JP2012254566A - Editing program for creating labels and label-editing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To widely expand the expressiveness of utilizing multiple printed labels and to improve convenience of an operator.SOLUTION: Label images IL1, IL2, IL3 are arranged to be mutually overlapped with freely settable orientations and freely settable lengths, respectively, and displayed on a specific editing screen displayed on a display unit 118a of a CPU 111 of an operation terminal 118. A total printed image IP in a prescribed region is acquired based on operation inputs of the operator. Of the total printed image IP acquired, portions corresponding to the respective arrangement areas in which each of the label image IL1, IL2, IL3 is arranged are extracted and assigned as printing contents for the printed labels L1, L2, L3. Printing data determined respectively for the printed labels L1, L2, L3 are respectively output to label-creating devices 1A-1C and the printed labels L1, L2, L3 are created.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label creation editing program for editing a label mode when creating a print label, and a label editing apparatus using the same.

  As a technique for editing the print contents on the print label as intended by the operator when creating a print label on which a desired print is formed, for example, there is a conventional technique described in Patent Document 1.

  In this prior art, when it is intended to paste another small horizontal rectangular print label on one large horizontal rectangular print label, the characters printed in the horizontal direction on the small label The characters printed in the landscape direction on the large label can be edited on one screen. Thus, the two large and small printed labels are integrally used so that sentences, words, and the like along the horizontal direction can be expressed.

Japanese Patent No. 3551194

  When displaying various printed characters and images using multiple printed labels as described above, multiple labels may be placed in contact with each other, placed apart from each other, or partially overlapped with each other. Are arranged so that they are spaced apart from each other, and the characters and images can be freely set to the direction and arrangement direction of the characters and images for the variously arranged labels, or the characters and images can be formed so as to extend over the two labels. If possible, display of the desired mode intended by the operator should be realized in a wide variety.

  However, the above prior art is limited to the case where two large and small rectangular horizontally oriented labels are overlaid with their orientations aligned. Moreover, the direction of the character is limited to the horizontally long direction, and one character is not formed across two characters. In other words, the above-described prior art does not consider the various types of display as described above, and there is a limit to the expression using a plurality of print labels.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a label creation editing program and a label editing apparatus using the same, which can broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of printed labels and can improve the convenience for the operator. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a display means and a calculation means, and displays on the display means for the calculation means of an operation terminal capable of executing an editing operation of the print contents of a printed label to be created. A label arrangement procedure for arranging and displaying a plurality of label images in a freely directional setting and a flexible length setting on a predetermined editing screen, and a plurality of label images arranged in the label arrangement procedure. A print image acquisition procedure for acquiring a print formation image for a predetermined range including at least a label image based on an operation input by an operator, and among the print formation images acquired by the print image acquisition procedure, the label arrangement procedure The part corresponding to the array area of each arranged label image corresponds to the label image arranged in the array area. A print data determination procedure for determining the print data of each of the plurality of print labels extracted and assigned as the print content of the character label, and a plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels in the print data determination procedure, And outputting to one print label producing apparatus, and executing a label producing instruction procedure for producing the plurality of print labels on which prints corresponding to the respective print data are formed.

  In the operation terminal in which the calculation means executes the label creation editing program of the present invention, first, a plurality of label images are arranged and displayed on the editing screen of the display means in the label arrangement procedure. At that time, the direction and the length of each label image can be set freely, and can be arranged so as to overlap each other.

  When a plurality of label images are arranged in this manner, a print formation image that the operator desires to express by printing formation for a predetermined range including the plurality of label images is acquired in a print image acquisition procedure. This print formation image is acquired based on an operation input by the operator. Here, a plurality of label images are arranged in the predetermined range where the print formation image acquired as described above is to be expressed by the label arrangement procedure. That is, when viewed from each label image, there is a print formation image portion to be shared among the print formation images to be expressed in the entire predetermined range.

  Therefore, in the subsequent print data determination procedure, a portion corresponding to the array region of each label image is extracted as an image portion to be assigned to the label image arranged in the array region from the print formation image in the predetermined range. Assign for each label image. That is, the image portion assigned to each label image becomes the print content when creating a print label corresponding to the label image, and the print data of the print label is determined to realize the print content.

  Then, in the label production instruction procedure, the print data determined for each print label as described above is output to at least one print label production apparatus. As a result, a print label on which printing corresponding to the print data determined as described above has been executed is created.

  In the present invention, a plurality of print labels whose print contents are set in a form in which the direction and length are freely selected as described above are pasted, and the operator's intended desirability is determined by the pasted print labels as a whole. A wide variety of display modes can be realized. As a result, it is possible to broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels and improve the convenience for the operator.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels, and to improve the convenience for the operator.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a label generation system including a label editing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the whole structure of a label production apparatus. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing a detailed structure of a cartridge mounting portion in the label producing apparatus. It is a functional block diagram showing the control system of a label production apparatus. It is an external view showing an example of the label body which stuck and combined the print label, and each print label. It is explanatory drawing showing label image arrangement | positioning operation which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of arrangement | positioning operation of a label image which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing label image arrangement | positioning operation which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing label image arrangement | positioning operation which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing the further another example of the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing the printing data allocation corresponding to each label image, and the printing data corresponding to the said allocation. It is explanatory drawing showing the example which three label production apparatuses share and produce each of three printing labels using three printing data. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by the control circuit of an operating terminal, when producing a print label. It is a figure showing an example of the label image in the modification which prints so that the part which two labels are separated may continue so that a blank may be pinched | interposed. The figure which represents the external appearance of the printed label produced using the other example of the label image in the modification which prints the part which two labels are separated so that it may continue on both sides of the blank, and the said label image is there. It is a figure showing the external appearance of the example of a label image and the printed label produced using the said label image in the modification which prints the part which four labels are separated so that it may continue on both sides of the blank. It is a figure showing an example of the label image in the modification which prints the part on which two labels are overlapped so that the contents may partially overlap. It is a figure showing the other example of the label image in the modification which prints the part on which two labels are overlapped so that the content may partially overlap. It is explanatory drawing showing the example which shares and produces three printing labels in the modification which prints continuously over several labels arrange | positioned so that it may mutually contact | abut. It is explanatory drawing showing the arrangement operation of a label image and the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operation terminal. It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal.

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

<System configuration of label generation system>
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a label generation system provided with the label editing apparatus of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a label generation system LS includes three label production apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C, and an operation terminal 118 (label) connected to the label production apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C via a wired or wireless communication line NW. Editing device).

  The label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C produce print labels L1, L2, and L3 (details will be described later) based on operations from the operation terminal 118, respectively.

  The operation terminal 118 is used when creating the print labels L1, L2, and L3 using the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C. By using the operation terminal 118, the operator can edit the contents to be fixedly described as desired using prints formed on the print labels L1, L2, and L3 (details will be described later).

  The operation terminal 118 includes a display unit 118a (display means) made of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and an operation unit 118b made of a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.

<Configuration of label production device>
FIG. 2 shows the overall structure of the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C. These label producing apparatuses 1A to 1C have the same configuration. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, it is simply referred to as “label producing apparatus 1” as appropriate.

  In FIG. 2, the label producing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 provided with a casing 200 constituting an outer shell, and an opening / closing lid 3 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be openable / closable (or removable). have.

  The housing 200 is located on the front side of the apparatus (the left front side in FIG. 2), and has a front wall provided with a label discharge port 11 for discharging the print label L1 (or L2, L3) created in the apparatus main body 2 to the outside. 10 and a front lid 12 which is provided below the label discharge port 11 in the front wall 10 and whose lower end is rotatably supported.

  The front lid 12 includes a pressing portion 13, and the front lid 12 is opened forward by pushing the pressing portion 13 from above. A power key 14 for turning on / off the power of the label producing apparatus 1 is provided at one end of the front wall 10. A cutter driving key 90 for driving the cutting mechanism 15 (see FIG. 3 described later) disposed in the apparatus main body 2 by manual operation of the operator is provided below the power key 14.

  The opening / closing lid 3 is pivotally supported at the end of the apparatus main body 2 on the right back side in FIG. 2 and is always urged in the opening direction via an urging member such as a spring. Then, when the open / close button 4 disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be adjacent to the open / close lid 3 is pressed, the lock between the open / close lid 3 and the apparatus main body 2 is released and opened by the action of the biasing member. Is done. A see-through window 5 covered with a transparent cover is provided at the center side of the opening / closing lid 3.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows the detailed structure of the cartridge mounting portion in the label producing apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 3, a cartridge 7 is installed in a cartridge holder 6 in the apparatus main body 2. The cartridge 7 includes a housing 7A, a first roll 102 (actually a spiral shape, but is simply shown as a concentric circle in the figure), and a second roll 104 (actually a spiral shape) disposed in the housing 7A. The ribbon supply side roll 211, the ribbon take-up roller 106, and the tape feed roller 27.

  The first roll 102 has a belt-like base tape 101 wound around a reel member 102a. The base tape 101 has a four-layer structure in this example (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3), and is on the opposite side (a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3) from the side wound inside (the right side in the partially enlarged view in FIG. 3). In the order of the adhesive layer 101a for later bonding the cover film 103, the tape base layer 101b made of polyethylene terephthalate, the adhesive layer 101c made of an appropriate adhesive, and the release paper 101d. Are stacked.

  When the finally completed print label L1 (or L2, L3) is attached to the object to be attached, the release paper 101d can be adhered to the object to be attached by the adhesive layer 101c by peeling it off. It is paper to make.

  In the second roll 104, a transparent cover film 103 (printed tape) having the same width as the base tape 101 is wound around the reel member 104a.

  The ribbon supply side roll 211 feeds out the ink ribbon 105 which is a thermal transfer ribbon (not required when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape). The ribbon take-up roller 106 takes up the printed (used) ink ribbon 105. That is, the ink ribbon 105 is driven by the ribbon supply side roll 211 and the ribbon take-up roller 106. The driven ink ribbon 105 is disposed on the back side of the cover film 103 fed from the second roll 104 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape 101). The ink ribbon 105 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 by being pressed by a thermal head 23 (printing means) provided in the apparatus main body 2.

  The tape feed roller 27 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion 30 of the cartridge 7. The tape feed roller 27 feeds the tape in the direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3 while pressing and bonding the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 to form a label tape 109 with print.

  The cartridge holder 6 is provided with a ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and a tape feed roller drive shaft 108. The ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 are driven by a driving force of a conveyance motor 119 (see FIG. 4 described later) provided outside the cartridge 7 via a gear mechanism (not shown). It is transmitted and rotates. By the rotation of the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in conjunction with each other.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge holder 6, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are sandwiched between the thermal head 23 and the platen roller 26 provided on the cartridge holder 6. At the same time, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 provided on the cartridge holder 6.

  Thereafter, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 are connected by a gear mechanism (not shown). As a result, as the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 is driven, the tape feed roller 27, the pressure roller 28, and the platen roller 26 rotate, and the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102. As described above, the tape feed roller 27.

  On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23 are energized by a print drive circuit 120 (see FIG. 4 described later). At this time, when the ink ribbon 105 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 as described above, desired printing (mirror image printing) is performed on the print area on the back surface of the cover film 103.

  Then, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 to form the printed label tape 109, from the tape discharge unit 30. It is carried out of the cartridge 7. Further, the ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107.

  When the printed label tape 109 that has been printed is unloaded from the tape discharge unit 30 to the outside of the cartridge 7, it is automatically (or by operating the cutter drive key 90 (see FIG. 2)). Then, the printed label tape 109 is cut by the cutting mechanism 15 to generate the print label L1 (or L2 or L3). The print label L1 (or L2 or L3) is discharged from the label discharge port 11 (see FIG. 2).

  A control system of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, a control circuit 110 is arranged on a control board (not shown) of the label producing apparatus 1. The control circuit 110 includes a CPU 111 that controls each device, and an input / output interface 113, a CGROM 114, ROMs 115 and 116, and a RAM 117 connected to the CPU 111 via a data bus 112.

  The ROM 116 stores various programs necessary for controlling the label producing apparatus 1. The CPU 111 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 116.

  The RAM 117 is provided with a text memory 117A, a print buffer 117B, a parameter storage area 117E, and the like. The text memory 117A stores print data (details will be described later) input from the operation terminal 118. In the print buffer 117B, dot patterns for printing such as a plurality of characters and symbols obtained by calculating print data by the CPU 111 are stored as dot pattern data, and the thermal head 23 is stored in the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 117B. Perform dot printing according to Various calculation data and the like are stored in the parameter storage area 117E.

  The input / output interface 113 is connected to the operation terminal 118, the cutter drive key 90, the power key 14, the print drive circuit 120, the conveyance motor drive circuit 121, and the cutter motor drive circuit 122. Yes.

  The operation terminal 118 includes a CPU (not shown) and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and includes a control circuit 130 (calculation means) that controls the entire operation terminal 118. The ROM stores various control programs including a label creation editing program for executing the flow of FIG. 18 described later. The print drive circuit 120 drives the plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23. The conveyance motor drive circuit 121 drives the tape feed roller 27 via the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 by driving the conveyance motor 119. The cutter motor drive circuit 122 causes the cutting mechanism 15 to perform a cutting operation by driving the cutter motor 43.

  In the control system having such a control circuit 110 as the core, when the print data is input via the operation terminal 118, the print data is sequentially stored in the text memory 117A. As a result, the thermal head 23 is driven via the print drive circuit 120, and each heater element is selectively driven to generate heat corresponding to the print dots for one line, and the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 117B is printed. I do. In synchronism with this, the transport motor 119 controls the transport of the tape via the drive circuit 121.

<Summary of editing contents>
The greatest feature of this embodiment is that when an operator edits the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 created by the print label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C having the above-described configuration using the operation terminal 118, This is in the processing contents at the operation terminal 118. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

  In this embodiment, at the time of editing, the operator displays a plurality of (three in the above example) print labels L1, L2, and L3 on a predetermined screen (details will be described later) of the display unit 118a of the operation terminal 118. Each label image (label outline) is displayed. Thereafter, the operator operates the operation unit 118b of the operation terminal 118 to display a print formation image (details will be described later) desired to be formed in a predetermined range including not only the three label images but also the periphery thereof. To display. Then, each of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 on which prints (details will be described later) to be shared in order to realize the print formation image are created by the label creation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C, respectively. As a result, the operator can attach the created print labels L1, L2, and L3 to the object to be attached in an appropriate manner, thereby realizing a display by printing that is close to the above-described print formation image within the predetermined range. be able to.

<Label body consisting of three printed labels>
An example of the print label L1, the print label L2, and the print label L3 created by the operator's intention, and an example of a label body LL that is a combination of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 attached, This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, in this example, a medium-sized rectangular print label L2 is attached on a large rectangular print label L1 so that the positions in the width direction are substantially matched. Then, a small rectangular print label L3 is attached in an oblique direction so as to protrude from the right ends of the attached print label L1 and print label L2, and a label body LL is formed as a whole. Then, in the label body LL having a rectangular shape with a protruding piece protruding from the right end as a whole, a character of “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” is formed so as to straddle the print label L1 and the print label L2. Further, characters of “¥ 1980 (with strikethrough) ¥ 1480” are formed along the longitudinal direction of the print label L2. Furthermore, the characters “← Cheap!” Are formed along the longitudinal direction of the print label L3 that protrudes as described above.

<Flow of editing operations>
In order to realize the label body LL as described above, the print label L1 having the form shown in FIG. 5B, the print label L2 having the form shown in FIG. 5C, and the form shown in FIG. The print label L3 is required. Hereinafter, an editing operation procedure executed by the operation terminal 118 in order to create such a label body LL composed of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 will be described step by step with reference to FIGS.

  First, the editing screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 118a of the operation terminal 118 by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b by the operator. In the upper right of the editing screen, a first material image M1 having a width of 24 mm, a second material image M2 having a width of 12 mm, and a third material image having a width of 9 mm corresponding to the types of the plurality of tapes 103 to be prepared prepared in advance. Is displayed. By dragging and dropping these first to third material images M1 to M3, a desired label image can be constructed in the editing screen of the display unit 118a.

<Placement of label image>
In FIG. 6, first, the operator drags and drops the first material image M1 to the lower left by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse), and the first label image which is the label image of the print label L1. IL1 is shown formed in the edit screen. In this example, the first label image IL1 in which the first material image M1 is slid and moved in the lower left direction is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. When forming a label image using each of the material images M1 to M3, the direction can be freely changed and the length can be freely changed (see FIG. 9 and the like described later). As shown in FIG. 7, after displaying at least one material image (= reference label image; in this example, one first material image M1) (corresponding to the reference label display procedure), the operator performs the first By capturing and moving the upper or lower end of the material image M1 in the width direction on the screen, the tape width may be changed in stages to be usable (24 mm, 12 mm, 9 mm in this example) and displayed ( Equivalent to label width changing procedure). FIG. 7 shows how the first label image IL1 (= changed label image) whose width can be changed in three stages in this way is formed in the editing screen.

  At this time, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the label images are arranged so as to overlap each other (see FIG. 10 described later), or arranged with their end portions in contact with each other (see FIG. 25 described later). It can be arranged in a state of being separated from each other (see FIG. 20 (a) and the like described later), or can be arranged in a state of being partly overlapped and separated from other parts (see FIG. 19 described later). .

  FIG. 8 shows a label image of the print label L2 by further dragging and dropping the second material image M2 to the left side by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b after the state of FIG. A state in which the second label image IL2 is formed in the editing screen is shown. At this time, the second label image IL2 is such that the lower edge portion of the second label image IL2 is the lower edge of the first label image IL1, as in the relationship between the print label L2 and the print label L1 in FIG. It is positioned and arranged in the first label image IL1 so as to be close to the portion. In this example as well, as described above, the second label image IL2 is formed in such a manner that the second material image M2 is slid to the left without changing its size and orientation.

  FIG. 9 shows a label image of the print label L3 by further dragging and dropping the third material image M3 to the left side by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b after the state of FIG. A state is shown in which the third label image IL3 is formed in the editing screen. At this time, the third label image IL3 is projected from the first label image IL1 and the second label image IL2 in the same manner as the positional relationship between the print label L3 and the print labels L1 and L2 in FIG. It is positioned and arranged to protrude. In this example, the third label image IL3 is formed in such a manner that the longitudinal dimension of the third material image M3 is reduced and the direction is changed by slightly rotating counterclockwise. On the editing screen, the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 may be displayed in different display modes (for example, different colors and line thicknesses).

<Input print contents>
When the arrangement of the first label image IL1, the second label image IL2, and the third label image IL3 respectively corresponding to the three print labels L1, L2, and L3 is completed as described above, the operator selects the label images IL1 to IL1. Input the print contents to be displayed over the surrounding area including IL3. The input of the print contents is performed as a set of procedures for setting an input area (print formation range) and inputting print characters in the set input area. In this embodiment, there are two input area setting methods.

  In FIG. 10, as one of the above methods, when the shape of the input area is fixed as a rectangle, one vertex (upper left vertex in this example) of the rectangle and another vertex (lower right in this example) In this case, the input area is set by setting (the vertex of). That is, the operator sets the upper left vertex tb1 and the lower right vertex tb2 of the rectangle by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse). As a result, as shown in the figure, an input area TB1 having the rectangular shape is formed in the edit screen (see the broken line frame).

  When the input area TB1 is set as described above, the print content setting input in the input area TB1 is performed. FIG. 11 shows a text image TX1 of “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” by an appropriate operation of the operator's operation unit 118b (for example, a keyboard) on the input area TB1 set as shown in FIG. Shows a state formed in the edit screen. At that time, the text image TX1 corresponds to the first label image IL1 corresponding to the printing direction of “Odekake direction! No disposable warmer” formed over the print labels L1 and L2 in FIG. A character string is arranged in the input area TB1 in a diagonally upward manner so as to straddle the second label image IL2.

  On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a case where the input area is set in the label image IL to be approximately the same size as the label image IL as another method of setting the input area. That is, the operator performs one label image IL (in this example, the third label image) for setting the input area by an appropriate operation (in this example, pressing the Shift key + left click operation) on the operation unit 118b (for example, the keyboard). IL3) is selected. As a result, as shown in the figure, an input area TB3 having a rectangular shape having a size substantially equal to that of the third label image IL3 is formed in the third label image IL3 (see a broken line frame).

  When the input area TB3 is set as described above, the print content setting input in the input area TB3 is performed. In FIG. 13, the text image TX3 of “← Cheap!” Is displayed on the editing screen by performing an appropriate operation on the operation area 118b (for example, a keyboard) of the operator with respect to the input area TB3 set as shown in FIG. The state formed inside is shown. The text image TX3 has a character string in the input area TB3 in an obliquely upward direction corresponding to the printing direction of “← Cheap!” Formed on the print label L3 in FIG. Has been placed.

  In FIG. 14, after the state of FIG. 13, the operator further sets a rectangular upper left vertex tb3 and lower right vertex tb4 by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse), as illustrated in FIG. In the example, the input area TB2 having the rectangular shape is formed slightly below in the second label image IL2 (see the broken line frame).

  When the input area TB2 is set as described above, the print content setting input in the input area TB2 is performed. In FIG. 15, “¥ 1980 (with a strikethrough) ¥ 1480” is applied to the input area TB <b> 2 set as shown in FIG. 14 by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118 b (for example, a keyboard) by the operator. A state in which a text image TX2 is formed is shown. At this time, the text image TX2 is input in the horizontal direction corresponding to the printing direction of “¥ 1980 (with strikethrough) ¥ 1480” formed on the print label L2 in FIG. A character string is arranged in TB2.

  As described above, when the operator performs an appropriate input area setting operation, the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3 as the print formation ranges are respectively set, and the operator further sets the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3. By performing an appropriate print content input operation (print content instruction operation), the print content of each input area TB1, TB2, TB3 is set. In this example, all print images IP for a predetermined range including the three label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 are set by setting the print contents of all three input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3.

<Determination of print data>
As described above, the total print contents formed in a predetermined range including the first label image IL1, the second label image IL2, and the third label image IL3 (the sum of the print contents of the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3) , All print images IP) are determined. As a result, the print contents to be shared are determined for each print label L1 to L3 (in other words, for each label image IL1 to IL3).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 16A, the upper half image TX1a is extracted and assigned to the first label image IL1 from the text image TX1 of “Odekake! As a result, print data corresponding to the upper half image TX1a is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1A as print data for creating the print label L1.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the second label image IL2 includes the lower half image TX1b of the text image TX1 of “Odekake! And a text image TX2 of “¥ 1480” is extracted and assigned. As a result, print data corresponding to the lower half image TX1b and the text image TX2 is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1B as print data for creating the print label L2.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16C, the text image TX3 “← Cheap!” Is extracted and assigned to the third label image IL3. As a result, print data corresponding to the text image TX3 is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1C as print data for creating the print label L3.

  By assigning and outputting the print data to the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C as described above, as shown in FIG. 17, the print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3, respectively. Are produced by the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C. By combining the three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 created by the operator, the printed label L2 is arranged so that the position in the width direction is substantially aligned with the printed label L1 shown in FIG. Can be formed, and a label body LL to which the print label L3 is attached in an oblique direction can be formed so as to protrude from the right ends of the print label L1 and the print label L2.

<Control details>
Control contents executed by the control circuit 130 of the operation terminal 118 in order to realize the above-described method will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit 130 starts this flow when, for example, an operator inputs an appropriate label editing start instruction.

  In FIG. 18, first, in step S1, the control circuit 130 outputs a display signal to the display unit 118a. Thereby, the display unit 118a displays a plurality of types of material images (first material image M1, second material image M2, and third material image M3 in the above example) on the editing screen.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2, and the control circuit 130 performs any of the material images M1, M2, M3, etc. as described above on the editing screen of the display unit 118a by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 118b by the operator. It is determined whether a drag-and-drop operation has been performed on. While the drag-and-drop operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. When the drag-and-drop operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S3, the control circuit 130 outputs a display signal to the display unit 118a, so that the material images M1, M2, M3 and the like that have been dragged to the position where the drop operation has been performed become the label images IL1, IL2, and so on. Displayed as IL3 or the like (see FIGS. 6 to 9). At this time, when the operator changes the length or orientation or changes the width (see FIG. 7) as described above, the operator responds to the operation via the operation unit 118b. The image is processed and displayed. As described above, at this time, the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. can be arranged and displayed so as to overlap each other. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4. This step S3 corresponds to the label arrangement procedure described in each claim and functions as a label arrangement means.

  In step S4, the control circuit 130 determines whether or not an instruction input indicating that the arrangement of all the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, and the like has been completed is made by an appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b. If there is no instruction input, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S1 and the same procedure is repeated. If the instruction is input, the determination at step S4 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S5.

  In step S5, the control circuit 130 determines whether or not the input area setting operation has been performed by an appropriate operation (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 described above) of the operator via the operation unit 118b. While the input area setting operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. When the input area setting operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S6, the control circuit 130 determines an input area in the editing screen in response to the input area setting operation, and outputs a corresponding display signal to the display unit 118a. As a result, the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. are displayed at corresponding positions in the editing screen (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 described above). This step S6 corresponds to the printing range determination procedure described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S7, the control circuit 130 determines whether or not a print content setting input has been made for the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc., through an operation performed by the operator via the operation unit 118b. If there is no input of print content, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. If there is an input of print content, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S8.

  In step S8, the control circuit 130 determines the print content input in step S8 as the print content for the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. determined in step S6. This step S8 corresponds to the print content determination procedure described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S9, the control circuit 130 generates a print image corresponding to the print content determined in step S8, and outputs a corresponding display signal to the display unit 118a. As a result, the generated print image is displayed in the corresponding input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. of the editing screen (see FIGS. 11, 13, and 15). The print image is temporarily stored in the memory provided in the operation terminal 118. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the control circuit 130 completes the input of the print contents for all the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. by the appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b, and determines all the print contents for the predetermined range. It is determined whether there is an instruction input such as If there is no instruction input, the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S5 and the same procedure is repeated. If there is an instruction input, the determination at step S10 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S11.

  In step S11, the control circuit 130 repeats the above steps S5 to S10, and the entire print image IP (print formation) composed of print images for all the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. sequentially stored in the memory in step S9. An image (see FIG. 15) is acquired from the memory. As a result, the entire print image IP for the predetermined range including the plurality of label images IL1, IL2, IL3 and the like sequentially arranged by repeating Step S1 to Step S4 as described above is acquired. This step S11 corresponds to the print image acquisition procedure described in each claim and functions as a print image acquisition means.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12, and the control circuit 130 extracts a portion corresponding to each arrangement region of each of the arranged label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 from the entire print image IP acquired in step S11. In other words, the extracted portion is an image portion to be shared by the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. among all the print images IP to be expressed in the entire predetermined range. Then, the control circuit 130 assigns the extracted portions as the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 arranged in the corresponding arrangement region.

  In step S13, the control circuit 130 generates print data corresponding to each portion of the entire print image IP extracted for each of the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 in step S12. The data is determined as print data corresponding to each of the plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3. As a result, the image portion assigned to each of the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 in step S12 becomes the print contents when the corresponding print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created, and this print content is realized. Accordingly, the print data of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 is determined. This step S13 corresponds to the print data determination procedure described in each claim and functions as a print data determination means. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S14.

  In step S14, the control circuit 130 distributes the print data determined in association with the print labels L1, L2, and L3 to the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C based on the determination result in step S13. Output. That is, print data corresponding to the print label L1 (print data corresponding to the above-described upper half image TX1a) is output to the label producing apparatus 1A, and print data corresponding to the print label L2 (the above-described lower half image TX1b and text image TX2). Is output to the label creating apparatus 1B, and print data corresponding to the print label L3 (print data corresponding to the text image TX3) is output to the label creating apparatus 1C. As a result, three print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the respective print data are created in parallel by the three label producing devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. As a result, the operator can form the label body LL by combining and pasting the produced print labels L1, L2, and L3 in an appropriate manner. This step S14 corresponds to the label production instruction procedure described in each claim and functions as a label production support means. Thus, this flow is finished.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc., in which the print contents are set in a form in which the direction and length are freely selected as described above, are created. Then, a desired label body LL can be formed by attaching the print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like in an appropriate combination. As a result, it is possible to perform display by printing that is close to the entire print image IP in the above-described predetermined range by the entirety of the print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. included in the label body LL. As a result, it is possible to realize a wide variety of print display in a desired mode intended by the operator. As a result, the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. can be widely expanded, and the convenience for the operator can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when the operator performs an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b, the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3 and the like within the predetermined range are set on the editing screen, and the input areas TB1, TB2 are further set. , TB3, etc., when the operator inputs appropriate print contents, the print contents are set in the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. (see step S7 in FIG. 18). As a result, the entire print image IP that the operator wants to express by print formation with respect to the predetermined range can be formed neatly and easily.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created in parallel by a plurality of label creation apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C. Thereby, the label production time can be shortened. In addition, when a label body LL is formed using a plurality of types of print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like having mutually different attributes such as tape width and color, the plurality of types of print labels L1, L2, and the like are formed by a single label producing device 1. When all L3s are created, it may be necessary to replace the cartridge 7 or the like. However, in the present embodiment, by using a plurality of label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C, the replacement of the cartridge 7 cover film 103 and the like as described above can be made unnecessary, and this also shortens the label producing time. can do.

  In the present embodiment, particularly, as shown in FIG. 7, at least one material image (the material image M1 in the above example) in which the width direction dimension and the length direction dimension are determined in advance is displayed at a predetermined position. In addition, the width direction dimension can be changed step by step according to the operation of the operator. Thus, even if a plurality of types of material images having different width-direction dimensions as shown in FIG. 6 (three types of material images M1, M2, and M3 in the above example) are not prepared, the operator can By appropriately changing the widthwise dimension of at least one material image (the material image M1 in the above example), a plurality of label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 having different widthwise dimensions are arranged on the screen so as to overlap each other. Can be displayed.

  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) When using only one label producing device In other words, instead of distributing a plurality of print data to the plurality of label producing devices 1A, 1B, and 1C and outputting them as described above, Alternatively, the labels may be output collectively (or sequentially) to any one of the label producing apparatuses 1, and the label producing apparatus 1 may sequentially produce the three print labels L1, L2, and L3. In this case, in this example, as described above, the print label L1 uses the print-receiving tape 103 having a width of 24 mm and the cartridge 7 containing the base tape 101, and the print label L2 uses the print-receiving tape 103 and the base having a width of 12 mm. A cartridge 7 containing a material tape 101 is used, and a cartridge 7 containing a print-receiving tape 103 and a base tape 101 having a width of 9 mm is used for the print label L3. That is, three different types of cartridges 7 are exchanged for each print label L. In this case, an appropriate display that prompts replacement of the cartridge 7 may be performed every time one print label L is created with one print data.

  In this modification, a plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3 can be created using only one print label creation device 1A without preparing a plurality of label creation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. . Even when the label body LL is formed by using a plurality of types of print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like having different attributes such as tape width and color, it is possible to replace one cartridge 7 and the like as needed. The label producing apparatus 1 can produce all of the plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like.

(2) In the case where printing is performed such that portions where a plurality of labels are separated from each other are continuous across a blank, that is, in this modification, a plurality of print labels L are separated from each other at least partially by the operator's intention. Thus, the label body LL is formed by combining and sticking. An example of a label image displayed on the editing screen in this case is shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 19, two label images (a first label image ILa and a second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image in this example) are The arrangement regions each include separation portions R1 and R2 that exist in a bifurcated manner. Then, the entire print image IP made up of the characters “SALE” is a continuous image continuous with the separation portion R1 of the first label image ILa and the separation portion R2 of the second label image ILb in the portion of the character “E”. A portion IS (in other words, a portion that does not belong to either of the two label images ILa and ILb and is included in the non-label portion NL between the label images ILa and ILb) is provided.

  Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data corresponding to the label images ILa and ILb, the print contents of the print label L1 and the print label are printed in the label body LL. The print content of L2 is continuous with a gap (not shown) corresponding to the non-label portion NL. That is, in the actually produced label body LL, the horizontal bar “-” portion of the character “E” of “SALE” does not exist (instead of the gap), the label body LL The observer who has seen the “E” including the middle horizontal bar “−” can be recognized sensuously and the “SALE” can be identified as a whole.

  Another example is shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b). In this example, as shown in FIG. 20A, two label images (a rectangular first label image ILa and a second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image). ) Includes the separation portions R1 and R2 in which the arrangement regions are separated from each other in the vertical direction. Then, the entire print image IP made up of the characters “Happy Birthday” is formed at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the characters “Happy Birthday” at a separation portion R1 of the first label image ILa and a separation portion R2 of the second label image ILb. There is a continuous image portion IS (a portion included in the non-label portion NL between the label images ILa and ILb).

  Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data corresponding to the label images ILa and ILb, as shown in FIG. 20B, the print labels L1 and L2 are created. In the above-described label body LL (in this example, the print labels L1 and L2 are formed by being attached to the object to be attached in a completely separated state), the print contents of the print label L1 and the print of the print label L2 The content is continuous with the gap SP corresponding to the non-label portion NL. That is, in the actually produced label body LL, although there is no substantially central portion in the vertical direction of “Happy Birthday” (instead, the gap SP is present), the observer who viewed the label body LL Thus, it is possible to sensuously recognize the characters “Happy Birthday” including the substantially central portion in the vertical direction.

  FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B show still another example. In this example, as shown in FIG. 21A, four label images (square-shaped first label image ILa and second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image). , The third label image ILc, the fourth label image ILd) include separation portions R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 in which the arrangement regions are separated from each other in the vertical and horizontal directions. . Then, a continuous image portion IS (label images ILa, ILb,...) That is continuous with each of the separation portions R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 is added to the entire print image IP by the “☆” mark which is a kind of image. (Parts included in the non-labeled portion NL between ILc and ILd) are present at four locations among the “☆” marks.

  Thus, in this modification, when the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are created using print data corresponding to the label images ILa, ILb, ILc, and ILd, respectively, as shown in FIG. Thus, the label body LL (in this example, the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are formed on the object to be pasted in a completely separated state by combining the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4. In other words, the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are continuous with the gap SP corresponding to the non-label portion NL interposed therebetween. That is, in the actually produced label body LL, although there is a blank portion (gap SP) in a part of “☆”, the observer who viewed the label body LL does not have the blank. The "☆" mark can be recognized sensuously.

  As described above, in the above-described modification, in the plurality of print labels L that are pasted apart from each other in the separation portion R, the print display that is to be expressed by the combination of the separation portions R is interposed via the gap SP or the like. Can be realized reliably.

(3) When printing a part where two labels are overlapped so that the contents partially overlap. That is, in this modification, at least two print labels L are overlapped for the operator's intention. And a label body LL is formed. An example of the label image displayed on the editing screen in this case is shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 22, the two label images (first label image ILa and second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR are partially overlapped in accordance with the arrangement of the print labels. It is arranged so that. The entire print image IP consisting of “♪♪ Merry Christmas! ♪♪♪♪♪♪” is a continuous image portion IS in which the letter “M” continues across the array area of the two label images IL1 and IL2. It has become.

  In this modification, the print data of the first print label L1 for printing the lower half of “M” and “erry Christmas!” Corresponding to the first label image ILa, corresponding to the arrangement of “M” described above. And the print data of the second print label L2 for printing the upper half of “M” and “♪♪” “♪♪♪♪♪♪” corresponding to the second label image ILb, Each print data is determined so that at least a part of the character “M” which is the continuous image portion IS overlaps. In this example, for example, the print data of the first print label L1 is set to print data that prints all of “M” and “ery Christmas!”. In this case, the upper half of “M” overlaps both the print data of the first print label L1 and the print data of the second print label L2. Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data, the print contents of the print label L1 and the print contents of the print label L2 in the label body LL It becomes the aspect which overlaps in the character of "M".

  FIG. 23 shows another example. In this example, as shown in the figure, two label images (first label image ILa and second label image ILb) of the nine label images arranged in the predetermined range AR correspond to the arrangement of the print labels. Thus, the second label image ILb is arranged on the first label image ILa. Of all the printed images IP consisting of “Omanju 100! Recommended”, the character “Omanju” is a continuous image portion IS that is continuous across the array area of the two label images ILa and ILb. It has become.

  In this modified example, the first print label L1 for printing the upper half of “Omanju” and “100 yen!” Corresponding to the first label image ILa, corresponding to the arrangement of “Omanju” described above. When generating the print data and the print data of the second print label L2 for printing the lower half of “Omanju” corresponding to the second label image ILb, the character “Omanju” is the continuous image portion IS. Each print data is determined so that at least a part of "" overlaps. In this example, for example, the print data of the first print label L1 is set to print all “Omanju” and “100 yen!”. In this case, the lower half of “Omanju” overlaps both the print data of the first print label L1 and the print data of the second print label L2. Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data, the print contents of the print label L1 and the print contents of the print label L2 in the label body LL It becomes an aspect which overlaps in the character of "Omanju".

  In the present modification as described above, when two print labels (first print label L1 and second print label L2) to be attached in a superimposed manner are attached, the two print label attaching positions and relative positions are attached. Even if there is a slight deviation in the relationship, the print display that is planned to be displayed in combination with the two printed labels L1 and L2 pasted (in the above example, the letter “M” or the letter “Omanju”) Can be reliably realized without generating a blank.

  In the above-described embodiment, the characters “outing” and “discarding” among the characters “outing direction! Non-disposable body warmer” existing across the first label image IL1 and the second label image IL2 in the above embodiment. You may apply to. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.

(4) When printing continuously over a plurality of labels arranged in contact with each other

  In this modification, as shown in FIG. 24, three substantially rectangular print labels L1, L2, and L3 are arranged so that their short sides are in contact with each other. Is formed. Then, the characters “Happy Birthday!” Are expressed by printing throughout the label body LL. The print label L1 including the prints of most parts of the characters “Happ” and “y” is created by the label creating apparatus 1A. The print label L2 including the remaining part of the character “y”, the character “BIRT”, and the left half of the character “H” is created by the label creating apparatus 1B. The print label L3 including the right half of the letter “H” and the letter “DAY!” Is created by the label creating apparatus 1C.

  The edit operation procedure executed by the operation terminal 118 to create the label body LL composed of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 as described above is the same as the contents described with reference to FIGS. It is almost the same.

  That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the operator drags and drops the first to third material images M1 to M3 to the left by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse). The first label image ILa, the second label image ILb, and the third label image ILb corresponding to the print labels L1, L2, and L3 are arranged so as to contact each other. Thereafter, the method described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 14 (or the method described with reference to FIG. 12) may be used to straddle the three label images ILa, ILb, and ILc and to combine these three label images ILa, ILb, and ILc. An input area TB having a size substantially equal to that of the body is formed. FIG. 25 shows the state at this time.

  Thereafter, as described above with reference to FIGS. 11, 13, and 15, the text image TX of “Happy Birthday!” Is input to the input area TB by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b (for example, a keyboard) of the operator. Is formed.

  As described above, the total printed contents of the first label image ILa, the second label image ILb, and the third label image ILc (all printed images IP equal to the printed contents of the input area TB in this example) are determined. The As a result, as shown in FIG. 26, the first label image ILa is extracted and assigned the text image of most of the above “Happ” and “y”, and print data corresponding to the text image is created. And output to the label producing apparatus 1A. In the second label image ILb, the remaining part of the “y”, the text image of the left half of “BIRT”, and “H” are extracted and assigned, and print data corresponding to the text image is created. It is output to the label producing apparatus 1B. The third label image ILc is extracted and assigned the right half of “H” and the text image “DAY!”, Print data corresponding to the text image is created, and output to the label creating apparatus 1C. . As a result, the operator combines the three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 so that the substantially rectangular three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 shown in FIG. As a whole, a label body LL in which the characters “Happy Birthday!” Are expressed by printing can be formed.

  Also in this modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, a variety of print display in a desired mode intended by the operator can be realized, so that expression using a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. is achieved. It can be expanded widely and the convenience for the operator can be improved.

(5) Others In the above, the label body LL using the print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like on which characters are mainly printed is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the label body LL is formed by using a print label L on which an appropriate icon or mark other than characters (see the modified example of FIGS. 21A and 21B), a photograph, or other images is printed. It may be. In these cases, the same effect is obtained.

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

  Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-described flow, and the procedure may be added or deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. Good.

  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.

1A, 1B, 1C Label making device 23 Thermal head 101 Base tape 103 Cover film (printed tape)
118 Operation terminal (label editing device)
118a Display unit 118b Operation unit 130 Control circuit IL1-3 Label image IP All image (print formation image)
L1, L2, L3 Print label IS Continuous image part TB input area

Claims (8)

A display means and a calculation means, and for the calculation means of the operation terminal capable of executing an editing operation of the print contents of the print label to be created,
Label arrangement procedure for arranging and displaying a plurality of label images on a predetermined editing screen displayed on the display means so as to overlap each other with a free direction setting and a free length setting,
A print image acquisition procedure for acquiring a print formation image for a predetermined range including at least a plurality of label images arranged in the label arrangement procedure based on an operation input of an operator;
Of the print formation image acquired in the print image acquisition procedure, a portion corresponding to the array region of each label image arrayed in the label array procedure is printed corresponding to the label image arrayed in the array region A print data determination procedure for determining the print data for each of a plurality of print labels extracted and assigned as the print contents of the label;
A plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels in the print data determination procedure is output to at least one print label producing device, and the plurality of print labels on which a print corresponding to each print data is formed Label creation instruction procedure to create
Editing program for creating labels to execute In the label creation editing program according to claim 1,
For the computing means,
A print range determination procedure for determining at least one print formation range included in the predetermined range based on a range setting operation of the operator;
A print content determination procedure for determining the print content to be formed in each print formation range based on the print content instruction operation of the operator;
Is executed further,
The print image acquisition procedure includes:
An editing program for creating a label, wherein the printing content to be formed in the at least one printing formation range determined in the printing content determination procedure is acquired. In the label creation editing program according to claim 1 or 2,
Among the print formation images acquired in the print image acquisition procedure, when there is a continuous image portion continuous across the array region of the first and second label images included in the plurality of label images,
The print data determination procedure includes:
The print contents of the first print label corresponding to the first label image and the print contents of the second print label corresponding to the second label image overlap in at least a part of the continuous image portion. An edit program for creating a label, wherein the print data for each of the second print labels is determined. In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The first label image and the second label image included in the plurality of label images include a separation part in which arrangement regions of the plurality of label images exist apart from each other,
The print data determination procedure includes:
If the print formation image acquired in the print image acquisition procedure includes a continuous image portion that is continuous between the separation portion of the first label image and the separation portion of the second label image, the first label image The print contents of the first print label corresponding to the first print label and the print contents of the second print label corresponding to the second label image are continuously determined with a gap therebetween. An editing program for creating labels. In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The label creation instruction procedure includes:
A label creation editing program that distributes and outputs a plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels to the plurality of print label creation devices. In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The label creation instruction procedure includes:
A label creation editing program, wherein a plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels are collectively or sequentially output to one print label creation apparatus. In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The label arrangement procedure includes:
A reference label display procedure for displaying at least one reference label image in which a width-direction dimension and a length-direction dimension are determined in advance at a predetermined position on the editing screen;
A label width changing procedure for displaying a changed label image in which the width direction dimension of the displayed reference label image is changed stepwise in accordance with the width direction dimension changing operation of the operator. Editing program for creation. A label editing device for executing an operation for editing the print contents of a print label to be created,
Display means for displaying a predetermined editing screen for performing the editing operation;
Label arrangement means for arranging and displaying a plurality of label images on the editing screen of the display means so as to overlap each other with a free direction setting and a free length setting,
Print image acquisition means for acquiring a print formation image for a predetermined range including at least a plurality of label images arranged by the label arrangement means based on an operation input of an operator;
Of the print formation image acquired by the print image acquisition means, a portion corresponding to the arrangement area of each label image arranged by the label arrangement means is printed corresponding to the label image arranged in the arrangement area Print data determining means for determining print data for each of a plurality of print labels extracted and assigned as the print contents of the label;
A plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels by the print data determining means is output to at least one print label producing device, and the plurality of print labels on which a print corresponding to each print data is formed Label creation instruction means for creating
A label editing apparatus comprising:

Images