JP2014136374A - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label printer by which an operator can be efficiently trained and in which a label issued for training can be reliably recognized at a glance as the label that should be discarded.SOLUTION: A label printer for printing merchandise information on a label includes: selection means for selecting a training mode issuing the label for training; and control means for printing a mark indicating that the label is issued in the training mode on a position where the mark does not overlap with the merchandise information.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label printer.

  2. Description of the Related Art A label printer that prints a product price (for example, unit price, selling price) on a medium (label medium) and issues a label based on an input from an operator is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  By the way, in order to make the operator learn the operation of the label printer, there are cases where the operator actually performs the training by operating the label printer. In training, in order to confirm the operation of the operator, the actual data (price entered by the operation, etc.) corresponding to the operation of the operator is different from the label printed with the predetermined test data (the label of the test printing). It is necessary to issue a printed label. Further, the label issued for training (training label) needs to be surely discarded so that it is not mistakenly affixed to the commodity displayed at the store (sales floor) like the test print label.

JP-A-61-272176

  However, since the actual data is printed on the training label as described above, it is distinguished from the label that should be actually attached to the product (the actual label) unlike the test printing label. It is difficult, and there is a possibility that it will be accidentally affixed to merchandise displayed at the store without being discarded after issuance. In addition, when a product with a training label attached is displayed, the customer does not know that the label is a training label. There is a possibility of carrying. If the cashier clerk does not notice that the training label is affixed, there is a risk that the cashier will be settled according to the price entered as the training. Also, even if the cashier clerk notices that the training label is affixed, it is a product that has the training label that the customer has brought in and the production label is affixed. If goods are brought from the display shelf and the prices of both labels do not match, it will be necessary to explain to the customer. Even if the prices match, as described above, it takes time and labor to bring a product with a production label affixed from the display shelf.

  The label printer described in Patent Document 1 issues a label with a training barcode system, but the training label issued by the label printer described in Patent Document 1 has a different barcode system, but the outer shape. The top is difficult to distinguish from production labels, and may be affixed to merchandise displayed in stores without being discarded. If a customer carries a product with a training label on it to the cash register, it cannot be settled with the barcode system for training, so the product with the production label is eventually removed from the display shelf. It takes time and effort to bring it, and if the prices on both labels do not match, you must explain to the customer.

  In addition, instead of changing the barcode system as in Patent Document 1, it is also possible to make a label issued as a training known by printing special characters or the like on the entire label issued as a training. . However, if special characters or the like are printed on the entire label, it is difficult to confirm the content printed as training. Look at the issued label and immediately check the relationship between the operation and the printed content, and whether the operation is correct or incorrect. Since it is not possible, the efficiency of the training itself may be reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and allows the operator to efficiently train and recognizes at a glance that the label issued as training is a label to be discarded. It is an object of the present invention to provide a label printer that can be used.

One aspect of the present invention is a label printer that prints merchandise information on a label, the selection means for selecting a training mode for issuing the label for training, and the label issued in the training mode. A label printer comprising: a control unit that prints a mark to be displayed at a position that does not overlap with product information.
According to the label printer, the label issued in the training mode is printed with a mark indicating that it is a label issued in the training mode. Can be recognized. In addition, since the mark is printed at a position that does not overlap with the product information (that is, the print content according to the operation of the operator), it is possible to immediately confirm the relationship between the operation and the print content, the correctness of the operation, It is also possible to train the operator efficiently.

In the label printer, the control unit prints the mark indicating that the label is issued in the training mode at a position that does not overlap with a barcode that is identification information of a product included in the product information. You may do it.
According to the label printer, the operator can check whether or not the bar code can be read correctly by using a bar code system that is actually used for selling the product.

In the label printer, the control unit may print the mark at a corner of the label in the training mode.
According to the label printer, it is possible to reliably recognize that the label is to be discarded by looking at the mark printed at the corner of the label. In addition, since the mark is printed at the corner that does not overlap the printed content, the printed content can be easily confirmed, and the operator can be trained more efficiently.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label printer that prints product information on a label, and in a training print format, a print area of the mark indicating the label for training, and the product A label printer comprising control means for preferentially printing the print area for printing the product information when the print area for printing information overlaps.
According to the label printer, it can be recognized at a glance that the label is to be discarded. In addition, the operator can be efficiently trained using the same format as the label on which the product is actually attached.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, while being able to train an operator efficiently, it can recognize reliably at a glance that the label issued as training is a label which should be discarded.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the label printer in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing an example of a goods file in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the print format file in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a label printed in the label issuing mode in the same embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a label printed in the training mode in the embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a label printed in the training mode in the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the label printer in the same embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a label printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The label printer 1 includes a control device 100, a scale 2, a printing mechanism unit 3, and an operation unit 5.

  The scale 2 has a load cell 2a. The load cell 2a measures the weight of the product and outputs a signal indicating the weight of the product to the control device 100. Under the control of the control device 100, the printing mechanism unit 3 prints print data (product information) on a label medium in a predetermined print format and issues a product label.

  A label medium (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a label) is a printing surface on which one surface (also referred to as a front surface) is printed by the printing mechanism unit 3 and the other surface (also referred to as a back surface) for sticking to a product. The adhesive surface is coated with an agent, and is set on the printing mechanism unit 3 in a form wound in a roll. In addition, as the types of labels, there are a label with a mount that is wound in a roll shape with a mount attached to the adhesive surface of the label, and a mountless label that is wound in a roll shape without the mount on the adhesive surface of the label. The label with the mount is wound, for example, in a state in which a label divided in advance with a predetermined length in the roll winding direction is attached to the mount. On the other hand, the mountless label is cut in accordance with the printing content by the printing mechanism unit 3 including a cutter for cutting the label, for example. The printing mechanism unit 3 is composed of a platen roller and a thermal head. A label medium is conveyed between the pressed members, and heat is applied at a predetermined timing from a heating element in the thermal head. The predetermined items are printed on the printing surface.

  The operation unit 5 includes a key operation unit 7, a touch panel 9a, and a liquid crystal display 9b. The liquid crystal display 9 b is configured integrally with the touch panel 9 a and displays an image based on control by the control device 100. The resolution of the liquid crystal display 9b is, for example, 640 × 480 [dots]. The liquid crystal display 9b is an example of a display included in the operation unit 5. For example, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) may be used as the display instead of the liquid crystal display 9b. The touch panel 9a accepts an operation input by an operator (for example, an operation of pressing icon images constituting various keys such as a mode selection key displayed on the liquid crystal display 9b), and sends a signal corresponding to the operation input to the control device. Output to 100. The key operation unit 7 receives an operation input by the operator and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input to the control device 100. For example, a numeric keypad (not shown) including ten numeric keys from 0 to 9 and a product number key (not shown) for receiving an instruction to input a product number are arranged on the key operation unit 7. Hereinafter, the keys for receiving operation inputs are collectively referred to as operation keys.

  The control device 100 controls each part of the label printer 1. The control device 100 includes a CPU 20 (Central Processing Unit) (control means), a load cell control unit 21, a print control unit 22, an operation control unit 24, a display control unit 25, a RAM 30 (Random Access Memory), and a ROM 40. (Read Only Memory).

  The ROM 40 stores various information. For example, the ROM 40 stores a control program. Note that predetermined information (for example, a control program) among the information stored in the ROM 40 is expanded (read) in the RAM 30 when the control device 100 is powered on.

  The RAM 30 temporarily stores various information. For example, the RAM 30 temporarily stores a control program developed from the ROM 40. For example, the RAM 30 temporarily stores a product file and a format file. An example of the format file is a print format file that stores print format information related to the print format, and a display format file that stores display format information related to the display format. The product file and the format file may be read from the ROM 40 and temporarily stored in the RAM 30, or may be received from the outside (an apparatus other than the label printer 1) and temporarily stored in the RAM 30.

  A signal indicating the weight of the product is input to the load cell control unit 21 from the load cell 2 a of the scale 2. The load cell control unit 21 transfers the signal input from the load cell 2a to the CPU 20.

  The print control unit 22 controls the print mechanism unit 3 based on the control by the CPU 20. For example, the print control unit 22 executes image processing (for example, print data bitmap processing based on the print format) based on the control of the CPU 20, and outputs the print data (bitmap information) to the print mechanism unit 3. Thus, the printing mechanism unit 3 is controlled so that a label on which information (for example, product information) according to the printing format is printed is issued. Note that the printing control unit 22 may control the printing mechanism unit 3 so that the printing mechanism unit 3 performs the processing described above. A signal indicating a printing result may be input from the printing mechanism unit 3 to the printing control unit 22.

  The display control unit 25 controls the liquid crystal display 9b based on the control by the CPU 20. For example, the display control unit 25 performs image processing (for example, display data bitmap processing based on the display format) based on the control of the CPU 20 and outputs the display data (bitmap information) to the liquid crystal display 9b. Thus, the liquid crystal display 9b is controlled so that information according to the display format (for example, various screens such as a training mode screen, product information) is displayed. The display control unit 25 may control the liquid crystal display 9b so that the liquid crystal display 9b performs the above-described processing.

A signal corresponding to the operation of the operator is input from the operation unit 5 to the operation control unit 24. For example, the operation control unit 24 receives a signal indicating a price from the key operation unit 7 of the operation unit 5. The operation control unit 24 receives a preview instruction signal for instructing execution of a preview from the touch panel 9 a of the operation unit 5. The operation control unit 24 transfers the signal input from the operation unit 5 to the CPU 20.
The control device 100 also includes a print drive control unit (not shown) that drives a platen roller that is the print mechanism unit 3 by a stepping motor.

  The CPU 20 is connected to each unit of the control device 100 via a bus. The CPU 20 controls each unit of the control device 100 based on the control program developed in the RAM 30.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a product file. The product file stores (stores) information related to the product (product information). As shown in FIG. 2, the product file includes items such as product identification information (product number), product name, product price, and format number. Each item is associated with each other. The format number is a format number in a print format file (see FIG. 3), and indicates a print format used when product information is printed on a label of the product. For example, according to the example shown in FIG. 2, the product information is printed on the label of the product with the product number “000100” (product name “domestic beef loin steak”) according to the print format with the format number “1”.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print format file. FIG. 3A shows a print format file for the label issue mode, and FIG. 3B shows a print format file for the training mode. The label issue mode and training mode will be described later. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the print format file includes items such as the print position (X coordinate), print position (Y coordinate), print direction (vertical / horizontal), and label length for each print item for each format number. including. The format number is identification information for identifying the print format. The label length indicates the cut length in the winding direction of the roll of the label wound in a roll shape. The label length is stored in association with the format number (that is, the label length is set for each print format). The label length is time data for rotating the stepping motor in the platen roller of the printing mechanism unit 3 at a constant speed. That is, when the print start signal is output from the CPU 20, the platen roller is rotated by the print drive control unit for the set label length. Then, heat is generated from each heating element of the thermal head at a predetermined timing while the plantain roller is driven, and predetermined items are printed on the printing surface. A sheet-like label is issued. That is, in a label roll with a mount in which a label is attached to the mount, the label length for each attached label is usually constant, so the label length in FIG. In many cases, when the label length differs depending on each format number, it is necessary to change the label roll to be used. On the other hand, in the case of a mountless label roll in which one side of a continuous sheet without a mount is the print side and the other side is an adhesive side, even if the label length to be printed differs from label to label, One label roll can issue a label having a desired label length. In this case, as in the case of the label roll with mount, when the print start signal is output by the CPU 20, the print drive control unit rotates the platen roller for the time of the label length of the read format number, and thereafter A continuous sheet is cut by a cutter unit (not shown), and a sheet-like label is issued.

  The print item indicates an item to be printed on a label (label medium). A plurality of print items are stored in association with the format number (that is, a plurality of print item areas are set for each print format). For example, in the print format for the label issue mode, the area of each print item such as the product name, the expiration date, the processing date, and the barcode, the print direction, the font used, and the like are set (for convenience, FIG. In a), the product name, bar code,... In addition, in the training mode print format, in addition to the print items in the label issue mode print format, print items such as a training mark (also referred to as a training mode mark; for example, a training mode mark 301 described later) are set. (For convenience, in FIG. 3B, product names, bar codes, training marks,... Are indicated).

  The print position (X coordinate) indicates the X coordinate of each print position (for example, print start position) of each print item printed on the label. The print position (Y coordinate) indicates the Y coordinate of each print position (for example, print start position) of each print item printed on the label. The print position is stored in association with the format number and the print item (that is, the print position (X coordinate) and the print position (Y coordinate) are set for each print format and for each print item). For example, the upper left coordinate of the label may be {(X coordinate, Y coordinate) = (0, 0)}. The print direction indicates the print direction (vertical or horizontal) for each print item printed on the label. The print orientation is stored in association with the format number and the print item in the same manner as the print position.

  In addition, height data that is the length in the Y direction and length data that is the length in the X direction are set in the print format file corresponding to the above-described print position. As a result, a rectangular print range is formed (set) for each print item for each print format.

  Note that when the print range is set for each print format and for each print item, the print data print areas may overlap. In such a case, the CPU 20 may adjust (control) the printing range (printing position, height, length). For example, if the priority order is set in advance for each print item and the print areas of the two print items (the print areas of the print data of the two print items) overlap unless adjusted, the CPU 20 Based on the priority order of both print items, change the print position, height, length, etc. set for one print item (or both print items) so that the print areas of the two print items do not overlap It may be.

  In the training print format, if the training mark print area and the print area of the print item other than the training mark (for example, the print area of the product name) partially overlap, the print item other than the training mark has priority. You may make it print. By doing so, the training mark is printed with a portion where the print area overlaps missing. Here, even if the training mark is missing, the label issued in the training mode may be recognized by the person who has seen the label. On the other hand, since it is necessary to check whether the print data such as the product name in the training is printed according to the contents set by the operator, the print data is preferentially printed. By doing so, it is possible to make the operator surely check all the printed contents related to the product.

  Here, an outline of an example of control for preferentially printing print items other than the training mark will be described. For example, the CPU 20 converts the print area of each print item into coordinate data and temporarily stores it in the RAM 30. When there are coordinates included in the print area of a plurality of print items, the CPU 20 compares the priority order of the print items including the coordinates in the print area. As a result of comparing the priority order of the print items, the CPU 20 causes only the print items with high priority to be printed at locations where the coordinates of the print areas overlap. In order to make it easier to see the printed content after such priority control is performed, a blank area may be provided in which a certain range is defined around the coordinates where processing is performed and nothing is printed.

  When the print format is changed by assigning priorities to the print items in this way, the print area of the print item with the lower priority may overlap with the print area of the print item with the higher priority. In such a case, since no print items with low priority are printed, the CPU 20 may notify the operator of an error.

  Next, the operation mode of the label printer 1 will be described. The label printer 1 has a plurality of operation modes including, for example, a product registration mode, a label issue mode, a training mode, and the like. The product registration mode is an operation mode for registering information such as a product name printed on a label attached to the product. The label issue mode is an operation mode for issuing a label (production label) to be attached to a product to be displayed. The training mode is an operation mode used for allowing the operator to learn the operation of the label printer 1, and is an operation mode for receiving input instructions such as product registration and label issuance from the operator for the purpose of training the operator.

  Note that the label printer 1 is switched to the operation mode designated by the operator when the mode selection key (selecting means) displayed on the liquid crystal display 9b accepts the operator's operation input (selection input) via the touch panel 9a. The label printer 1 may display a screen corresponding to each mode (for example, a training mode screen for training mode).

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a label printing example in the label issuing mode. Specifically, the label shown in FIG. 4 is an example of printing using a label with a mount. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the label printer 1 in the label issuance mode has a product name column 201, a shelf life column 202, a processing date column 203, a unit price column 204, a weight column 205, a barcode column 206, a price column 207, In addition, a label on which each product information is printed is issued in the store name address field 208 and the like. The product name column 201 is a column for printing product names. The expiration date column 202 is a column for printing the expiration date (year / month / day) of the product. The processing date column 203 is a column for printing the processing date (year / month / day) of the product. The unit price column 204 is a column for printing the price (unit price) per unit of the product. The weight column 205 is a column for printing the weight of the product measured by the scale 2. The barcode column 206 is a column for printing a barcode, which is identification information unique to a product. The price column 207 is a column for printing the price (sale price) of the product. The store name / address column 208 is a column for printing information (for example, store name, address, telephone number) of stores that sell products.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a label printing example in the training mode. Specifically, the labels shown in FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D are printing examples using labels with mounts. In the training mode, the label printer 1 uses labels with mounts to issue labels as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, for example. The contents printed on the labels shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D are the same as those shown in FIG. 4 except for the training mode mark 301.

  The training mode mark 301 is displayed indicating that the label on which the training mode mark 301 is printed is a label printed in the training mode, that is, a label issued as training (a label for training). This is a mark for warning an operator or the like that the label is prohibited from being attached to the product. In other words, if the training mode mark 301 is printed on the issued label, the operator recognizes that the label should not be attached to the product.

  FIG. 5A shows a print example using a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed at the upper left corner of the label. FIG. 5B shows a print example using a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed in the upper right corner of the label. FIG. 5C shows a print example using a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed at the lower left corner of the label. FIG. 5D shows a print example using a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed at the lower right corner of the label. That is, in this embodiment, for example, the training mode mark 301 is printed at any one of the four corners of the label. It should be noted that the operator can select a desired print format and perform training of the label printer 1 by setting one of the print formats in FIGS. 5A to 5D to be selectable. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the training mode mark 301 and the print position of each product information do not overlap, but this is because the training mode mark 301 and the print position of each product information do not overlap. This is realized by creating a print format (file) for the training mode based on the print format (file) for the mode.

  Further, the printing area is limited in printing using a label with a mount in which labels are divided in advance. Therefore, it is not always possible to secure a free area for printing so that the training mode mark 301 and the printing position of each product information do not overlap. Therefore, for example, the printing area for the training mode mark 301 is secured by narrowing the printing area for the product information. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the print areas (horizontal direction) of the item name column 201 and the store name address column 208 at the top of the label in the training mode are narrowed.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a label printing example in the training mode. Specifically, the labels shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D are printing examples using a mountless label. In the training mode, the label printer 1 uses the mountless label to issue labels as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, for example. The contents printed on the labels shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D are the same as those shown in FIG. 4 except for the training mode mark 301.

  FIG. 6A shows a print example using a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed at the upper left corner of the label. FIG. 6B shows a print example using a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed in the upper right corner of the label. FIG. 6C shows an example of printing in a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed at the lower left corner of the label. FIG. 6D shows a print example using a print format in which the training mode mark 301 is printed at the lower right corner of the label. It should be noted that the operator can select a desired print format and perform training for the label printer 1 by setting one of the print formats in FIGS. 6A to 6D to be selectable. it can.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the training mode mark 301 and the print position of each product information do not overlap, but this is because the training mode mark 301 and the print position of each product information do not overlap. This is realized by creating a print format (file) for the training mode based on the print format (file) for the mode.

  Further, the label length can be changed by using a mountless label instead of the label with the mount in which the label is divided in advance. Accordingly, the print area of the training mode mark 301 is placed at the upper part (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) or the lower part (see FIGS. 6C and 6D) of the product information print area. If provided, the changed portion from the print format for the label issue mode is changed so that the training mode mark 301 is printed on the upper or lower portion without having to secure the print area of the training mode mark 301 in the left-right direction. Therefore, it is possible to easily create a print format for the training mode.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the label printer. Specifically, an example of an operation for issuing a label in the training mode is shown.
Step S1: The label printer 1 displays a training mode screen. Specifically, the operation control unit 24 receives an operation input for displaying the training mode screen via the operation unit 5. The operation control unit 24 outputs an instruction signal for displaying the training mode screen to the CPU 20. The CPU 20 displays the training mode screen on the liquid crystal display 9b via the display control unit 25 based on the instruction signal for displaying the training mode screen. In the training mode screen, the operation control unit 24 receives an operation input when the operator presses the operation key of the key operation unit 7.

Step S2: The label printer 1 reads a print format file for training mode. Specifically, the CPU 20 that has input the instruction signal for displaying the training mode screen in step S1 expands the training mode print format file (see FIG. 3B) in the RAM 30.

Step S3: The label printer 1 receives a print data input instruction from the operator. Specifically, the CPU 20 inputs an instruction signal corresponding to an operation input from the operator from the operation control unit 24. In addition, the operation control part 24 outputs the instruction | indication signal according to the operated key to CPU20, when the operation part 5 (key operation part 7) is operated (pressed). As an example, when an operator presses a product number key following a numeric key of the key operation unit 7, an input instruction for calling the product information of the corresponding product from the product file of FIG. 2 is received as print data. For example, if the operator inputs numeric keys “0”, “0”, “0”, “1”, “0”, “1” and then presses the “product number” key, the product number An input instruction to call the product information (product name, price, barcode information, expiration date, processing date, format number, etc.) of 000101 is accepted. Thereby, the printing format for training mode used for printing is determined. That is, for example, when the CPU 20 receives an input instruction to call the product information of the product number 00101 (format number “2” in FIG. 2) as in the above example, the training mode print developed in step S2 From the format file, the print format for the training mode with the format number “2” is determined. The label printer 1 displays product information as print data on the training mode screen in accordance with the print data input instruction from the operator.

Step S4: The label printer 1 prints a label. For example, the CPU 20 causes the printing mechanism unit 3 to print and issue a label via the printing control unit 22 when an operator's printing instruction signal is input from the operation control unit 24. The operation control unit 24 outputs a print instruction signal to the CPU 20 when a print instruction is received via the operation unit 5. That is, a label is issued as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, for example, by the print format file read in step S2 and the product information called in response to the input instruction in step S3. That is, the print format corresponding to the product information (format number) called in response to the input instruction in step S3 is selected from the print formats defined in the print format file for training mode read in step S2. According to the printing format, a label printed with product information (product name, price, etc.) and training mode mark 301 is issued.

Step S5: The label printer 1 determines whether or not there is an end instruction. Specifically, the CPU 20 determines whether or not an end instruction signal is input from the operation control unit 24. The operation control unit 24 outputs an end instruction signal to the CPU 20 when an instruction to end the process is received via the operation unit 5. If there is an end instruction (step S5: Yes), the process ends. On the other hand, when there is no end instruction (step S5: No), the process returns to step S3.

  As described above, the label printer 1 includes a selection unit (mode selection key) for selecting a training mode for issuing a training label, and a mark indicating that the label is issued in the training mode (training mode mark 301). Control means (CPU20) which prints in the position which does not overlap with merchandise information. Therefore, according to the label printer 1, the operator can be efficiently trained, and it can be recognized at a glance that the label issued as training is a label to be discarded.

  In the above description, separate print format files are prepared, such as a print format file for the label issue mode (FIG. 3A) and a print format file for the training mode (FIG. 3B). However, a common print format file may be used. For example, in a common print format file, the print format for the label issue mode and the print format for the training mode may be managed by different format numbers.

  As described above, in the case where the print format for the label issuance mode and the print format for the training mode are managed by different format numbers in the common print format file, one product is assigned to the product file. Associate two types of format numbers. That is, the format number “X” indicating the print format A for the label issue mode and the format number “Y (Y is other than X)” indicating the print format A ′ for the training mode are associated with each product. Note that the training mode print format A ′ is created based on the label issue mode print format A.

  On the other hand, in a mode in which separate print format files are used, such as the print format file for the label issue mode and the print format file for the training mode, the format number of the print format for the label issue mode (print for the label issue mode) Format number in the format file) and the print mode for the training mode corresponding to the print format for the label issuance mode (the print format for a certain training mode created based on the print format for the label issuance mode) The format number (format number in the print format file for training mode) may be the same number. For example, when the print mode A ′ for training mode is created based on the print format A for label issue mode with the format number “1” in the print format file for label issue mode, the print format for training mode The format number “1” in the file is preferably a print format A ′ for training mode. Thereby, in the product file, it is convenient to associate one format number as shown in FIG.

  Further, in the flowchart of FIG. 7, in step S2, a print format file for training is read, and the print format corresponding to the product information (format number) called in response to the input instruction in step S3 is specified from the file. In the embodiment, the label in which the product information (product name, price, etc.) and the training mode mark 301 is printed according to the printing format is shown. However, the method for printing the training mode mark 301 is not limited to this. For example, the training mode mark 301 may be set separately from the print format file (print format). Specifically, the label issued in the training mode may be set such that the training mode mark 301 is always printed in the upper left corner of the label as shown in FIG.

  Here, an example of an embodiment in which the training mode mark 301 is automatically printed at a predetermined position (for example, the upper left corner of the label as described above) without using the training mode printing format will be described. In the label issuance, the print format for printing the merchandise information is set in relation to the merchandise number in FIG. 2, so that in the training mode as well as the normal label issuance operation, By inputting the number and the product number, the product information to be printed and the print format are called up. Then, the training mode mark 301 is printed at a predetermined position in the called print format. The training mode mark 301 is print data created in a bitmap format, for example, and may be printed overlapping the print of product information. Specifically, for example, in step S1, information (for example, a flag) indicating that the training mode has been selected is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 30, and in step S2, a normal print format file (print for label issue mode) is stored. In step S3, information indicating that the training mode has been selected is stored in the RAM 30, so that the training mode mark 301 is printed in a predetermined area. In addition, the print data of the selected product is created according to a normal print format. For example, first, a bitmap (that is, print data similar to that for production) may be created on the RAM 30 in accordance with the print format, and the training mode mark 301 may be superimposed on a predetermined area on the created bitmap. In step S3, when the information indicating that the training mode is selected is not stored in the RAM 30 (when a production label is issued), the training mode mark 301 is not printed, so that it is selected. It is only necessary to create the print data of the product according to the normal print format.

  By doing this, the operator selects the training mode as in the case of using the training print format as long as the area for printing the training mode mark 301 is determined in advance without using the training print format. After the operation key to be pressed is pressed, a label on which the training mode mark 301 is printed can be issued simply by performing an operation in the same manner as normal label issuance. Further, in this way, there is no trouble of creating or setting a training print format in addition to the normal print format, and the workability is improved.

  Note that in a mode in which the training mode mark 301 is printed without using the training mode print format, the training mode mark 301 may overlap with the product information (for example, the printing of the product name column). However, at least by printing the training mode mark 301 at a position that does not overlap with the barcode, it is possible to check whether the label issued in the training mode can be correctly processed by the cash register using the cash register barcode scanner. Can do. That is, in training, the operator can check whether or not the barcode can be read correctly by using a barcode system that is actually used for selling the product.

  Note that it is necessary not to count up as an actual sales record before scanning a barcode printed on a label issued in the training mode. For example, as a cashier-side control, the actual sales performance may not be counted up by scanning a label issued in the training mode. Specifically, with regard to registration by subsequent scans, a declaration means may be provided for declaring not to generate a log (transaction information) that is the basis of sales results after registration is completed, Declaration means may be provided for declaring to generate a training log that is counted up as a sales result for training instead of the actual sales result.

  In the example shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, one training mode mark 301 is printed on one label. However, the training mode mark is printed on one label as long as the content printed as training can be confirmed. Two or more 301 may be printed. Further, the mark indicating that the label is issued in the training mode may be any label that can be surely recognized by the operator or the like at first glance as being a label issued in the training mode. The training mode mark 301 shown in FIG. For example, the mark may be composed of one or more characters and symbols instead of graphics.

  In addition, depending on the person to be trained (or the person responsible for performing the training), the label indicating that the label is issued in the training mode may be printed on the label issued in the training mode. . As a result, if a label issued in training mode is affixed to the displayed product by mistake, the responsibility will be clarified, so the label issued in training mode will be responsibly discarded. Thus, the risk that the label issued in the training mode is attached to the displayed product can be further reduced. In addition, an example of a method of changing the mark according to the training target person (the same applies to the person responsible for the training) is a mark different from each other in advance in association with the clerk identification information for identifying the training target person. It may be set and when a certain target person starts training, by inputting the target person's salesclerk identification information, a mark unique to the target person may be printed on the label. It should be noted that the mark that is different for each target person (a mark unique to the target person) needs to be recognized at a glance that everyone in the store is a label issued in the training mode. Marks that are uniform and have different details are preferred. For example, in the vicinity (for example, the lower part) of the training mode mark 301 (cross mark) shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. Part) may be added.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above description, the control device 100 of the label printer 1 has described the form in which the training mode mark 301 is printed on the label in the training mode. However, the method of printing the training mode mark 301 on the label is not limited to this. For example, the control device 100 of the label printer 1 causes the product information to be printed in a predetermined printing format so that the training mode mark 301 and the product information do not overlap a label on which the training mode mark 301 is printed in advance. Also good. In addition, as described above, the training mode mark 301 is not limited to the content printed in the embodiment, and may be other printing forms, or may be other symbols or characters that can be recognized as training. .

  The program for realizing the control device and printer described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed, thereby executing the execution process. May be performed. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used. The “computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk built in a computer system, etc. This is a storage device. Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” means a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic DRAM) in a computer system that becomes a server or a client when a program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Random Access Memory)), etc., which hold programs for a certain period of time. The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Label printer 2 ... Scale 2a ... Load cell 3 ... Printing mechanism part 5 ... Operation part 7 ... Key operation part 9a ... Touch panel 9b ... Liquid crystal display (selection means) 20 ... CPU (control means) 21 ... Load cell control part 22 ... Print control unit 30 ... RAM 24 ... Operation control unit 25 ... Display control unit 40 ... ROM 100 ... Control device 201 ... Product name column 202 ... Best before date column 203 ... Processing date column 204 ... Unit price column 205 ... Weight column 206 ... Bar code column 207 ... Price column 208 ... Store name address column 301 ... Training mode mark

Claims (4)

A label printer for printing product information on a label,
A selection means for selecting a training mode for issuing the label for training;
A label printer comprising: control means for printing a mark indicating that the label is issued in the training mode at a position that does not overlap with product information. The said control means prints the said mark which shows that it is the said label issued in the said training mode in the position which does not overlap with the barcode which is the identification information of the goods contained in the said product information. The label printer according to 1. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prints the mark on a corner of the label in the training mode. A label printer for printing product information on a label,
In the training print format, when a print area of a mark indicating the label for training overlaps with a print area for printing the product information, a print area for printing the product information is displayed. A label printer comprising control means for preferentially printing.

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