JP2014106579A - Record control system, method for controlling record control system, and recording device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To impart an added value to a recorded result by using such characteristics that a recording device can record in accordance with a template.SOLUTION: A record control system 1 comprises: a printer 3; and a host computer 2. The printer 3, which is capable of performing color printing, stores area definition information that defines each area of a template composed of one or a plurality of areas, by each template; and when the printer receives a control command from the host computer 2, the printer records an image in each area in accordance with a designated template based on the area definition information of each area constituting the template. When the host computer 2 controls the printer 3 to record an image relating to a given commercial product, the host computer 2 acquires information relating to distribution of the commercial product; creates a control command which includes information for converting a color relating to a specified area constituting a given template into a specified color based on the distribution information and for recording the resultant color; and transmits the command.

Description

  The present invention relates to a recording control system including a control device and a recording device connectable to the control device, a control method for the recording control system, and the recording device.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system including a recording apparatus that performs recording using a template prepared in advance is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This type of recording apparatus performs recording according to a template based on a control command input from the control apparatus.

JP 2012-048415 A

Here, in the case where the recording apparatus can record according to the template as in the above-described system, for example, the convenience of the user is improved by using the characteristic that the recording apparatus can record according to the template. There is a need to add value to recording results, such as recording such images.
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to add value to a recording result by using a characteristic that a recording apparatus can perform recording according to a template.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a control device and a recording device connectable to the control device, and under the control of the control device, the recording device displays an image relating to a product on a recording medium. A recording control system for recording, wherein the recording device defines an area for a template composed of a recording head capable of color printing and one or a plurality of areas formed in a recording area of the recording medium. When a storage unit that stores definition information for each template and a control command that specifies a template and instructs recording of an image in each area that constitutes the specified template are received from the control device, the specified template The recording head is controlled based on the area definition information of each area configuring the A recording execution unit that records an image, and when the control device causes the recording device to record an image related to one product on the recording medium according to one template, the control device relates to the distribution of the one product. A record for acquiring distribution information, generating a control command including information for converting a color relating to a specific area constituting the one template into a specific color and recording the distribution command based on the distribution information and transmitting the generated control command A control unit is provided.
Here, the distribution information relating to distribution is various information relating to the distribution route from the time the product is produced and sold to the consumer, for example, information relating to the producer, information relating to the distribution route, and the like.
The product is a concept including all items that can be finally sold in stores, such as agricultural products, marine products, electronic devices, books, processed food products, and the like.
According to the said structure, the color regarding the said specific area is converted into a specific color based on the distribution information regarding distribution of goods about the specific area which comprises a template, and is recorded. As a result, the user can easily and accurately acquire information related to the distribution of the product by visually recognizing the color related to the specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, and the convenience for the user is improved. That is, it is possible to add value to the recording result.

Further, in the present invention, the distribution information includes information relating to the distribution route, storage period, storage temperature, and validity of at least one of the producers, and the recording control unit of the control device includes: When the recording apparatus records an image relating to one product on the recording medium in accordance with one template, the distribution information is acquired, and the distribution route, storage period, storage temperature of the product, or the producer's validity According to the characteristics, a control command including information for recording a color relating to a specific area constituting the one template by converting the color into a specific color is generated and transmitted.
According to this configuration, the user can easily and accurately view the color related to a specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, and easily and accurately the corresponding product distribution route, storage period, storage temperature, or Information on the legitimacy of the producer can be acquired, and the convenience for the user is further improved.

Further, in the present invention, the distribution information includes at least one of information relating to a product expiration date or expiration date, and information relating to the legitimacy of the processor, and the recording control unit of the control device includes: When the recording apparatus records an image relating to one product on the recording medium according to one template, the distribution information is acquired, the relationship between the product expiration date and the expiration date, or the legitimacy of the processor Accordingly, a control command including information for converting a color related to a specific area constituting the one template into a specific color and recording it is generated and transmitted.
According to this configuration, the user can easily and accurately recognize the color related to a specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, so that the expiration date, the expiration date of the corresponding product, or the processor's Information on legitimacy can be acquired, and the convenience for the user is further improved.

Further, in the present invention, the process of converting a color related to a specific area constituting one template into a specific color is a process of converting the frame color of the specific area into a specific color, or It includes at least one of processes for converting the background color of the specific area into a specific color.
According to this structure, the color regarding an area can be effectively converted into a specific color using recording based on a template configured by one or a plurality of areas.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a control device and a recording device that is configured to be connectable to the control device and has a recording head capable of color printing, and is controlled by the control device. The recording apparatus is a control method of a recording control system for recording an image relating to a product on a recording medium, and the recording apparatus is a template composed of one or a plurality of areas formed in a recording area of the recording medium. When the area definition information for defining each area is stored for each template, the template is designated, and a control command for instructing recording of an image in each area constituting the designated template is received from the control device The template is controlled by controlling the recording head based on the area definition information of each area constituting the designated template. In the meantime, when the control device records an image relating to one product on the recording medium in accordance with one template, the control device distributes the one product. The distribution information on the distribution information is acquired, and based on the distribution information, a control command including information for converting a color related to a specific area constituting the one template into a specific color and recording the generated command is transmitted. It is characterized by that.
According to this control method, for a specific area constituting the template, the color relating to the specific area is converted into a specific color and recorded based on the distribution information relating to the distribution of the product. As a result, the user can easily and accurately acquire information related to the distribution of the product by visually recognizing the color related to the specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, and the convenience for the user is improved. That is, it is possible to add value to the recording result.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a control device and a recording device that is configured to be connectable to the control device and has a recording head capable of color printing, and is controlled by the control device. The recording device is a program for controlling the control device and each control unit of the recording device in a recording control system for recording an image relating to a product on a recording medium, the recording device including the recording medium. The area definition information that defines each area is stored for each template, and the template is designated for each template that is formed in one recording area, and the template is designated. When a control command for instructing image recording is received from the control device, the front of each area constituting the designated template Based on the area definition information, the recording head is controlled to record an image in each area in accordance with a template, and the control device causes the recording device to store an image related to one product as one template. When recording on the recording medium according to the above, distribution information relating to distribution of the one commodity is acquired, and a color relating to a specific area constituting the one template is converted into a specific color based on the distribution information. Then, a control command including information to be recorded is generated and transmitted.
According to this program, for a specific area constituting the template, the color relating to the specific area is converted into a specific color and recorded based on the distribution information relating to the distribution of the product. As a result, the user can easily and accurately acquire information related to the distribution of the product by visually recognizing the color related to the specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, and the convenience for the user is improved. That is, it is possible to add value to the recording result.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a recording apparatus configured to be connectable to a control apparatus, and records an image relating to a product on a recording medium under the control of the control apparatus, wherein color printing is performed. A storage unit that stores area definition information that defines each area for each template and a template that includes a possible recording head and one or more areas that are formed in a recording area of the recording medium. A control command for recording an image, which designates a template and forms a designated template when a control command for instructing recording of an image in each area constituting the designated template is received from the control device Based on the area definition information of each area, the recording head is controlled to display images to each area according to the template. On the other hand, distribution information relating to the distribution of the one product is acquired, and based on the distribution information, a color relating to a specific area constituting the one template is converted into a specific color and recorded. And a recording control unit.
According to this configuration, for a specific area constituting the template, the color related to the specific area is converted into a specific color and recorded based on the distribution information related to the distribution of the product. As a result, the user can easily and accurately acquire information related to the distribution of the product by visually recognizing the color related to the specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, and the convenience for the user is improved. That is, it is possible to add value to the recording result.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to add value to the recording result by utilizing the characteristic that the recording apparatus can perform recording according to the template.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the recording control system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a template. It is a figure which shows the content of the template database. It is a figure which shows an example of the image recorded according to the template. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of each apparatus which comprises a recording control system. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of each apparatus which comprises a recording control system.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of a recording control system 1 according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a recording control system 1 is connected to a host computer 2 (control device) and the host computer 2 via a network 4, and records an image on a recording medium under the control of the host computer 2. And a printer 3 (recording apparatus) that performs the above-described process. In the printer 3, a label sheet in which labels with adhesive material cut to a predetermined size are arranged on a long release sheet is set. The printer 3 prints an image on each label on the release sheet according to a template. Make a record.
The network 4 is a network configured by, for example, a wired LAN or a wireless LAN conforming to the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The network 4 may include a network device that conforms to the USB or RS-232C standard.
Before the printer 3 was connected to the host computer 2, the pre-replacement printer 6 was connected, and the host computer 2 controlled the pre-replacement printer 6 to record an image on the label. . The pre-replacement printer 6 is a monochrome recording printer, while the printer 3 is a printer capable of color printing. The recording control system 1 according to the present embodiment (1) does not change the control command output by the host computer 2 before and after replacement from the pre-replacement printer 6 to the printer 3, in other words, the host computer. 2 so that an image can be recorded on the label by the printer 3 without any software modification, and the replacement from the printer 6 before replacement to the printer 3 can be performed smoothly. ) Utilizing the fact that color printing is possible to achieve appropriate colorization, and (3) Utilizing the possibility of color printing to add value to the recorded result of the label, One of the purposes is to improve the convenience of the user.
As shown in FIG. 1, a template terminal 5 described later can be connected to the network 4.

This record control system 1 is a product that is sold at a supermarket, a convenience store, a department store, or the like. A function for issuing a label to be attached (hereinafter referred to as “distribution label”), and a label (hereinafter referred to as “sales”) in a store at a predetermined position of a display shelf for displaying the product. At least a function of issuing a time label. In the present embodiment, the product is a concept including all items that can be finally sold in stores, such as agricultural products, marine products, electronic devices, books, processed foods, and the like.
A distribution management server device 7 and a store management server device 8 are connected to the network 4.
The physical distribution management server device 7 is a server that manages various types of information related to merchandise from when the merchandise is produced until the merchandise is delivered to a store that sells the merchandise. The store management server device 8 is a so-called POS server, and stores various masters such as a product master, a customer master, and an inventory master. In this example, the distribution management server device 7 and the store management server device 8 are connected to the network 4. However, these servers are connected to the network 4 via the Internet or the like. May be.

As shown in FIG. 1, the host computer 2 includes a host-side control unit 18 (recording control unit), a host-side storage unit 19, a host-side display unit 40, and a host-side input unit 41.
The host side control unit 18 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, other peripheral circuits, and the like, and centrally controls each unit of the host computer 2. The host-side storage unit 19 includes a memory that stores various data in a nonvolatile manner, and stores at least an application program 21 and a device driver 23.
When the printer 3 records an image on a label, the application program 21 generates information about an image to be recorded on the label (hereinafter referred to as “label image information”) and outputs the information to the device driver 23.
The device driver 23 is a program for controlling the pre-replacement printer 6 created in accordance with the hardware specifications and software specifications of the pre-replacement printer 6. When the label image information is input from the application program 21, the device driver 23 generates a control command described in the command system of the pre-replacement printer 6 and outputs it to the printer 3. The printer 3 records an image on a label according to a template based on a control command described in the command system of the pre-replacement printer 6 by a method described in detail later.
The host side display unit 40 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays various information on the display panel under the control of the host side control unit 18. The host side input unit 41 includes various switches such as operation switches and a mouse and a keyboard, detects an operation on the input unit, and outputs the operation to the host side control unit 18.

The printer 3 includes a recording unit 39 having an inkjet head 39a (recording head) capable of color printing, a transport mechanism 39b for transporting the set label paper, and a cutting mechanism 39c for cutting the label paper at a predetermined position. The recording unit 39 can record an image according to the template on the label on the label sheet, cut it, and issue a label as a piece of paper.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printer 3 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and includes a printer-side control unit 30 that centrally controls each unit of the printer 3. The printer-side control unit 30 includes a recording execution unit 32 that interprets the control command and causes the recording unit 39 to execute image recording when a control command of the command system of the pre-replacement printer 6 is received from the host computer 2. ing. The function of the recording execution unit 32 is realized by cooperation of hardware and software such that the CPU of the printer-side control unit 30 reads and executes firmware.
The printer 3 also includes a printer-side storage unit 33 (storage unit) that stores programs and data in a nonvolatile manner. A template database 35 (area definition information) is stored in the storage area of the printer-side storage unit 33. This data will be described later.

The template terminal 5 includes a terminal-side control unit 51, a terminal-side display unit 52, a terminal-side input unit 53, and a terminal-side storage unit 54.
The terminal side control unit 51 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and centrally controls the template terminal 5. The terminal side display unit 52 includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel, and displays various types of information on the display panel under the control of the terminal side control unit 51. The terminal side input unit 53 includes operation switches and various input means such as a mouse and a keyboard, detects an operation on the input means, and outputs the operation to the terminal side control unit 51. The terminal-side storage unit 54 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a hard disk and stores various data in a nonvolatile manner. A dedicated tool 55 that is a software tool is installed in the template terminal 5, and the terminal-side control unit 51 executes various processes to be described later by the function of the dedicated tool 55.

The logistics management server device 7 is a server that manages various types of information about products from the time the products are produced until they are brought into a store that sells the products, and the logistics management server side that centrally controls each part. The control part 71 and the physical distribution management server side memory | storage part 72 which memorize | stores various data are provided. In the physical distribution management server side storage unit 72, a physical distribution management database 72a is stored.
The distribution management database 72a stores distribution route management data 73a. The distribution route management data 73a is a route from when a product is produced to when it is brought into a store, for example, where it is produced, where it is stored, and where it is transported via any distribution center and by any means of transportation. This data includes information indicating whether or not This information is stored for each product in association with identification information uniquely assigned to the product. Each facility on the distribution route and a terminal in the transportation means are configured to notify the distribution management server device 7 of the distribution status of the product, and the distribution management server side control unit 71 is based on the notification. Then, the contents of the distribution route management data 73a are updated as appropriate. The physical distribution management server device 7 according to the present embodiment has a function of determining whether or not each product is distributed via an assumed legitimate route. If it is not via a legitimate route, data indicating that fact is stored in the distribution route management data 73a in association with the identification information of the corresponding product.
The physical distribution management database 72a stores retention period management data 73b. The storage period management data 73b is data configured to include information indicating an elapsed time since the storage is started when the product is stored in a predetermined facility or place. This information is stored in association with identification information for each product. The distribution management server device 7 is configured to notify the distribution management server device 7 of the storage status of the product from the terminal in the facility related to the storage, and the distribution management server side control unit 71 stores the information appropriately based on the notification. The contents of the period management data 73b are updated. The logistics management server device 7 according to the present embodiment has a function of determining whether or not a product having a storage period with an upper limit is not stored exceeding the upper limit. When the storage period exceeds the upper limit, the physical distribution management server side control unit 71 stores data indicating that in the storage period management data 73b in association with the identification information of the corresponding product.
The distribution management database 72a stores storage temperature management data 73c. The storage temperature management data 73c is data including information indicating the temperature of the product in the process of distributing the product and / or the temperature of the environment of the product. This information is stored in association with identification information for each product. Each facility on the distribution route and a terminal in the transportation means are configured to notify the distribution management server device 7 of the temperature related to the product, and the distribution management server side control unit 71 is based on the notification. The contents of the storage temperature management data 73c are updated as appropriate. The logistics management server device 7 according to the present embodiment has a function of determining whether or not the temperature of the product is limited to a temperature that exceeds the limit, When the temperature exceeds the limit, the distribution management server side control unit 71 stores data indicating that in the stored temperature management data 73c in association with the identification information of the corresponding product. In addition, when the temperature regarding goods exceeds a restriction | limiting, when there exists a restriction | limiting that goods should be preserve | saved in the range of 5 degreeC-20 degreeC, for example, the temperature of the environment of goods becomes 0 degreeC, or 20 degreeC It means to become.
The distribution management database 72a stores producer management data 73d. The producer management data 73d is data including information indicating the producer of the product. This information is stored in association with identification information for each product. The terminal in a predetermined facility on the distribution channel is configured to notify the distribution management server device 7 about the producer, and the distribution management server side control unit 71 appropriately performs the notification based on the notification. The contents of the producer management data 73d are updated. The physical distribution management server device 7 according to the present embodiment has a function of determining whether or not each product is produced by an assumed valid producer, and the physical distribution management server side control unit 71, when not produced by a legitimate producer, stores data indicating that in the producer management data 73d in association with the identification information of the corresponding product.

The store management server device 8 includes a store management server side control unit 81 that centrally controls each unit, and a store management server side storage unit 82 that stores various data. Store management database 82a is stored in store management server side storage unit 82.
The store management database 82a stores the best / expiration date management data 83a. The data is data that stores the best / expiration date in association with the identification information for each product sold in the store. The store management server-side control unit 81 receives notification of information indicating the best / expiration date of each product from an appropriate terminal, updates the content of the best / expiration date management data 83a, and approaches the best / expiration date. For the merchandise that is being sold, the data indicating that is stored in the best / expiration date management data 83a in association with the identification information of the corresponding merchandise.
The store management database 82a stores processor management data 83b. The data is data that stores the processor who performed the processing in association with the identification information when some processing is performed for each product sold in the store. Processing is, for example, a person who handled fish as a product or a person who made a bento as a product. The store management server-side control unit 81 receives a notification of information indicating the processor of each product from an appropriate terminal, and updates the content of the processor management data 83b. Further, the store management server-side control unit 81 has a function of determining whether or not the processor is an authorized person assumed for each product, and when the processor is not an authorized person, Data indicating that is stored in the processor management data 83b in association with the identification information of the corresponding product.

Now, the printer 3 according to the present embodiment records an image on a label according to a template under the control of the host computer 2.
A template is a rule for recording an image in a label recording area. In the present embodiment, the template includes information indicating an aspect (pattern) of an area formed in the label recording area. The label recording area is the maximum area in which an image can be recorded (dot formation) in one label. An area is an area divided according to the content of an image (information) to be recorded. In this embodiment, a plurality of templates having different areas in the recording area are prepared in advance, and the printer 3 can execute recording of an image on a label according to any one of the templates.
FIG. 2A shows a template T1 which is one of a plurality of templates prepared in advance. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the template T1, two rectangular areas A1 to A2 are formed in a label recording area according to a predetermined pattern. This template T1 is a template for the above-mentioned physical distribution label.
FIG. 2B shows a template T2, which is a template different from the template T1. As shown in FIG. 2B, in the template T2, three rectangular areas B1 to B3 are formed in a label recording area according to a predetermined pattern. This template T2 is a template for the above-mentioned sales label.

Information about each area formed in the template and information defining each area are defined in the template database 35 for each template.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the data structure of the template database 35. FIG. 3 illustrates each record related to the template T1 and the template T2 in FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, the template database 35 is a relational database, but the data structure of the template database 35 may be any form.
The template name D1 is a name (identification information) uniquely assigned to each template.
The area name D2 is a name (identification information) given to each of the areas formed in the template. As shown in FIG. 2A, the template T1 has two areas A1 and A2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, the template database 35 has two areas A1 and A2. Are provided, and an appropriate area name D2 is stored in the corresponding field of each record. Similarly, for the template T2, three records relating to the areas B1 to B3 are generated, and an appropriate area name D2 is stored in the corresponding field of each record.
The area reference coordinate D3 is the coordinates of the reference point of the area in the coordinate system having the origin at a specific position in the label recording area. An arbitrary position in the label recording area can be designated by the coordinates in the coordinate system. Here, in this example, the shape of each area in the recording area is formed with two sides facing each other in parallel to the short direction YJ1 (see FIG. 2) of the label, and parallel to the long direction YJ2 (see FIG. 2). And a rectangle in which two other opposing sides are formed. The area reference point refers to a vertex located in a specific direction among the four vertices formed in the area frame. In this example, as shown in the vertex P1 of the area A1 in FIG. 2A and the vertex P2 of the area A2 in FIG. 2, the top left vertex in FIG. 2 is the reference point among the four vertices.
The size D4 is information indicating the length W in the short direction YJ1 and the length H in the long direction YJ2 of each area. For example, in the area A1 in FIG. 2A, information indicating the length W1 and the length H1 corresponds to the size D4. As described above, since each area is rectangular, the position, shape, and size in the recording area of each area are fixed by the area reference coordinates D3 and the size D4.
The frame information D5 is information for specifying the color of the area frame. As described above, the printer 3 can perform color printing. However, in the present embodiment, the frame color can be designated for each area, and the frame can be recorded on the label with the designated color. In the present embodiment, “color” includes colorlessness (no frame color or no background color described later).
The background information D6 is information for specifying the background color of the area. For example, when the background information D6 is information indicating blue, the entire corresponding area is blue.
The area attribute D7 is information indicating an area attribute. An area attribute is information that represents the characteristics, characteristics, contents, and the like of an image (information) recorded in the area. As described above, the template T1 is a template related to a label attached to a product or a product packaging in a process of being delivered to a store through a distribution route after the product is produced, but the area A1 in the template T1. Is an area in which the name of the product is recorded, and its attribute is “product name”. The area A2 is an area where the producer of the product is recorded, and its attribute is “producer”. On the other hand, the template T2 is a template related to a label affixed to a merchandise display shelf in a retail store, but the area B1 in the template T2 is an area in which the name of the product is recorded, and its attribute is “product name”. is there. Area B2 is an area in which the price of the product is recorded, and its attribute is “price”. The area B3 is an area in which a barcode used by a person in charge on the store side is recorded, and its attribute is “barcode”.

Here, the terminal-side control unit 51 of the template terminal 5 has a function of generating each record of the template database 35 based on information on the template stored in the pre-replacement printer 6. As a result, an appropriate record is generated in the template database 35 for each template that can be used by the pre-replacement printer 6, and the printer 3 can record an image in accordance with the template used by the pre-replacement printer 6. It becomes.
More specifically, the pre-replacement printer 6 has data of a predetermined format (hereinafter referred to as a template) including at least a template name, a name of each area in the template, and a position and a size of each area. , “Template data before replacement”). For example, in the pre-replacement template data relating to the template that is the origin of the template T1, the position and size of the template T1 as the name of the template, the areas A1 and A2 as the names of the areas, and the areas A1 and A2 are indicated. And at least information to be displayed.
The terminal-side control unit 51 of the template terminal 5 sends a pre-replacement template data transmission request to the pre-replacement printer 6 by communication via the network 4. The pre-replacement printer 6 transmits pre-replacement template data to the template terminal 5 in response to the transmission request.
Next, the terminal-side control unit 51 communicates with the printer 3 via the network 4 and generates each record related to the template in the template database 35 based on the received pre-exchange template data.
At that time, for each record to be generated, the terminal-side control unit 51 stores the name of the template included in the pre-replacement template data as it is in the field related to the template name D1 of the template database 35, and also relates to the area name D2. In the field, the name of the area included in the pre-exchange template data is stored as it is. Thereby, for each template used by the printer 6 before replacement, the name of the template in the printer 6 before replacement, the name of the area, the name of the template indicated by the template name D1 in the template database 35 of the printer 3, and The area name indicated by the area name D2 completely matches the area name.
Further, the terminal-side control unit 51 calculates and generates area reference coordinates D3 and size D4 for each area of the template based on information indicating the position and size of the area included in the pre-exchange template data. The calculated values are stored in the fields related to the area reference coordinates D3 and the size D4 of the record. The dedicated tool 55 includes a program having an algorithm for outputting the area reference coordinates D3 and the size D4 with the information indicating the position and size of the area included in the pre-replacement template data as input. The area reference coordinates D3 and size D4 of each area are calculated by the function of the program.

As described above, the terminal-side control unit 51 sets the template name D1, the area name D2, the area reference coordinates D3, and the size D4 as appropriate fields for each record generated for each area included in the template. After the storage, corresponding default values are stored for the frame information D5, the background information D6, and the area attribute D7. The default value to be stored is configured to be set in advance by the user.
Further, the terminal-side control unit 51 of the template terminal 5 can update specific information of a specific record among the records constituting the template database 35 under the instruction of the user. That is, the dedicated tool 55 communicates with the printer-side control unit 30 of the printer 3 to access the template database 35 stored in the printer-side storage unit 33 and acquire the contents thereof. It has a function of providing a user with a user interface that accepts an update of specific information of a specific record after displaying the contents on a display panel. The user can update various information by operating the input device of the terminal side input unit 53 while referring to the user interface on the display panel. As a result, for example, the user can use the fact that the printer 3 can perform color printing, such as changing the color of the frame of a specific area to red, or setting the background of the specific area to blue. Appropriate colorization can be realized. In particular, the user interface is provided with a field for selectively inputting area attributes, and the user can selectively update the area attribute D7 of the template database 35. It should be noted that the attributes of selectable areas are sufficiently prepared.
In the present embodiment, the area name D2, area reference coordinates D3, size D4, frame information D5, background information D6, and area attribute D7 in the template database 35 correspond to “area definition information”.

Next, basic operations of the host computer 2 and the printer 3 when recording an image on a label according to a template will be described.
As described above, when recording an image on a label, first, the application program 21 of the host computer 2 generates label image information and outputs the label image information to the device driver 23. The device driver 23, based on the label image information, A control command for instructing recording of an image on the label is generated and output to the printer 3.
This control command is a command that complies with the command system of the pre-replacement printer 6 and includes information for specifying the name of the template to be used. For each area related to the specified template, the name of the area and the area Information associated with information related to the image to be recorded is included in the area to which the name is assigned. When the image to be recorded in the area is a character string, the information related to the image to be recorded in the area includes information representing the character string by a combination of predetermined character codes.
When a control command is input, the recording execution unit 32 of the printer 3 analyzes the control command and extracts the name of the designated template. As described above, the name of the template managed by the printer 6 before replacement completely matches the template name D1 in the template database 35 of the printer 3. Then, the recording execution unit 32 refers to the template database 35 and identifies a record in which the extracted template name is stored in the field related to the template name D1. The record specified here is a record related to a template used for recording an image on a label. Next, the recording execution unit 32, based on the specified record, the area position, shape, and recording based on the area reference coordinates D3, size D4, frame information D5, and background information D6 of each area included in the template. An image is recorded in each area according to a template while managing a default image to be managed, its position, frame color, and background color. At that time, the recording execution unit 32 manages the image to be recorded in each area and the position thereof by analyzing a command conforming to the command system of the pre-replacement printer 6, and sets the appropriate position in each area. Record the appropriate image as directed by the control command. The firmware has a function of analyzing a control command that conforms to the command system of the printer 6 before replacement.

FIG. 4A1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a label on which an image is recorded in accordance with the template T1. In the example of FIG. 4A1, the product name “Aomori apples” is recorded in the area A1. In the area A2, information indicating the producer is recorded. On the other hand, FIG. 4B1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a label on which an image is recorded in accordance with the template T2. In the example of FIG. 4 (B1), the product name “Aomori apples” is recorded in the area B1. In the area B2, the price of the product “100 yen” is recorded. In the area B3, a barcode indicating a product code is recorded. The bar code is appropriately read and used by a bar code reader by a person in charge on the store side.
As described above, in this embodiment, the template terminal 5 acquires necessary information about the template from the pre-replacement printer 6 and then generates each record of the template database 35 based on the acquired information. At that time, the identification information (template name) of the template and the identification information (area name) of each area in the template are managed by the printer 6 before replacement, and are managed by the printer 3. Are completely matched. As a result, the printer 3 appropriately manages the template to be used and the area in the template based on the control command output to the printer 6 before replacement, and records the image on the label according to the template. be able to. Thereby, without modifying the control command output from the host computer 2 to the pre-replacement printer 6, in other words, without modifying the application program 21 and the device driver 23, It is possible to record an image using a template in accordance with the template used by the pre-replacement printer 6 after appropriately coloring the background and the like.

  By the way, in the recording control system 1 according to the present embodiment, when issuing a label related to a certain product, the aspect of the image recorded on the label changes according to the stock status of the one product. This adds value to the recorded results. Hereinafter, the operation of each device constituting the recording control system 1 when issuing a label will be described.

<Logistics label>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the recording control system 1 when issuing a physical distribution label. (A) shows the operation of the host computer 2, and (B) shows the operation of the physical distribution management server device 7. , (C) show the operation of the printer 3, respectively. In the following description, the host-side control unit 18 functions as a “recording control unit”. The physical distribution label is a label on which an image is recorded according to the template T1 shown in FIG.
When issuing a physical distribution label related to a certain product, the user supplies the host computer 2 with the template name of the template to be used (in this example, template T1) and the product related to the label to be issued. Are input (step SX1). The application program 21 has a function of providing a user interface for the user to input the above-described information, and the user can input each of the above-described information simply and accurately using the user interface. For example, in the user interface, the user can select any one template name while visually recognizing the preview of each template.
When information is input by the user in step SX1, the host-side control unit 18 of the host computer 2 inquires the distribution management server device 7 about the product name and producer of the corresponding product using the input identification information as a key. (Step SA1). The product name is information to be recorded in the area A1, and the producer is information to be recorded in the area A2. In response to the inquiry, the distribution management server side control unit 71 of the distribution management server device 7 responds with the product name and the producer (step SB1).
Next, the host-side control unit 18 of the host computer 2 designates the identification information of the corresponding product, and (1) whether or not the product is distributed via a legitimate logistics route, (2) Whether the storage period does not exceed the upper limit, (3) whether the temperature related to the product has not exceeded the limit, and (4) whether the product is produced by a legitimate producer An inquiry is made to the management server device 7 (step SA2). The inquiry is performed according to a predetermined protocol.
When the inquiry is made, the distribution management server side control unit 71 of the distribution management server device 7 refers to each data of the distribution management database 72a stored in the distribution management server side storage unit 72, and responds to each inquiry. The contents are determined (step SB2). That is, the distribution management server side control unit 71 (1) refers to the distribution route management data 73a, determines whether or not the product related to the specified identification information is distributed via a legitimate route, The determination result is used as the response content. Similarly, the distribution management server-side control unit 71 refers to the storage period management data 73b to determine whether the storage period of the product related to the specified identification information has exceeded the upper limit. (3) Refer to the storage temperature management data 73c to determine whether or not the temperature related to the product exceeds the limit, and (4) refer to the producer management data 73d. Thus, it is determined whether or not the product is produced by a legitimate producer, and the determination result is determined as the response content. Next, the distribution management server side control unit 71 responds with the determined response content (step SB3).
Note that the information that the logistics management server side control unit 71 responds in step SB3 corresponds to “distribution information related to merchandise distribution”. Corresponds to "sex information".

When receiving the response, the host-side control unit 18 of the host computer 2 generates a control command including the following command (step SA3).
That is, the host-side control unit 18 generates (1) a control command including a command for converting the background color of the area A1 in the template T1 to “red” when the corresponding product does not pass through a valid route. To do. When the printer 3 records an image on a label based on the control command, the background color of the area A1 is red. Further, the host-side control unit 18 (2) outputs a control command including a command for converting the background color of the area A1 in the template T1 to “blue” when the storage period of the corresponding product exceeds the upper limit. Generate. Further, the host-side control unit 18 generates a control command including a command for converting the background color of the area A1 in the template T1 to “yellow” when the temperature related to the product exceeds the limit (3). Further, the host-side control unit 18 (4) outputs a control command including a command for converting the background color of the area A1 in the template T1 to “green” when the corresponding product is not produced by a valid producer. Generate. When a plurality of conditions are satisfied, a control command including a command for converting the background color of the area A1 into a specific color is generated in the same manner. However, for convenience of explanation, the plurality of conditions are satisfied. A description of a specific command mode in this case is omitted.
As described above, in the present embodiment, when there is no merchandise distribution route, storage period, storage temperature, and producer's validity, the background color of a specific area of the label is converted into a specific color. It will be.
Thereby, the following effects can be produced.
That is, the user can easily and accurately refer to the background color of a specific area of the label, and whether the product has its distribution route, storage period, storage temperature, and whether the producer is valid. Can be determined. In particular, since the color of the background varies depending on the event that is not legitimate, the user can determine the color of the background color of a specific area, so that the logistics route, storage period, storage temperature, and It is possible to easily and accurately grasp which event is not valid among producers.
That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to add value to the recording result so as to achieve the above-described effect.
In step SA4, the host-side control unit 18 transmits the generated control command to the printer 3.

When the host computer 2 transmits a control command to the printer 3, the recording execution unit 32 of the printer 3 receives the control command (step SC1), and controls each mechanism and device of the recording unit 39 based on the control command. Then, an image is recorded on the label according to the template T1 (step SC2).
FIG. 4A2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image recorded on the label in step SC2 when the corresponding product does not pass through a valid route, that is, when the product distribution route is not valid. is there. In this case, since the control command includes a command for converting the background color of the area A1 to “red”, the background color of the area A1 in the template T1 is red as shown in the figure. The effect of this is as described above. 4A3 shows an example of an image recorded on the label in step SC2 when the storage period of the corresponding product exceeds the upper limit, that is, when the storage period of the product is not valid. FIG. In this case, since the control command includes a command for converting the background color of the area A1 to “blue”, the background color of the area A1 in the template T1 is blue as shown in the figure. The effect of this is as described above.

<Sales label>
Next, the operation of each device of the recording control system 1 when issuing a sales label will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of each device of the recording control system 1 when issuing a sales label. (A) shows the operation of the host computer 2, and (B) shows the operation of the store management server device 8. , (C) show the operation of the printer 3, respectively. In the following description, the host-side control unit 18 functions as a “recording control unit”. The physical distribution label is a label on which an image is recorded according to the template T2 shown in FIG.
When issuing a point-of-sale label related to a certain product, the user sends to the host computer 2 the template name of the template to be used (in this example, template T1) and the product related to the label to be issued. Identification information is input (step SY1).
When information is input by the user in step SY1, the host-side control unit 18 of the host computer 2 designates the input identification information and stores the product name, price, and barcode code of the corresponding product in the store. The server device 8 is inquired (step SD1). The product name is information to be recorded in the area B1, the price is information to be recorded in the area B2, and the barcode code is an image provided for the barcode to be recorded in the area B3. In response to the inquiry, the store management server side control unit 81 of the store management server device 8 responds with a product name, a price, and a barcode code (step SE1).
Next, the host-side control unit 18 of the host computer 2 designates the identification information of the corresponding product, and (1) whether or not the expiration date / expiration date is imminent for the product. The store management server device 8 is inquired as to whether or not it is a proper one (step SD2). The inquiry is performed according to a predetermined protocol.
When the above inquiry is made, the store management server side control unit 81 of the store management server device 8 refers to each data of the store management database 82a stored in the store management server side storage unit 82, and responds to each inquiry. The contents are determined (step SE2). That is, the store management server side control unit 81 (1) refers to the best / expiration date management data 83a, determines whether the best / expiration date is approaching for the product related to the specified identification information, Also, (2) it is determined whether or not the processor is valid with reference to the processor management data 83b, and the determination result is determined as the response content. Next, the distribution management server side control unit 71 responds with the determined response content (step SE3).
In addition, the information which the store management server side control part 81 responds at step SB3 corresponds to "distribution information regarding distribution of goods", and in particular, "information regarding the expiration date or expiration date of goods, and the processor's Corresponds to “Information on legitimacy”.

When receiving the response, the host-side control unit 18 of the host computer 2 generates a control command including the following command (step SD3).
That is, the host-side control unit 18 generates (1) a control command including a command for converting the background color of the area B1 in the template T2 to “red” when the expiration date / expiration date is approaching for the corresponding product. To do. When the printer 3 records an image on the label based on the control command, the background color of the area B1 is red. Further, the host-side control unit 18 generates a control command including a command for converting the background color of the area B1 in the template T2 to “blue” when the processor of the corresponding product is not valid (2). To do.
Thus, in the present embodiment, the background color of a specific area of the label is converted into a specific color according to the relationship between the expiration date of the product, the expiration date, or the legitimacy of the processor. It will be.
Thereby, the following effects can be produced.
That is, by referring to the background color of a specific area of the label, the user can easily and accurately determine whether the product has an expiration date / expiration date and whether the processor is justified. Can be determined. In particular, since the background color varies depending on the conditions, the user can check whether the color of the background in a specific area is, and whether or not the expiration date / expiration date is imminent and processing It is possible to easily and accurately grasp whether or not a person is legitimate.
That is, in the present embodiment, it is possible to add value to the recording result so as to achieve the above-described effect.
In step SD4, the host side control unit 18 transmits the generated control command to the printer 3.

When the host computer 2 transmits a control command to the printer 3, the recording execution unit 32 of the printer 3 receives the control command (step SF1), and controls each mechanism and device of the recording unit 39 based on the control command. Then, an image is recorded on the label according to the template T2 (step SF2).
FIG. 4 (B2) is a diagram showing an example of an image recorded on the label in step SF2 when the best product / expiration date is approaching for the corresponding product. In this case, since the control command includes a command for converting the background color of the area B1 to “red”, the background color of the area B1 in the template T2 is red as shown in the figure. The effect of this is as described above. FIG. 4 (B3) is a diagram showing an example of an image recorded on the label in step SF2 when the processor of the corresponding product is not valid. In this case, since the control command includes a command for converting the background color of the area B1 to “blue”, the background color of the area B1 in the template T2 is blue as shown in the figure. The effect of this is as described above.

The first embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
Specifically, in the first embodiment, when the number of products in stock satisfies a specific condition, the background color of a specific area of a template to be used is converted to a specific color. However, instead of this, the color of the frame of a specific area may be converted, and the background color of the specific area and the color of the frame may be converted into specific colors, respectively. . Even in this case, it is possible to achieve the same effect as when the background color is converted to a specific color.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the printer 3 uses the inkjet head 39a capable of color printing and the template configured by one or a plurality of areas formed in the recording area of the label serving as the recording medium. A printer computer storage unit 33 (storage unit) that stores area definition information to be defined for each template, and a control command for designating a template and instructing recording of an image in each area constituting the designated template 2, the recording execution unit 32 that controls the inkjet head 39a based on the area definition information of each area constituting the designated template and records an image in each area according to the template; It has. Further, when the host computer 2 causes the printer 3 to record an image related to one product on a label according to the template of the one, the distribution information about the distribution of the one product (as described above, distributed through a legitimate route). Information indicating whether or not the expiration date / expiration date is approaching), and based on the distribution information, the color relating to the specific area constituting the one template is determined as the specific color. A host-side control unit 18 (recording control unit) that generates and transmits a control command including information to be converted into and recorded.
According to this configuration, for a specific area constituting the template, the color related to the specific area is converted into a specific color and recorded based on the distribution information related to the distribution of the product. Thus, the user can easily and accurately acquire information related to the distribution of the product by visually recognizing the color related to the specific area among the areas formed on the label, and the convenience for the user is improved. That is, it is possible to add value to the recording result.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution information acquired by the host computer 2 includes information regarding the distribution route of the product, the storage period, the storage temperature, and the validity of at least one of the producers, The host-side control unit 18 functioning as a recording control unit acquires distribution information when the printer 3 records an image related to one product on a label according to one template, and distributes product information, a distribution route, a storage period, and storage of the product. Depending on the temperature or the legitimacy of the producer, a control command including information for converting a color relating to a specific area constituting the one template into a specific color and recording the generated command is generated and transmitted.
According to this configuration, the user can easily and accurately view the color related to a specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, and easily and accurately the corresponding product distribution route, storage period, storage temperature, or Information on the legitimacy of the producer can be acquired, and the convenience for the user is further improved.

Further, in the present embodiment, the distribution information acquired by the host computer 2 includes at least one of information related to the product expiration date or the expiration date, and information related to the legitimacy of the processor. When the functioning host-side control unit 18 causes the printer 3 to record an image related to one product on a label according to one template, the distribution information is acquired and the relationship between the expiration date of the product, the expiration date of the product, or In accordance with the legitimacy of the processor, a control command including information for converting the color related to a specific area constituting the one template into a specific color and recording it is generated and transmitted.
According to this configuration, the user can easily and accurately recognize the color related to a specific area among the areas formed on the recording medium, so that the expiration date, the expiration date of the corresponding product, or the processor's Information on legitimacy can be acquired, and the convenience for the user is further improved.

In the present embodiment, as a process of converting a color related to a specific area into a specific color, a process of converting the background color of the specific area into the specific color is performed.
According to this structure, the color regarding an area can be effectively converted into a specific color using recording based on a template configured by one or a plurality of areas.
As described above, the color of the frame of a specific area may be converted into a specific color.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment described above, the host computer 2 obtains information related to the distribution of goods, and the host-side control unit 18 of the host computer 2 in a specific case selects a color relating to a specific area constituting one template, A control command including information to be converted into a specific color and recorded is generated and transmitted to the printer 3.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the printer-side control unit 30 of the printer 3 acquires information relating to the distribution of products, and performs recording by converting the color relating to a specific area constituting the template to be used into a specific color. To do. The method described in the first embodiment can be applied to the method in which the printer-side control unit 30 acquires information related to the distribution of merchandise. In other words, the printer-side control unit 30 may acquire the data by inquiring from the logistics management server device 7 and the host computer 2 as appropriate, and store data related to the distribution of goods in the printer 3, and based on the data The printer-side control unit 30 may acquire information related to product distribution. In this embodiment, in this case, the printer-side control unit 30 functions as a “recording control unit”.

The above-described embodiment is merely an aspect of the present invention, and can be arbitrarily modified and applied within the scope of the present invention.
For example, each functional block shown in FIG. 1 can be arbitrarily realized by cooperation of hardware and software, and does not suggest a specific hardware configuration. Further, the functions of the functional blocks of the host computer 2 and the printer 3 may be provided in another device externally connected to the host computer 2 and the printer 3. Further, the host computer 2 and the printer 3 may execute various operations by executing a program stored in an externally connected storage medium.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Recording control system, 2 ... Host computer (control apparatus), 3 ... Printer (recording apparatus), 18 ... Host side control part (recording control part, control part), 30 ... Printer side control part (recording control part, control) Part), 32 ... recording execution part, 33 ... printer side storage part (storage part), 35 ... template database (area definition information).

Claims (6)

A recording control system comprising: a control device; and a recording device connectable to the control device, wherein the recording device records an image relating to a product on a recording medium under the control of the control device,
The recording device comprises:
A recording head capable of color printing;
A storage unit that stores, for each template, area definition information that defines each area for a template configured by one or a plurality of areas formed in a recording area of the recording medium;
When a control command designating a template and instructing recording of an image in each area constituting the designated template is received from the control device, it is based on the area definition information of each area constituting the designated template. A recording execution unit that controls the recording head and records an image in each area according to a template,
The control device includes:
When the recording apparatus records an image related to one product on the recording medium according to one template, the distribution information about the distribution of the one product is acquired, and the one template is acquired based on the distribution information. A recording control system comprising: a recording control unit that generates and transmits a control command including information for converting a color relating to a specific area to be configured into a specific color and recording the color. The distribution information includes information on the validity of at least one of the distribution route, storage period, storage temperature, and producer of the product,
The recording control unit of the control device includes:
When the recording apparatus records an image relating to one product on the recording medium according to one template, the distribution information is acquired, and the distribution route, storage period, storage temperature of the product, or the legitimacy of the producer The control command including information for recording the color relating to the specific area constituting the one template by converting the color into the specific color in response to the transmission is generated and transmitted. Recording control system. The distribution information includes at least one of information on the expiration date of the product or the expiration date of the product, and information on the legitimacy of the processor,
The recording control unit of the control device includes:
When the recording apparatus records an image relating to one product on the recording medium according to one template, the distribution information is acquired, the relationship between the product expiration date and the expiration date, or the legitimacy of the processor 3. A control command including information for converting a color relating to a specific area constituting the one template into a specific color and recording the generated command is transmitted. Recording control system as described in. In the process of converting a color related to a specific area constituting one template into a specific color,
A process for converting the color of the frame of the specific area into a specific color, or
The recording control system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of processes for converting the background color of the specific area into a specific color. A control device and a recording device having a recording head configured to be connectable to the control device and capable of color printing, and under the control of the control device, the recording device displays an image relating to a product on a recording medium. A control method of a recording control system for recording,
The recording device comprises:
For each template formed of one or more areas formed in the recording area of the recording medium, area definition information for defining each area is stored for each template,
When a control command designating a template and instructing recording of an image in each area constituting the designated template is received from the control device, it is based on the area definition information of each area constituting the designated template. , While controlling the recording head to record an image in each area according to the template,
The control device includes:
When the recording apparatus records an image related to one product on the recording medium according to one template, the distribution information about the distribution of the one product is acquired, and the one template is acquired based on the distribution information. A control method for a recording control system, comprising: generating and transmitting a control command including information for converting a color relating to a specific area to be configured into a specific color and recording the color. A recording device configured to be connectable to a control device, and recording an image relating to a product on a recording medium under the control of the control device,
A recording head capable of color printing;
A storage unit that stores, for each template, area definition information that defines each area for a template configured by one or a plurality of areas formed in a recording area of the recording medium;
A control command for recording an image related to one product, when a template is specified and a control command for instructing recording of an image in each area constituting the specified template is received from the control device;
Based on the area definition information of each area constituting the specified template, the recording head is controlled to record an image in each area according to the template,
A recording control unit that acquires distribution information related to distribution of the one commodity, converts a color related to a specific area constituting the one template into a specific color and records the distribution information based on the distribution information; A recording apparatus comprising:

Images