing apparatus 100, its own apparatus related information and the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 input from the label producing apparatus 200 are connected to the operation terminal 400 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9a. (See step SB40 in FIG. 7). In the operation terminal 400, the connection state of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 with respect to the operation terminal 400, which is configured based on the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100, 200 input from the label producing apparatus 100, is displayed. The connection state diagram to be displayed and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 are displayed as a list on the display unit 401 (see FIG. 8).

  As a result of the above, according to the present embodiment, when label production is performed using the two label production apparatuses 100 and 200, the two label production apparatuses are connected via the connection with the simple communication cables 9a and 9b. 100 and 200 can be simply connected, and the system can be configured easily and easily. At this time, in the operation terminal 400, the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 is totaled, the connection state of each of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200, and the individual for each of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 The status can be displayed as a list on the display unit 401. Therefore, when actually creating a label, the number of label producing apparatuses, the connection state, and various types of information for each label producing apparatus can be visually recognized by an operator at a glance.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the inquiry signal A is output from the operation terminal 400 to the label producing apparatus 100, and the inquiry signal B corresponding to the inquiry signal B is output from the label producing apparatus 100 to the label producing apparatus 200. The The label producing apparatus 200 outputs its own apparatus related information to the label producing apparatus 100 as a response to the inquiry signal B (see step SB20 in FIG. 7). The label producing apparatus 100 outputs its own apparatus related information and the obtained apparatus related information concerning the label producing apparatus 200 to the operation terminal 400 as a response to the inquiry signal A (see step SA40 in FIG. 7). ). As a result, the operation terminal 400 can reliably display a list of the connection state of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 and the individual state of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 on the display unit 401.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the device-related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 includes the label tape type information based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 37 included in the label producing apparatus 100 and the remaining amount information of the label tape. Contains tape-related information. Further, the device related information related to the label producing device 200 is tape related information composed of label tape type information based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 37 included in the label producing device 200 and the remaining amount information of the label tape. Is included. Thereby, it is possible to make the operator visually and surely recognize the type and remaining amount of the label tape of the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 at a glance.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 includes identification information of the label producing apparatus 100, operation state information of the print head 19 provided in the label producing apparatus 100, and the label producing apparatus 100. Main body related information including identification information of the label producing apparatus 200 corresponding to the target device. The apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 includes main body related information including identification information of the label producing apparatus 200 and operation state information of the print head 19 provided in the label producing apparatus 200. Thereby, the identification information of each label production apparatus 100, 200, the operation state of each print head 19, the identification information of the target device, and the like can be visually recognized reliably at a glance.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the label producing apparatus 100 includes a host socket 105H on the front surface 109 of the housing 101s and a target socket 105T on the back surface 110 of the housing 101s. . The label producing apparatus 200 includes a host socket 205H on the front surface 209 of the housing 201s, and a target socket 205T on the back surface 210 of the housing 201s. By providing the host sockets 105H and 205H on the front side, it is possible to easily and clearly make a connection on the front side on the host device side so that the host socket 105H and 205H are the host device and the other side is the target device. Further, by providing the target sockets 105T and 205T on the back side, it is possible to make the connection so as to become the target device of another device so that it is not conspicuous on the back side of the device. As a result, it is possible to clearly distinguish the connection location between the two (connection location as the target device and connection location as the host device).

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) Case of having three label producing devices In the above embodiment, the case where the label producing system LS includes two label producing devices 100 and 200 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The above label production apparatus may be provided. Hereinafter, a case where the label production system LS includes three label production apparatuses will be described as an example.

  FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are system configuration diagrams showing a label creation system LS of the present modification, and correspond to FIG. 1 described above.

  9A and 9B, the label producing system LS of the present modification includes three communication cables 9a, 9b, 9c, an operation terminal 400, and three label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300. And have. Note that the configurations of the communication cables 9a and 9b, the operation terminal 400, and the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 are the same as those in FIGS. 1A and 1B described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The communication cable 9c has the same structure as the communication cables 9a and 9b (the same thing may be used), and includes the first connector 9H, the second connector 9T, and the cable body 9M described above.

  The label producing apparatus 300 (second label producing apparatus) includes an upper surface portion 308, a lower surface portion (not shown), a front surface portion 309, a back surface portion 310, and left and right side surface portions 306 and 307, which form the outer shell of the device. The housing 301s has a rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole.

  The upper surface portion 308 is provided with an openable / closable lid 302 that can be opened and closed.

  The front portion 309 is detachably mounted with the tape discharge port 304 for discharging the above-described printed tape 23 (see FIG. 3 and the like) created inside the housing 301s and the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9. And a host socket 305H (second host connection means, so-called USB jack A type). In this modification, the host socket 305H may be omitted.

  The rear surface portion 310 is provided with a target socket 305T (second target connection means, so-called USB jack B type) to which the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9 is detachably attached. A second connector 9T of a communication cable 9c to which the first connector 9H is connected is attached to the target socket 305T with respect to the host socket 205H of the label producing apparatus 200.

  Here, in the label producing system LS of the present modification, the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9c is attached to the host socket 205H of the label producing apparatus 200, and the communication is made to the target socket 305T of the label producing apparatus 300. By attaching the second connector 9T of the cable 9c, these two label producing apparatuses 200 and 300 are connected via the communication cable 9c. Of these two label producing apparatuses 200 and 300, the target socket 205T provided in the label producing apparatus 200 is connected to the host socket 105H of the label producing apparatus 100 as in FIG. The second connector 9T of the communication cable 9b to which the first connector 9H is connected is detachably attached.

  Since the other configuration of the label producing system LS of the present modification is the same as that of FIG. 1, the description thereof is omitted. In this modification, the label producing apparatus 200 corresponds to one second label producing apparatus and one second label producing apparatus described in each claim. Further, the label producing apparatus 300 corresponds to the other second label producing apparatus and another second label producing apparatus described in each claim.

  The functional configuration of the label creating apparatus 300 other than that shown in FIG. 9 is substantially the same as the functional configuration of the label creating apparatuses 100 and 200 described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, in the label producing apparatus 300, the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 300 corresponds to the second cartridge holder, and the cartridge 10 that can be attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 27 corresponds to the second tape cartridge. The label tape in the cartridge 10 (the cover film 11 in the case of the laminate type and the base tape in the case of the receptor type and the heat sensitive type) corresponds to the second label tape, and this label tape is wound. The label tape roll (the cover film roll 12 in the case of the laminate type, and the base tape roll in the case of the receptor type and the heat sensitive type) corresponds to the second label tape. In the label producing apparatus 300, the cartridge sensor 37 functions as a second tape detecting unit, the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 functions as a second conveying unit, and the print head 19 functions as a second printing unit.

  The first connector 9H of the new communication cable 9 is attached to the host socket 305H of the label producing apparatus 300, and the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9 is attached to the target socket of another label producing apparatus. Thus, the label producing apparatus 300 may be connected to the other label producing apparatus (another label producing apparatus may be sequentially connected to the other label producing apparatus). That is, the operation terminal 400, the label producing apparatus 100, the label producing apparatus 200, the label producing apparatus 300, the label producing apparatus, the label producing apparatus, and so on may be sequentially connected.

  FIG. 10 shows a list of connection state diagrams representing the connection states of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, and 300 with respect to the operation terminal 400 and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, and 300 on the display unit 401. It is a sequence diagram showing the control procedure which the operation terminal 400 and each label production apparatus 100,200,300 perform in the case. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIG. 7 described above. Steps equivalent to those in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, Step SS10, Step SS20, Step SA10, Step SA20, and Step SB10 are the same as those in FIG. That is, when the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 inputs the inquiry signal B from the label producing apparatus 100 in step SB10, the process proceeds to newly provided step SB12. In this modification, step SB10 functions as a second signal input unit of the label producing apparatus 200.

  In step SB12, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 makes an inquiry signal (second apparatus inquiry signal for inquiring apparatus related information (second apparatus related information) related to the label producing apparatus 300 corresponding to the target device. Inquiry signal C "). The apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 300 will be described in detail in step SC20 and the like described later. Then, the generated inquiry signal C is output to the label producing apparatus 300 via the communication interface 43H and the communication cable 9c.

  In step SC10 newly provided, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 300 inputs the inquiry signal C output from the label producing apparatus 200 in step SB12 via the communication cable 9c and the communication interface 43T. This step functions as the second signal input means of the label producing apparatus 300.

  After that, in step SC20 newly provided, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 300 sends device-related information related to the label producing apparatus 300 as a response to the inquiry signal C inputted in step SC10, the communication interface 43T and the communication. The data is output to the label producing apparatus 200 via the cable 9c. This step functions as the second output means of the label producing apparatus 300.

  Here, in the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 300, tape related information (second tape related information, hereinafter referred to as appropriate) related to the label tape included in the cartridge 10 attached to the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 300. , And is referred to as “tape related information relating to the label producing apparatus 300”) and main body related information relating to the label producing apparatus 300 (second main body related information).

  In this example, the tape-related information related to the label producing device 300 includes label tape type information (information indicating the type of label tape) based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 37 of the label producing device 300, and the label. It is composed of label tape remaining amount information (information indicating the remaining amount of label tape) based on a detection result by a tape remaining amount detection sensor (not shown) provided in the creating apparatus 300. Note that color information of the label tape related to the label producing apparatus 300 (information indicating the color of the label tape) may be added to the tape related information.

  In this example, the main body related information related to the label creating apparatus 300 includes identification information of the label creating apparatus 300 (for example, information indicating the model name of the label creating apparatus 300 or unique serial number information) and the label creating apparatus 300. Operation state information of the print head 19 provided.

  Then, in step SB16 newly provided, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 displays the device-related information related to the label producing apparatus 300 output from the label producing apparatus 300 in step SC20, the communication cable 9c and the communication interface 43H. Enter via.

  Thereafter, in step SB20A provided in place of step SB20, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 returns the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 and the above step SB16 as a response to the inquiry signal B input in step SB10. Together with the device-related information related to the label producing device 300 inputted in the above, it is outputted to the label producing device 100 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9b. This step functions as the second output means of the label producing apparatus 200.

  Then, in step SA30A provided in place of step SA30, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 outputs the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 output from the label producing apparatus 200 in the above step SB20A, and the label producing Device-related information related to the device 300 (hereinafter appropriately referred to as “device-related information related to the label producing devices 200 and 300” as appropriate) is input via the communication cable 9b and the communication interface 43H.

  Thereafter, in step SA40A provided in place of step SA40, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 returns the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 as a response to the inquiry signal A input in step SA10 and the above step. The apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatuses 200 and 300 input in SA30A is output to the operation terminal 400 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9a. This step functions as the first output means described in each claim.

  Then, in step SS30A provided in place of step SS30, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 outputs the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 output from the label producing apparatus 100 in step SA40A, and the label producing apparatus. Information related to the devices 200 and 300 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as “device related information related to the label producing devices 100, 200, and 300” as appropriate) is input via the communication cable 9a.

  After that, in step SS40A provided in place of step SS40, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 makes each label for the operation terminal 400 based on the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300 input in step SS30A. Display information for displaying a list of connection state diagrams representing the connection states of the creation devices 100, 200, and 300 and the individual states of the label creation devices 100, 200, and 300 is generated.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SS50A provided in place of step SS50, and the CPU of operation terminal 400 outputs the display information generated in step SS40A to display unit 401. As a result, the display unit 401 displays a list of connection state diagrams representing the connection states of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, and 300 with respect to the operation terminal 400 and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, and 300. (See FIG. 11 described later). Thus, this sequence is completed.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 401 of the operation terminal 400 by executing each control procedure of the sequence illustrated in FIG. 10, and is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 8 described above. is there.

  As shown in FIG. 11, on this display screen, the connection status of each label producing device 100, 200, 300 to the operation terminal 400, which is configured based on the device related information related to the label producing device 100, 200, 300. And a list of the individual statuses of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, and 300.

  In the connection state diagram, the operation terminal 400 is the symbol Sy1, the label producing device 100 is the symbol Sy2, the label producing device 200 is the symbol Sy3, and the label producing device 300 is the same symbol as the symbols Sy2 and Sy3. Each is represented by Sy3. The connection state (connection relationship) of the operation terminal 400, the label producing device 100, the label producing device 200, and the label producing device 300 is the symbols Sy1, Sy2, Sy3, Sy4 and the three block arrows A1, A2, A3. And is represented by

  That is, as in FIG. 8 described above, the block arrow A1 indicates that the operation terminal 400 and the label producing apparatus 100 are connected to each other, and the block arrow A2 connects the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 to each other. It is expressed that. In addition, the label producing apparatuses 200 and 300 are connected to each other by a block arrow A3 connecting the symbols Sy3 and Sy4.

  The individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300 are respectively displayed in balloons B1, B2, B3 relating to the symbols Sy2, Sy3, Sy4 representing the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300, respectively. ing.

  In the example shown in FIG. 11, the identification information (in this example, “model name: PT-9800 <C>”) of the label creation device 300 and the label creation are included in the balloon B3 as the individual state of the label creation device 300. Information on the type of label tape related to the apparatus 300 (in this example, “tape type: cover film / 6 mm”) and remaining amount information on the label tape related to the label producing apparatus 300 (in this example, “tape remaining amount: 6 m”) )) And operation state information of the print head 19 included in the label producing apparatus 300 (in this example, “standby”) are displayed.

  The individual state of the label producing apparatus 100 in the balloon B1 and the individual state of the label producing apparatus 200 in the balloon B2 are the same as those in FIG.

  As described above, in the label production system LS of the present modification, the operation terminal 400 and the label production device 100 are connected to each other by the communication cable 9a, and the label production devices 100 and 200 are connected to each other by the communication cable 9b. The label producing apparatuses 200 and 300 are connected to each other by a communication cable 9c.

  In the connection between the label producing apparatus 200 and the label producing apparatus 300, the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9c is connected to the host socket 205H of the label producing apparatus 200, and the target socket 305T of the label producing apparatus 300 is connected. The second connector 9T of the communication cable 9c is connected. Further, the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9b connected to the host socket 105H of the label producing apparatus 100 is connected to the target socket 205T of the label producing apparatus 200. Thus, a system configuration in which three label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300 are sequentially connected via the communication cable 9 like the operation terminal 400, the label producing apparatus 100, the label producing apparatus 200, and the label producing apparatus 300. It can be realized reliably.

  At this time, in the functional relationship between the label creating apparatus 200 and the label creating apparatus 300, the label creating apparatus 200 functions as a host device, and the label creating apparatus 300 functions as a target device. In this case, the label producing apparatus 300 outputs its own apparatus related information to the label producing apparatus 200 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9c (see step SC20 in FIG. 10). Then, in the label producing apparatus 200, the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 300 input from the label producing apparatus 300 and the own apparatus related information are combined, and the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9b are connected. To the label producing apparatus 100 (see step SB20A in FIG. 10).

  In this way, two label producing apparatuses sequentially connected to the label producing apparatus 300 to the second label producing apparatus 200 via the communication cable 9c are finally connected to the operation terminal 400 via the label producing apparatus 100. Can do. As a result, in the operation terminal 400, the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300 is totaled, the connection state of each of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300, and the respective label producing apparatuses 100, 200, 300 Individual states for each 300 can be displayed as a list on the display unit 401.

(2) When an operation device is connected to the label producing device In other words, a predetermined operation device (for example, a barcode reader) is connected to the label producing device 200 (or the label producing device 100) via the communication cable 9. You may do it.

  12 (a) and 12 (b) are system configuration diagrams showing a label creation system LS of the present modification, and correspond to FIGS. 1 and 9 described above.

  12 (a) and 12 (b), the label production system LS of the present modification includes three communication cables 9a, 9b, 9d, an operation terminal 400, two label production apparatuses 100, 200, It has a barcode reader 500 as an operating device. Note that the configurations of the communication cables 9a and 9b, the operation terminal 400, and the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 are the same as those in FIGS. 1A and 1B described above, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  The communication cable 9d has the same structure as the communication cables 9a and 9b (the same thing may be used), and includes the first connector 9H, the second connector 9T, and the cable body 9M described above.

  The barcode reader 500 optically reads information from the barcode BC. This barcode reader 500 has a target socket 505T (so-called USB jack B type) to which the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9 is detachably attached. In the target socket 505T, the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9d to which the first connector 9H is connected is attached to the host socket 205H of the label producing apparatus 200.

  Since the other configuration of the label producing system LS of the present modification is the same as that of FIG. 1, the description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 13 shows a connection state diagram showing the connection state of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500 to the operation terminal 400 and the individual state of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a control procedure executed by the operation terminal 400, each label producing device 100, 200, and the barcode reader 500 when a list is displayed on the unit 401. FIG. FIG. 13 corresponds to FIGS. 7 and 10 described above. Steps equivalent to those in FIG.

  In FIG. 13, Step SS10, Step SS20, Step SA10, Step SA20, and Step SB10 are the same as those in FIG. That is, when the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 inputs the inquiry signal B from the label producing apparatus 100 in step SB10, the process proceeds to newly provided step SB14.

  In step SB12, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 generates an inquiry signal (hereinafter referred to as “inquiry signal D” as appropriate) for inquiring about device related information related to the barcode reader 500 corresponding to the target device. The apparatus related information related to the barcode reader 500 will be described in detail in step SD20 and the like described later. Then, the generated inquiry signal D is output to the barcode reader 500 via the communication interface 43H and the communication cable 9d.

  In step SD10 newly provided, the CPU (not shown) of the barcode reader 500 inputs the inquiry signal D output from the label producing apparatus 200 in step SB14 via the communication cable 9d.

  Thereafter, in step SD20 newly provided, the CPU of the barcode reader 500 labels the device related information related to the barcode reader 500 via the communication cable 9d as a response to the inquiry signal D input in step SD10. Output to the creation device 200.

  Here, in this example, the device-related information related to the barcode reader 500 includes identification information of the barcode reader 500 (for example, information indicating the model name of the barcode reader 500 or unique serial number information), and the barcode Specifications of code reader 500, for example, reading method (laser method, CCD method, pen method, etc.), reading width (70 mm width, 80 mm width, 82 mm width, etc.), scan speed (100 scans / second, 200 scans / second, etc.) , Specification information representing a corresponding barcode (EAN, JAN, UPC, PDF417, etc.).

  Then, in step SB18 newly provided, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 sends the device-related information related to the barcode reader 500 output from the barcode reader 500 in step SD20 to the communication cable 9d and the communication interface 43H. Enter via. This step functions as device information input means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step SB20B provided in place of step SB20, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 relates to the device related to the barcode reader 500 input in step SB18 as a response to the inquiry signal B input in step SB10. The information is output to the label producing apparatus 100 through the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9b together with the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200. This step functions as second output means described in each claim.

  Then, in step SA30B provided in place of step SA30, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 outputs the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 output from the label producing apparatus 200 in the above step SB20B, and the barcode. Device related information related to the reader 500 is input via the communication cable 9b and the communication interface 43H.

  Thereafter, in step SA40B provided in place of step SA40, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 relates to the label producing apparatus 200 input in step SA30B as a response to the inquiry signal A input in step SA10. The apparatus related information and the apparatus related information related to the barcode reader 500 are output to the operation terminal 400 through the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9a together with the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100. This step functions as the first output means described in each claim.

  Then, in step SS30B provided in place of step SS30, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 outputs the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 output from the label producing apparatus 100 in step SA40B, and the barcode reader. 500, the device related information is input via the communication cable 9a.

  Thereafter, in step SS40B provided in place of step SS40, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 causes the device-related information related to the label producing devices 100 and 200 and the device-related information related to the barcode reader 500 input in step SS30B. Based on the information, a list of connection states representing the connection states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500 to the operation terminal 400 and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500 are displayed in a list. Display information to generate.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SS50B provided instead of step SS50, and the CPU of the operation terminal 400 outputs the display information generated in step SS40B to the display unit 401. As a result, a connection state diagram showing the connection state of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 and barcode reader 500 to the operation terminal 400 on the display unit 401, and the individual state of each label producing apparatus 100, 200 and barcode reader 500 are displayed. Are displayed in a list (see FIG. 14 described later). Thus, this sequence is completed.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 401 of the operation terminal 400 by executing each control procedure of the sequence illustrated in FIG. 13 and corresponds to the above-described FIGS. 8 and 11. It is a figure to do.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in this display screen, each label for the operation terminal 400 configured based on the device related information related to the label producing devices 100 and 200 and the device related information related to the barcode reader 500. A connection state diagram showing a connection state of the creating apparatuses 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500 and an individual state of each of the label creating apparatuses 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500 are displayed in a list.

  In the connection state diagram, the operation terminal 400 is the symbol Sy1, the label producing device 100 is the symbol Sy2, the label producing device 200 is the symbol Sy3, and the barcode reader 500 is a barcode reader-like symbol Sy5. Each is represented. The connection state (connection relationship) of the operation terminal 400, the label producing device 100, the label producing device 200, and the barcode reader 500 is the symbols Sy1, Sy2, Sy3, Sy5 and the three block arrows A1, A2, A4. And is represented by

  That is, as in FIG. 8 described above, the block arrow A1 indicates that the operation terminal 400 and the label producing apparatus 100 are connected to each other, and the block arrow A2 connects the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 to each other. It is expressed that. Further, the label producing apparatus 200 and the barcode reader 500 are connected to each other by a block arrow A4 connecting the symbols Sy3 and Sy5.

  The individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100, 200 and the barcode reader 500 are the balloons B1, B2, B4 relating to the symbols Sy2, Sy3, Sy5 representing the label producing apparatuses 100, 200 and the barcode reader 500, respectively. Is displayed in each.

  In the example shown in FIG. 14, the identification information of the barcode reader 500 (in this example, “model name: BR-100 <C>”) and the barcode are included in the balloon B4 as the individual state of the barcode reader 500. Specification information of the reader 500 (in this example, “reading method: laser method reading width: 80 mm width scanning speed: 100 scans / second) is displayed.

  The individual state of the label producing apparatus 100 in the balloon B1 and the individual state of the label producing apparatus 200 in the balloon B2 are the same as those in FIG.

  As described above, in the label production system LS of this modification, the barcode reader 500 and the label production apparatus 200 are connected to each other by the communication cable 9d.

  In connection between the barcode reader 500 and the label producing apparatus 200, the first connector 9H of the communication cable 9d is connected to the host socket 205H of the label producing apparatus 200, and the target socket 505T of the barcode reader 500 is connected. The second connector 9T of the communication cable 9d is connected. Thereby, in the functional relationship between the barcode reader 500 and the label producing apparatus 200, the label producing apparatus 200 functions as a host device, and the barcode reader 500 functions as a target device.

  In this case, in the label producing apparatus 200, device related information related to the barcode reader 500 is input from the barcode reader 500 via the communication cable 9d and the communication interface 43H (see step SB18 in FIG. 13). Further, in the label producing apparatus 200, the input device related information is output to the label producing apparatus 100 through the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9b together with its own apparatus related information (Step SB20B in FIG. 13 is performed). reference). In the label producing apparatus 100, the device-related information relating to the label producing apparatus 200 and the apparatus-related information relating to the barcode reader 500, which are input as described above, together with its own apparatus-related information, the communication interface 43T and the communication cable. It is output to the operation terminal 400 via 9a (see step SA20B in FIG. 13). Then, the operation terminal 400 creates each label for the operation terminal 400 configured based on the device-related information related to the label creation devices 100 and 200 and the device-related information related to the barcode reader 500 that are input. The connection state diagram showing the connection state of the devices 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500 and the individual states of the label producing devices 100 and 200 and the barcode reader 500 are displayed as a list on the display unit 401 (see FIG. 14). reference).

  As a result, the operator can also visually recognize the connection state of the barcode reader 500 and various information of the barcode reader 500.

(3) When label producing apparatuses are connected by infrared communication In the above, information transmission / reception between label producing apparatus 100 and label producing apparatus 200 (or information between label producing apparatus 200 and label producing apparatus 300) Transmission / reception) is performed via the communication cable 9, but is not limited thereto. That is, information transmission / reception (or information transmission / reception between the label production apparatus 200 and the label production apparatus 300) between the label production apparatus 100 and the label production apparatus 200 may be performed by infrared communication.

  FIG. 15 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a label creation system according to this modification. 15A is a perspective view of the label producing system as viewed from the front side of each component, and FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the label producing system as viewed from the back side of each component. is there.

  15 (a) and 15 (b), the label producing system LS ′ of the present modification includes a communication cable 9a, an operation terminal 400, and two label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′. Yes. Note that the configurations of the communication cable 9a and the operation terminal 400 are the same as those shown in FIGS. In the present modification, the host connector 403H of the operation terminal 400 has a first connector 9H of a communication cable 9a in which a second connector 9T is connected to a target socket 105T ′ (described later) of the label producing apparatus 100 ′. Is installed.

  The label producing device 100 ′ (third label producing device) includes an upper surface portion 108 ′, a lower surface portion (not shown), a front surface portion 109 ′, a back surface portion 110 ′, and left and right side surface portions 106 ′ that constitute the outer shell of the device. , 107 ′ and a generally rectangular parallelepiped casing 101s ′.

  The upper surface portion 108 ′ is provided with an openable / closable lid 102 ′ that can be opened and closed.

  The front surface portion 109 ′ is provided with a tape discharge port 104 ′ for discharging the above-described printed tape 23 (see FIG. 3) created inside the housing 101 s ′.

  A target socket 105T ′ (third target connection means, so-called USB jack B type) to which the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9 is detachably attached is provided on the back surface portion 110 ′. In the target socket 105T, the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9a to which the first connector 9H is connected to the host socket 403H of the operation terminal 400 is attached.

  The left side surface portion 106 ′ (side surface portion on one side in the left-right direction) is provided with a first infrared communication portion 111H (infrared communication means for host) that performs information transmission / reception to function as a host device by infrared communication. In this example, information transmission / reception for functioning as a host device of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ is performed by the first infrared communication unit 111H by infrared communication with a second infrared communication unit 211T (described later) of the label producing apparatus 200 ′. Has been done.

  The label producing apparatus 200 ′ (fourth label producing apparatus) includes an upper surface portion 208 ′, a lower surface portion (not shown), a front surface portion 209 ′, a back surface portion 210 ′, and left and right side surface portions 206 ′ that constitute the outer shell of the device. , 207 ′ and a generally rectangular parallelepiped housing 201s ′.

  The upper surface portion 208 ′ is provided with an openable / closable lid 202 ′ (or detachable).

  The front surface portion 209 ′ is provided with a tape discharge port 204 ′ for discharging the printed tape 23 created inside the housing 201s ′.

  The back surface portion 210 'is provided with a target socket 205T' (so-called USB jack B type) to which the second connector 9T of the communication cable 9 is detachably attached. In the present embodiment, the target socket 205T ′ may be omitted.

  The right side surface portion 207 ′ (side surface portion on the other side in the left-right direction) is provided with a second infrared communication portion 211T (target infrared communication means) that performs information transmission / reception to function as a target device by infrared communication. In this example, the second infrared communication unit 211T performs information transmission / reception for functioning as a target device of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ through infrared communication with the first infrared communication unit 111T of the label producing apparatus 100 ′. ing. The second infrared communication unit 211T performs information transmission / reception for functioning as a target device of another label producing apparatus (another second label producing apparatus) by infrared communication with the other label producing apparatus. May be.

  FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 100 ′, and corresponds to FIG. 4 described above. Portions equivalent to those in FIG. 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

  16 is different from FIG. 4 described above in that the communication interface 43H is omitted and the first infrared communication unit 111H is connected to the input / output interface 41.

  The functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ other than that shown in FIG. 16 is substantially the same as the functional construction of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, in the label producing apparatus 100 ′, the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ corresponds to the third cartridge holder, and the cartridge 10 that can be attached to and detached from the cartridge holder 27 corresponds to the third tape cartridge. The label tape in the cartridge 10 (the cover film 11 in the case of the laminate type and the base tape in the case of the receptor type and the heat sensitive type) corresponds to the third label tape, and this label tape is wound. The label tape roll (the cover film roll 12 in the case of the laminate type, and the base tape roll in the case of the receptor type and the heat sensitive type) corresponds to the third label tape. Further, in the label producing apparatus 100 ′, the cartridge sensor 37 functions as a third tape detecting unit, the tape feed roller driving shaft 30 functions as a third conveying unit, and the print head 19 functions as a third printing unit.

  Further, the functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ differs from the functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ shown in FIG. 16 in that the “first infrared communication unit 111H” in FIG. This is the same as the communication unit 211T.

  Since the functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ other than the above is substantially the same as that of the label producing apparatuses 100 and 200 described with reference to FIGS. Therefore, in the label producing apparatus 200 ′, the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ corresponds to the fourth cartridge holder, and the cartridge 10 detachable from the cartridge holder 27 corresponds to the fourth tape cartridge. The label tape in the cartridge 10 (the cover film 11 in the case of the laminate type and the base tape in the case of the receptor type and the heat sensitive type) corresponds to the fourth label tape, and this label tape is wound. The label tape roll (the cover film roll 12 in the case of the laminate type, and the base tape roll in the case of the receptor type and the heat sensitive type) corresponds to the fourth label tape. In the label producing apparatus 200 ', the cartridge sensor 37 functions as a fourth tape detecting unit, the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 functions as a fourth conveying unit, and the print head 19 functions as a fourth printing unit.

  FIG. 17 shows a list of connection state diagrams showing the connection states of the label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′ with respect to the operation terminal 400 and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′ on the display unit 401. It is a sequence diagram showing the control procedure which the operation terminal 400 and each label production apparatus 100 ', 200' perform in the case.

  In FIG. 17, first, in step SS <b> 110, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 determines whether a predetermined operation has been performed via the operation unit 402. If the predetermined operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. If the predetermined operation is performed, the determination is satisfied and the process proceeds to step SS20.

  In step SS120, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 makes an inquiry signal (hereinafter referred to as "inquiry signal E" as appropriate) for inquiring apparatus related information (third apparatus related information) related to the label producing apparatus 100 'corresponding to the target device. ) Is generated. The apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ will be described in detail in step SA140 and the like described later. Then, the generated inquiry signal E is output to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ via the communication cable 9a.

  Accordingly, in step SA110, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ inputs the inquiry signal E output from the operation terminal 400 in step SS120 via the communication cable 9a and the communication interface 43T.

  Thereafter, in step SA120, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ makes an inquiry signal for inquiring apparatus related information (fourth apparatus related information) related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ corresponding to the target device (hereinafter referred to as “inquiry signal as appropriate”). F ”). The apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ will be described in detail in step SB120 and the like described later. Then, the generated inquiry signal F is output to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ by infrared communication via the first infrared communication unit 111H.

  In step SB110, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 'inputs the inquiry signal F output from the label producing apparatus 100' in step SA120 by infrared communication via the second infrared communication unit 211T.

  Thereafter, in step SB120, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ sends the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ as a response to the inquiry signal F input in step SB110 via the second infrared communication unit 211T. The data is output to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ by infrared communication. This step functions as fourth output means described in each claim.

  Here, the apparatus-related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ includes tape-related information relating to the label tape included in the cartridge 10 attached to the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ (hereinafter abbreviated as appropriate). "Tape related information relating to the label producing apparatus 200 '") and main body related information relating to the label producing apparatus 200'.

  In this example, the tape-related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ includes the type information of the label tape based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 37 of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ and the tape remaining information included in the label producing apparatus 200 ′. And label tape remaining amount information based on a detection result by a quantity detection sensor (not shown). Note that color information of the label tape related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ may be added to the tape related information.

  In this example, the main body related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ includes identification information of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ (for example, information indicating the model name of the label producing apparatus 200 ′ and unique serial number information), and the label producing apparatus. Operation state information of the print head 19 provided in the apparatus 200 '.

  In step SA130, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ outputs the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′ output from the label producing apparatus 200 ′ in step SB120 to the infrared via the first infrared communication unit 111H. Input by communication.

  Thereafter, in step SA140, the CPU 44 of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ returns the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ and the label inputted in step SA130 as a response to the inquiry signal E inputted in step SA110. The device related information related to the creation device 200 ′ is output to the operation terminal 400 via the communication interface 43T and the communication cable 9a. This step functions as third output means described in each claim.

  Here, the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ includes tape related information relating to the label tape provided in the cartridge holder 27 of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ (hereinafter, appropriately omitted). "Tape related information relating to the label producing apparatus 100 '") and main body related information relating to the label producing apparatus 100'.

  In this example, the tape-related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ includes the label tape type information based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 37 of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ and the tape remaining information included in the label producing apparatus 100 ′. And label tape remaining amount information based on a detection result by a quantity detection sensor (not shown). Note that color information of the label tape related to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ may be added to the tape related information.

  In this example, the main body related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ includes identification information of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ (for example, information indicating the model name of the label producing apparatus 100 ′ and unique serial number information), and the label producing apparatus. It comprises operation state information of the print head 19 provided in the apparatus 100 'and identification information of the label producing apparatus 200' corresponding to the target device of the label producing apparatus 100 '.

  In step SS130, the CPU of the operation terminal 400 outputs the apparatus related information related to the label producing apparatus 100 ′ output from the label producing apparatus 100 ′ in step SA140 and the apparatus related to the label producing apparatus 200 ′. Related information (hereinafter collectively referred to as “apparatus related information relating to label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′” as appropriate) is input via the communication cable 9a.

  Thereafter, in step SS140, the CPU of the operation terminal 400, based on the device related information related to the label production devices 100 ′ and 200 ′ input in step SS130, each label production device 100 ′ and 200 ′ for the operation terminal 400. Display information for displaying a list of connection state diagrams representing the connection states of the label and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′ is generated.

  Then, the process proceeds to step SS150, and the CPU of the operation terminal 400 outputs the display information generated in step SS140 to the display unit 401. As a result, the display unit 401 displays a list of connection state diagrams showing the connection states of the label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′ with respect to the operation terminal 400 and the individual states of the label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′. (See FIG. 8 above). Thus, this sequence is completed.

  As described above, according to the label production system LS ′ of this modification, when the label production is performed using the two label production apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′, the connection with the simple communication cable 9a or the infrared ray is performed. The two label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′ can be simply connected via a communication connection, and a system can be configured easily and easily. As a result, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained. That is, when actually creating a label, the number of label producing devices, the connection state, and various information for each of the label producing devices can be visually recognized by an operator at a glance.

  Further, in the present modification, the label producing apparatus 100 ′ includes the first infrared communication unit 111H on the left side surface portion 106 ′ of the housing 101s ′. In addition, the label producing apparatus 200 ′ includes the second infrared communication unit 211T on the right side surface 207 ′ of the housing 201s ′. As a result, the label producing apparatuses 100 ′ and 200 ′ that transmit / receive information to each other by infrared communication can be arranged side by side while aligning the front-rear direction.

  In the modified example of (3), it is also possible to connect another label producing device to the above label producing device 200 ′ using infrared communication (to the above another label producing device, Further, another label producing apparatus may be sequentially connected using infrared communication).

(4) Others In the above, a label tape, a base tape 16 and the like are wound around a spool to form a roll, and the roll is arranged in the cartridge 10 so that the label tape and the base tape 16 and the like are arranged. In the above description, the case where the process is extended is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet (including one formed by cutting a tape wound around a roll and then cutting to an appropriate length) is stacked in a predetermined storage section. A cartridge is formed (for example, by stacking in a tray shape), and the cartridge is mounted on a cartridge holder on the side of the label producing apparatus 100, 200, etc. You may make it create.

  Further, the roll is directly attached to the label producing apparatus 100, 200 or the like in a detachable manner, or a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet is predetermined one by one from outside the label producing apparatus 100, 200, etc. A configuration is also conceivable in which the sheet is transported by a feeder mechanism and supplied into the label producing apparatus 100, 200 or the like. In this case, the same effect is obtained. In addition, it is not restricted to what can be attached or detached to the main body side, such as the label production apparatuses 100 and 200 such as the cartridge 10, but it is also conceivable to provide a roll as a so-called installation type or an integral type that cannot be attached and detached to the main body side. Also in this case, when actually creating a label, the number of label producing apparatuses, the connection state, and various information for each of the label producing apparatuses can be visually recognized by an operator at a glance.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in each figure of FIG.4 and FIG.16 shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  Further, the sequences shown in FIGS. 7, 10, 13, and 17 are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-mentioned flow, and procedures can be added within the scope not departing from the gist and technical idea of the invention. You may delete or change the order.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

9, 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d Communication cable 9H 1st connector (one side connection part)
9T 2nd connector (the other side connection part)
10 cartridge (first tape cartridge, second tape cartridge, third tape cartridge, fourth tape cartridge)
11 Cover film (first label tape, second label tape, third label tape, fourth label tape)
12 Cover film roll (first label tape roll, second label tape roll, third label tape roll, fourth label tape roll)
19 Print head (first printing means, second printing means, third printing means, fourth printing means)
27 Cartridge holder (first cartridge holder, second cartridge holder, third cartridge holder, fourth cartridge holder)
30 Tape feed roller drive shaft (first conveying means, second conveying means, third conveying means, fourth conveying means)
37 Cartridge sensor (first tape detection means, second tape detection means, third tape detection means, fourth tape detection means)
100 Label production device (first label production device)
100 'label making device (third label making device)
105H Host socket (first host connection means)
105T target socket (first target connection means)
105T 'target socket (third target connection means)
106 'Left side surface (side surface on one side in the left-right direction)
109 Front part 110 Back part 111H First infrared communication part (infrared communication means for host)
200 Label making device (second label making device)
200 'label making device (fourth label making device)
205H Host socket (second host connection means)
205T target socket (second target connection means)
207 ′ Right side surface (side surface on the other side in the left-right direction)
209 Front part 210 Rear part 211T Second infrared communication part (infrared communication means for target)
300 Label production device (second label production device)
305H Host socket 305T Target socket 400 Operation terminal 401 Display unit (display means)
500 Bar code reader (operating equipment)
LS label production system LS 'label production system

Claims (10)

A first cartridge holder on which a first tape cartridge having a first label tape roll wound with a first label tape is detachable, and a first label of the first tape cartridge mounted on the first cartridge holder. A first tape detecting means for detecting the type of tape; a first conveying means for conveying the first label tape supplied from the first tape cartridge mounted on the first cartridge holder; and 1st label production which has the 1st printing means which performs desired printing to said 1st label tape conveyed by 1 conveyance means, and can produce a printing label using said 1st label tape Equipment,
A second cartridge holder with a second tape cartridge provided with a second label tape roll around which a second label tape is wound, and a second label for the second tape cartridge mounted on the second cartridge holder A second tape detecting means for detecting the type of the tape, a second transport means for transporting the second label tape supplied from the second tape cartridge mounted on the second cartridge holder, and the second At least one second label having a second printing means for performing desired printing on the second label tape conveyed by the second conveying means and capable of producing a print label using the second label tape. A creation device;
An operation terminal for operating the first label producing device;
A label producing system having a plurality of communication cables with one side connecting part connected to a host device and the other side connecting part connected to a target device,
The first label producing device includes:
A first target connection means for detachably mounting the other side connection portion of the communication cable, wherein the one side connection portion is connected to the operation terminal;
A first host connection means for detachably mounting the one side connection portion of the communication cable having the other side connection portion connected to the second label producing device;
The first terminal related information relating to the first label producing apparatus and the second apparatus relating information relating to the second label producing apparatus are transmitted to the operation terminal via the communication cable attached to the first target connection means. First output means for outputting to
The second label producing device includes:
A second target connection means capable of mounting the other side connection part of the communication cable to which the one side connection part is connected to the first host connection means of the first label producing device;
A second output means for outputting the second apparatus related information related to the second label producing apparatus via the communication cable attached to the second target connection means;
The first output means of the first label producing device is:
Outputting the first device related information and the second device related information output from the second output means of the second label producing device and input via the communication cable to the operation terminal;
The operation terminal is
The first for the operation terminal configured based on the first device related information and the second device related information output from the first output means of the first label producing device and input via the communication cable. It has a display means for displaying a list of a connection state diagram showing a connection state of the label producing device and the second label producing device and individual states of the first label producing device and the second label producing device. Label making system. In the label production system according to claim 1,
A plurality of the second label producing devices are provided,
Each of the plurality of second label producing devices includes:
A second host connection means for detachably attaching the one side connection portion of the communication cable, and the one side of the communication cable is connected to the second host connection means of the second label producing apparatus; A plurality of the second label producing devices are connected to each other by attaching the connecting portion and attaching the other side connecting portion of the communication cable to the second target connecting means of the other second label producing device. It is connected sequentially via cable,
The second target connection means provided in one of the plurality of second label producing devices in the second label producing device,
The other side connection part of the communication cable to which the one side connection part is connected is detachably attached to the first host connection means of the first label producing apparatus,
Each of the second output means of the plurality of second label producing devices is:
The second apparatus related information related to the second label producing apparatus is combined with the second apparatus related information outputted from the second output means of another second label producing apparatus and inputted via the communication cable. Label production system characterized by output. In the label production system according to claim 1 or 2,
The first label producing device includes:
A first signal input means for inputting a first device inquiry signal for inquiring the first device related information from the operation terminal;
The first output means includes
In response to the first apparatus inquiry signal input by the first signal input means, the first apparatus related information and the second label generating apparatus output from the second output means and input via the communication cable. And outputting the at least one second device-related information to the operation terminal. In the label production system according to claim 3,
The second label producing device includes:
A second signal input means for inputting a second device inquiry signal for inquiring about the second device related information from the first label producing device or from another second label producing device;
The second output means includes
In response to the second device inquiry signal input by the second signal input means, the second device related information relating to the second label producing device is output to the first label producing device, or The second device related information related to the second label producing device and the second device related information outputted from the second output means of another second label producing device and inputted via the communication cable are combined. And outputting to the first label producing apparatus. In the label production system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first device related information is:
The first label tape includes at least one of the first label tape type information, the first label tape color information, and the first label tape remaining amount information based on the detection result of the first tape detection means. Including 1 tape related information,
The second device related information is:
A second label comprising at least one of type information of the second label tape, color information of the second label tape, and remaining amount information of the second label tape based on the detection result by the second tape detection means. 2. A label production system comprising tape-related information. In the label production system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first device related information is:
It consists of at least one of identification information of the first label producing device, operation state information of the first printing means, and identification information of the second label producing device corresponding to the target device of the first label producing device. Including first body related information,
The second device related information is:
At least one of identification information of the second label producing device, operation state information of the second printing means, and identification information of another second label producing device corresponding to the target device of the second label producing device The label production system characterized by including the 2nd main body relevant information which consists of. In the label production system according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The communication cable in which the one side connection part is connected to the second label producing device, further comprising an operating device connectable to the other side connection part,
The second label producing device includes:
Device information input means for inputting device related information related to the operating device from the operating device;
The second output means includes
The device related information input by the device information input means is output together with the second device related information related to the second label producing device,
The first output means of the first label producing device is:
At least one of the second device related information and the device related information output from the second output means of the second label producing device and input via the communication cable is sent to the operation terminal together with the first device related information. Output,
The display means of the operation terminal is
Configuration based on the first device related information, the at least one second device related information, and the device related information output from the first output means of the first label producing device and input via the communication cable A connection state diagram representing a connection state of the first label producing device, at least one second label producing device, and the operating device to the operation terminal, the first label producing device, and the at least one A label creation system that displays a list of the second label creation device and the individual states of the operating devices. In the label production system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The first label producing device or the second label producing device is
The first host connection means or the second host connection means is provided on the front surface of the casing constituting the outer shell of the apparatus, and the first target connection means or the second host connection means is provided on the rear surface of the casing. A label production system comprising a second target connection means. A third cartridge holder with a third tape cartridge provided with a third label tape roll around which a third label tape is wound, and a third cartridge holder for the third tape cartridge mounted on the third cartridge holder. A third tape detecting means for detecting the type of tape; a third transport means for transporting the third label tape supplied from the third tape cartridge mounted on the third cartridge holder; and One third label producing means having a third printing means for performing desired printing on the third label tape conveyed by the three conveying means and capable of producing a print label using the third label tape Equipment,
A fourth cartridge holder on which a fourth tape cartridge having a fourth label tape roll wound with a fourth label tape is detachable, and a fourth label for the fourth tape cartridge mounted on the fourth cartridge holder. A fourth tape detecting means for detecting the type of the tape; a fourth conveying means for conveying the fourth label tape supplied from the fourth tape cartridge mounted on the fourth cartridge holder; and At least one fourth label having a fourth printing means for performing desired printing on the fourth label tape conveyed by the four conveying means and capable of producing a print label using the fourth label tape. A creation device;
An operation terminal for operating the third label producing device;
A label production system having a communication cable including a one-side connection unit connected to a host device and a second-side connection unit connected to a target device,
The third label producing device includes:
Third target connection means for detachably mounting the other side connection portion of the communication cable in which the one side connection portion is connected to the operation terminal;
Infrared communication means for a host that performs transmission and reception of information for functioning as the host device of the fourth label producing device by infrared communication with the fourth label producing device;
The third terminal related information relating to the third label producing device and the fourth device relating information relating to the fourth label producing device are transmitted to the operation terminal via the communication cable attached to the third target connecting means. And a third output means for outputting to
The fourth label producing device includes:
Information transmission / reception for functioning as the target device of the third label producing apparatus or another fourth label producing apparatus is performed by infrared communication with the host infrared communication means or the other fourth label producing apparatus. Performing infrared communication means for the target;
A fourth output means for outputting the fourth apparatus related information relating to the fourth label producing apparatus to the third label producing apparatus or the other fourth label producing apparatus via the target infrared communication means; Have
The third output means of the third label producing device is:
Outputting the third device related information and at least one fourth device related information output from the fourth output means of the fourth label producing device and input by the infrared communication to the operation terminal;
The operation terminal is
The operation terminal configured based on the third device related information and the at least one fourth device related information output from the third output unit of the third label creating device and input via the communication cable A connection state diagram representing a connection state of the third label producing device and at least one fourth label producing device, and an individual state of each of the third label producing device and the at least one fourth label producing device. A label producing system comprising display means for displaying a list. In the label production system according to claim 9,
The third label producing device includes:
The infrared communication means for the host is provided on the side surface on one side in the left-right direction of the casing constituting the device outer shell,
The fourth label producing device includes:
A label producing system comprising the target infrared communication means on a side surface on the other side in the left-right direction of a casing constituting the apparatus shell.

Images