JP2014174606A - Print processing program and print processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize a printed matter with an arbitrary width dimension easily and certainly.SOLUTION: A CPU 102 of an operation terminal 100 connectable to five printers 200A to 200E determines width dimensions of printed tapes 10A to 10E having different width dimensions respectively corresponding to the printers 200A to 200E by executing a print processing program, acquires an indication value of a tape width dimension input via an operation section 108 of the operation terminal 100, acquires contents of image data to be formed by printing within a range of the acquired indication value input via the operation section 108, determines a combination of width dimensions for realizing the acquired indication value from among the determined dimensions of the respective printers 200A to 200E, and assigns corresponding printer-based image data from the acquired contents of image data to each of a plurality of printers 200 corresponding to the combination of the determined width dimensions.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print processing program and a print processing method which are executed in an operation terminal connectable to a plurality of printer means.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a tape printer that performs desired printing corresponding to image data on a transported tape to be printed is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This tape printer is configured to have a plurality of fixed width dimensions when the set width dimension (label width) of the printed matter (label) is larger than the width dimension (tape width) of the mounted print-receiving tape (tape). Split printing is performed on the print tape.

JP 2000-341509 A

  In the above prior art, in order to realize a printed matter having an arbitrary width dimension, a plurality of print-receiving tapes having a fixed width dimension subjected to the above-described division printing are cut and pasted while adjusting the cut-off width and overlapping width of each other. I had to spend a lot of time and effort, such as pasting them on top of each other.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a print processing program and a print processing method capable of easily and reliably realizing a printed matter having an arbitrary width dimension.

  In order to achieve the above object, the print processing program of the present invention is connected to a plurality of printer units that respectively carry out desired printing corresponding to input image data while conveying print-receiving tapes having different width dimensions. Possible calculation means provided in the operation terminal through a dimension determination procedure for determining the width dimension of the print-receiving tape related to each of the plurality of printer means, and the operation means provided in the operation terminal. An instruction acquisition procedure for acquiring an instruction value for the tape width dimension that has been input, and the image data to be printed within the range of the instruction value acquired by the instruction acquisition procedure that has been input via the operation means. From the image acquisition procedure for acquiring the contents and the width dimensions of each of the plurality of printer means determined in the dimension determination procedure, A combination determination procedure for determining a combination of the width dimensions for realizing the indicated value, and each of the printer means corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions determined in the combination determination procedure. A data allocation procedure for allocating corresponding image data for each printer among the contents of the image data acquired in the acquisition procedure is executed.

  The operation terminal according to the present invention is configured to be connectable to a plurality of printer means for performing printing corresponding to image data on a print-receiving tape to be conveyed. In the plurality of printer means, print-receiving tapes having different width dimensions are used.

  When the printing processing program of the present invention is executed by the calculation means, first, the width dimension of the print-receiving tape related to each printer means is determined by the dimension determination procedure. In this determination, the width dimension of the print-receiving tape detected by the detection means of each printer means may be acquired, or the width of the print-receiving tape of each printer means based on the operation input via the operation means of the operation terminal. The dimensions may be determined.

  Thereafter, in the instruction acquisition procedure, an instruction value of the tape width dimension corresponding to the printed material size finally realized using, for example, image data, which is input through the operation means, is acquired. In the image acquisition procedure, the content of the image data to be printed and formed within the range of the tape width dimension of the indicated value input through the operation means is acquired.

  Here, in the present invention, when the printed material size is relatively large and the tape width dimension of the corresponding indicated value is relatively wide, the printing formation of the image data is partially shared by each of the plurality of printer means. The printed matter is realized by an assembly of print-receiving tapes printed by each printer means.

  For this purpose, in the present invention, a combination determination procedure and a data allocation procedure are executed. That is, in the combination determination procedure, a combination of width dimensions capable of realizing the instruction value acquired in the instruction acquisition procedure is determined from the width dimensions of the respective printer means determined in the dimension determination procedure.

  For example, when the width dimension of the print target tape of each printer means determined in the dimension determination procedure is 18 [mm], 12 [mm], 9 [mm], 6 [mm], 3.5 [mm] think of. When the instruction value acquired in the instruction acquisition procedure is 30 [mm], in the combination determination procedure, for example, 18 [mm] and 12 [mm] in order to realize the 30 [mm] by the total dimension. And combinations of 18 [mm], 6 [mm], and 6 [mm] are determined. When the instruction value is 29 [mm], for example, in the combination determination procedure, 9 [mm], 6 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 in the same manner as described above. A combination of [mm] and 3.5 [mm] is determined. For example, when the instruction value is 28 [mm], the combination determination procedure includes combinations of 12 [mm], 9 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 [mm], and the like, as described above. It is determined. When the instruction value is 27 [mm], for example, in the combination determination procedure, a combination of 18 [mm] and 9 [mm] is determined as described above. When the instruction value is 26 [mm], for example, in the combination determination procedure, 12 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3 A combination of .5 [mm] is determined. When the instruction value is 25 [mm], for example, in the combination determination procedure, a combination of 18 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 [mm], etc. is determined as described above. When the instruction value is 24 [mm], for example, in the combination determination procedure, a combination of 18 [mm] and 6 [mm] is determined as described above. If the indicated value is, for example, 23 [mm], in the combination determination procedure, 9 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3.5 [mm], 3 A combination of .5 [mm] is determined. When the indicated value is, for example, 22 [mm], the combination determination procedure includes combinations of 9 [mm], 6 [mm], 3.5 [mm], and 3.5 [mm] as described above. It is determined. When the instruction value is 21 [mm], for example, in the combination determination procedure, the combination of 12 [mm] and 9 [mm] is determined as described above (the same applies hereinafter).

  As described above, when the operator inputs an instruction value of the tape width dimension corresponding to the printed material size, a combination of tape width dimensions of each printer unit for realizing the instruction value as a total dimension is determined. In a subsequent data allocation procedure, a corresponding portion (image data for each printer) of the content of the image data is allocated to each printer unit corresponding to the combination. As a result, the printer-specific image data assigned to the printer is printed on the print-receiving tape by each printer means, and the printed matter intended by the operator can be obtained by assembling (arranging) the print-receiving tapes. Can be realized.

  According to the invention of the present application, as described above, a plurality of printer tapes using a plurality of printer tapes having different width dimensions are assembled to form a plurality of print-receiving tapes, which are intended by the operator. A printed matter having an arbitrary width dimension can be realized. Unlike conventional methods of cutting and pasting a plurality of tapes with a fixed width while adjusting the cut-off width and overlap width of each other (without the hassle of cutting and pasting) ) A printed matter having an arbitrary width dimension can be realized easily and reliably. Therefore, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

  According to the present invention, a printed matter having an arbitrary width dimension can be realized easily and reliably.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system including an operation terminal that executes a print processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing the structure of an operation terminal and a printing apparatus. It is a table showing an example of a 1st correlation table. It is explanatory drawing which extracts and represents the record regarding the instruction | indication value: 24 [mm] of the tape width dimension in a 1st correlation table. It is a table showing an example of a 2nd correlation table. It is explanatory drawing which extracts and represents the record regarding the instruction value of tape width dimension: 24 [mm] in a 2nd correlation table. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the content of image data and image data classified by apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the printed tape and a print label. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the content of image data and image data classified by apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the printed tape and a print label. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the content of image data. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the content of the image data classified by apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the printed tape. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a print label. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure which CPU of an operating terminal performs. It is a routine showing the detailed procedure of step S100. It is a routine showing the detailed procedure of step S200. It is a routine showing the detailed procedure of step S200. It is a table showing an example of a 1st work area. It is a table showing an example of a 2nd work area.

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

  First, an overall configuration of a printing system including an operation terminal that executes a print processing program of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes an operation terminal 100 and five printing apparatuses 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, and 200E (printer means). The operation terminal 100 and the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E are connected to each other via a wired or wireless network NW so that they can communicate with each other.

  The operation terminal 100 is not particularly limited as long as it is a terminal that can be operated by an operator. For example, a general-purpose PC, a tablet PC, a PDA, a multi-function mobile phone, or the like can be used. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, a case where a general-purpose PC is used as the operation terminal 100 is illustrated.

  The printing apparatuses 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> E respectively perform desired printing corresponding to image data such as characters, figures, and photographs input from the operation terminal 100 while transporting the tape 10 (printed tape). In these printing apparatuses 200A to 200E, tapes 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E having different width dimensions are used.

  In addition, although the width dimension of the tapes 10A to 10E used in the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E is not particularly limited, the width dimension of the tape 10A used in the printing apparatus 200A is 18 [ mm], the width of the tape 10B used in the printing apparatus 200B is 12 [mm], the width of the tape 10C used in the printing apparatus 200C is 9 [mm], and the width of the tape 10D used in the printing apparatus 200D. The case where the dimension is 6 [mm] and the width of the tape 10E used in the printing apparatus 200E is 3.5 [mm] will be described.

  Next, the configuration of the operation terminal 100 and the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, only one printing device 200 among the five printing devices 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> E is illustrated, and the remaining four printing devices 200 are not illustrated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation terminal 100 includes a CPU 102 (calculation means), a memory 104 such as a ROM or a RAM, a display unit 106 including a liquid crystal display or the like, and various displays. Communication control unit for controlling information communication performed via the network NW between the operation unit 108 (operation unit) capable of storing the information, the storage device 110 (storage unit) that stores various types of information, and the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E. 112.

  The CPU 102 utilizes various programs stored in the ROM of the memory 104 or the storage device 110 (each of the print processing methods shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The operation terminal 100 as a whole is controlled by executing (including a print processing program for executing the procedure). The CPU 102 is connected to the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E via the communication control unit 112 and the network NW, and can transmit and receive various types of information to and from the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E.

  In the present embodiment, the operator provides an indication value of the tape width dimension corresponding to the size of the print label L (see FIG. 7C described later) finally realized via the operation unit 108 of the operation terminal 100. Operation input is performed, and the contents of image data to be printed and formed within the range of the instruction value are input.

  The printing apparatus 200 includes a control circuit 210, a cartridge holder 202, a transport device 204, a print head 206, a cutter 208, a cartridge detection unit 212 (detection means), a tape break detection unit 214, and an operation terminal 100. And a communication control unit 216 that controls information communication performed via the network NW.

  The control circuit 210 includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The CPU of the control circuit 210 controls the entire printing apparatus 200 by executing various programs stored in advance in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM. Further, the CPU of the control circuit 210 is connected to the operation terminal 100 via the communication control unit 216 and the network NW, and various information can be transmitted to and received from the operation terminal 100.

  The cartridge holder 202 is detachable from the cartridge 14 provided with a tape roll 12 around which the tape 10 used in the printing apparatus 200 is wound (originally a spiral shape, but simplified and shown as a concentric circle). .

  The transport device 204 transports the tape 10 fed out from the tape roll 12 of the cartridge 14 mounted on the cartridge holder 202.

  The print head 206 is provided opposite to the conveying device 204 and performs desired printing corresponding to the image data input from the operation terminal 100 on the tape 10 that is fed from the tape roll 12 and conveyed by the conveying device 204. Do.

  The cutter 208 cuts the tape 10 that has been printed into a predetermined length.

  The cartridge detection unit 212 detects a detected portion (not shown) formed on the cartridge 14 when the cartridge 14 is mounted on the cartridge holder 202, for example, so that the tape used in the printing apparatus 200 is used. 10 width dimensions are detected.

  The tape breakage detection unit 214 is used in the printing apparatus 200 by detecting a detected portion (not shown) formed at, for example, the end portion of the tape 10 in the cartridge 14 attached to the cartridge holder 202. It detects that the tape 10 is out of tape.

  Here, only the configuration of one printing device 200 among the five printing devices 200A to 200E has been described, but the configuration of the remaining four-year-old printing device 200 is the same as described above. Description is omitted.

  Here, the feature of this embodiment is that the width dimension for realizing the indicated value of the tape width dimension input by the operator among the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E. A combination is determined, and for each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the determined combination of width dimensions, a portion corresponding to the content of image data to be printed within the range of the instruction value input by the operator. The related image data (image data by printer, hereinafter referred to as “image data by device” as appropriate) is assigned. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the cartridge detection unit 212 of each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E detects the width dimension of the tapes 10A to 10E used in the respective printing apparatuses 200A to 200E. In the operation terminal 100, first, the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E used in the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E detected by the cartridge detection unit 212 of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E are acquired. The width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E are determined. Thereafter, the tape width dimension instruction value and the content of the image data to be printed within the range of the instruction value input by the operator via the operation terminal 108 of the operation terminal 100 are acquired.

  Here, when the indicated value of the tape width dimension is relatively large, specifically, it may be larger than the width dimension of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E. In this case, the printing label L having a size corresponding to the indicated value of the tape width dimension cannot be realized with only one printing apparatus 200. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the above-described case, so-called split printing, in which image data printing is partially shared by each of the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, is performed, and each of the plurality of printing apparatuses 200 is partially performed. By assembling (arranging and arranging) a plurality of tapes 10 that are printed in a shared manner, a print label L having a size corresponding to the indicated value of the tape width dimension is realized.

  Therefore, in the operation terminal 100, among the determined width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the respective printing apparatuses 200A to 200E, a combination of width dimensions for realizing the indicated value of the tape width dimension acquired above. Is determined.

  That is, in the present embodiment, the storage device 110 of the operation terminal 100 stores the first correlation table TB1 that represents the correlation between the instruction value of an arbitrary tape width dimension and a combination of a plurality of width dimensions that can realize the instruction value. Two types of tables are stored (see FIG. 3 to be described later) and a second correlation table TB2 (see FIG. 5 to be described later).

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the first correlation table TB1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the first correlation table TB1, for each of a plurality of arbitrary tape width dimension instruction values, the order of arrangement of a plurality of width dimensions capable of realizing the instruction value is arranged without distinction. The combinations are associated in order from the combination that reduces the number of width dimensions to be combined.

  FIG. 4 shows an extracted record (correlation) related to the tape width dimension indicated value: 24 [mm] in the first correlation table TB1 shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, five sets of combinations are associated with the tape width dimension indication value: 24 [mm]. That is, the combination of the combination number “1” is a combination of two width dimensions of 18 [mm] and 6 [mm], and the combination of the combination number “2” is 12 [mm] and 12 [mm]. The combination of two width dimensions, and the combination of the combination number “3” is a combination of three width dimensions of 12 [mm], 6 [mm], and 6 [mm], and the combination number “4”. Is a combination of three width dimensions of 9 [mm], 9 [mm], and 6 [mm]. The combination of the combination number “5” is 6 [mm], 6 [mm], 6 [Mm] and a combination of four width dimensions of 6 [mm].

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the second correlation table TB2.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in the second correlation table TB2, for each of a plurality of designated values of tape width dimensions, a combination in which a difference in order of arranging a plurality of width dimensions capable of realizing the designated value is distinguished and arranged. However, they are associated in an appropriate order (in this example, in order from the combination in which the number of width dimensions to be combined is reduced).

  FIG. 6 shows an extracted record (correlation) related to the tape width dimension indicated value: 24 [mm] in the second correlation table TB2 shown in FIG.

  In the example shown in FIG. 6, 10 sets of combinations are associated with the indicated value of the tape width dimension: 24 [mm]. That is, the combination of the combination number “1” is a combination of two width dimensions arranged in the order of 18 [mm] and 6 [mm], and the combination of the combination number “2” is 6 [mm] and It is a combination of two width dimensions arranged in the order of 18 [mm], and the combination of the combination number “3” has two width dimensions arranged in the order of 12 [mm] and 12 [mm]. The combination of the combination number “4” is a combination of three width dimensions arranged in the order of 12 [mm], 6 [mm], and 6 [mm]. The combination is a combination of three width dimensions arranged in the order of 6 [mm], 12 [mm], and 6 [mm]. The combination of the combination number “6” is 6 [mm], 6 [ mm] and 1 It is a combination of three width dimensions arranged in the order of [mm], and the combination of the combination number “7” is 3 arranged in the order of 9 [mm], 9 [mm], and 6 [mm]. This is a combination of width dimensions, and the combination of the combination number “8” is a combination of three width dimensions arranged in the order of 9 [mm], 6 [mm], and 9 [mm]. The combination of the number “9” is a combination of three width dimensions arranged in the order of 6 [mm], 9 [mm], and 9 [mm], and the combination of the combination number “10” is 6 [ mm], 6 [mm], 6 [mm], and a combination of four width dimensions arranged in order of 6 [mm].

  In the present embodiment, two modes, a first priority mode (combination number priority mode) and a second priority mode (data allocation priority mode), are provided as modes for determining the combination of the width dimensions. The first priority mode is a mode for determining the combination of the width dimensions so that the number of width dimensions to be combined is minimized. The second priority mode is a mode for determining the combination of the width dimensions so that the barcode portion (desired portion) of the image data is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200.

  The operation terminal 100 selectively executes the two types of modes, the first priority mode and the second priority mode, so that the two types of tables, the first correlation table TB1 and the second correlation table TB2, are stored. Used selectively, the combination of the width dimensions is determined. That is, in the operation terminal 100, when the first priority mode is executed, the combination of the width dimensions is determined using the first correlation table TB1 so that the number of width dimensions to be combined is minimized, and the second When the priority mode is executed, the combination of the width dimensions is determined using the second correlation table TB2 so that the barcode portion of the image data is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200.

  Thereafter, in the operation terminal 100, device-specific image data relating to a corresponding portion of the content of the acquired image data is assigned to each printing device 200 corresponding to the determined combination of width dimensions. The obtained image data for each apparatus is sequentially output to each corresponding printing apparatus 200. As a result, in each of the printing apparatuses 200, the image data for each apparatus assigned to itself is input, and printing (print formation) corresponding to the image data for each apparatus is performed on the tape 10. Thereafter, the operator can realize the print label L having a size corresponding to the indicated value of the tape width dimension by collecting the plurality of tapes 10 on which the printing has been performed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the specified value of the tape width dimension is 24 [mm], and the content of the image data to be printed within the range of 24 [mm] is the height dimension (tape width). Consider a case where the image 20 has a size of 24 [mm]. The image 20 includes a character 21 of “Application Development Department” at the top, a character 22 of “1G” at the bottom, and a character 23 of “Taro Brothers” at the bottom.

  In this case, when the first priority mode is executed in the operation terminal 100, five sets of combinations associated with the tape width dimension indicated value: 24 [mm] in the first correlation table TB1 (see FIG. 4). And the combination of the width dimensions is determined so that the number of width dimensions to be combined is minimized.

  For example, the combination of the combination number “1” associated with the indicated value of the tape width dimension in the first correlation table TB1: 24 [mm], that is, two width dimensions of 18 [mm] and 6 [mm]. Consider a case where the combination is determined as a combination of the above width dimensions.

  In this case, for each of the printing apparatuses 200A and 200D corresponding to the combination of the two determined width dimensions of 18 [mm] and 6 [mm], it is classified by apparatus related to a corresponding part of the image 20. Image data is assigned. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7A, device-specific image data related to the image 20 a in the upper 18 [mm] portion of the image 20 is assigned to the printing device 200 </ b> A, and the lower 6 [mm] of the image 20. ] Is assigned to the printing apparatus 200B. At this time, the character 23 portion of the image 20 is distributed and allocated to the printing apparatuses 200A and 200D.

  FIG. 7B shows the extracted image 20a.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the image 20a has a height dimension of 18 [mm], the character 21 at the top, the character 22 at the bottom, and the upper portion 23a of the character 23 at the bottom. Contains. The device-specific image data related to the image 20a is output to the printing device 200A. Thereby, in the printing apparatus 200A, the image data for each device related to the image 20a is input, and the printing corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20a is performed on the tape 10A having a width of 18 [mm].

  FIG. 7C shows the extracted image 20b.

  As shown in FIG. 7C, the image 20b has a height dimension of 6 [mm] and includes a lower portion 23b of the character 23 in the upper part. The device-specific image data related to the image 20b is output to the printing device 200D. Thereby, in the printing apparatus 200D, apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20b is input, and printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20b is performed on the tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm].

  FIG. 8A shows a tape 10A having a width dimension of 18 [mm] on which printing corresponding to the image data for each apparatus related to the image 20a has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, on the tape 10A having a width of 18 [mm] printed corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20a, the print R21 of the character 21 and the character 22 are printed. The print R21 and the print R23a of the upper portion 23a of the character 23 are formed.

  FIG. 8B shows a tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm] on which printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20b has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, on the tape 10D having a width of 6 [mm], which has been printed corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20b, the lower portion 23b of the character 23 is shown. Printing R23b is formed.

  The tape 10A having a width dimension of 18 [mm] shown in FIG. 8A and the tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm] shown in FIG. As shown in (c), a print label L having a tape width dimension of 24 [mm] and a print corresponding to the image 20 is realized.

  Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the specified value of the tape width dimension is 24 [mm], and the content of the image data to be printed within the range of 24 [mm] has a height dimension of 24. Consider a case where the image 20 ′ is [mm]. The image 20 'includes the character 21 in the upper part, the character 22 in the lower part, the character 23 in the lower part, and the barcode BA in the right part. The barcode BA has a height dimension of 6.5 [mm] and is included in a range from the position of the upper 13 [mm] to the position of the lower 4.5 [mm] in the image 20 ′.

  In this case, when the second priority mode is executed in the operation terminal 100, 10 sets of combinations associated with the tape width dimension indicated value: 24 [mm] in the second correlation table TB2 (see FIG. 6). Among them, the combination numbers “1” to “9” including the height dimension of the barcode BA: 6.5 [mm] or more, that is, at least one of the width dimension: 18 [mm] and 12 [mm] The combinations of the width dimensions are determined so that the barcode BA portion is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200.

  For example, the combination of the combination number “2” associated with the indicated value of the tape width dimension: 24 [mm] in the second correlation table TB2, that is, 2 arranged in the order of 6 [mm] and 18 [mm]. Consider a case where a combination of individual width dimensions is determined as a combination of the above width dimensions.

  In this case, the correspondence of the image 20 ′ to the printing apparatuses 200D and 200A corresponding to the combination of the two width dimensions arranged in the order of 6 [mm] and 18 [mm] is determined. The device-specific image data relating to the portion to be assigned is assigned. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, device-specific image data related to the image 20c of the upper 6 [mm] portion of the image 20 ′ is assigned to the printing device 200D, and the lower 18 of the image 20 ′. The device-specific image data related to the image 20d in the [mm] portion is assigned to the printing device 200A. At this time, the character 22 portion of the image 20 'is distributed and assigned to the printing apparatuses 200D and 200A.

  FIG. 9B shows the image 20c extracted.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the image 20c has a height dimension of 6 [mm], and includes the character 21 in the upper part and the upper portion 22a of the character 22 in the lower part. The device-specific image data related to the image 20c is output to the printing device 200D. As a result, in the printing apparatus 200D, apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20c is input, and printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20c is performed on the tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm].

  FIG. 9C shows the extracted image 20d.

  As shown in FIG. 9C, the image 20d has a height dimension of 18 [mm], the lower portion 22b of the character 22 at the upper portion, the character 23 at the lower portion thereof, and the barcode at the right portion thereof. Contains BA. The device-specific image data related to the image 20d is output to the printing device 200A. As a result, in the printing apparatus 200A, the image data for each device related to the image 20d is input, and printing corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20d is performed on the tape 10A having a width of 18 [mm].

  FIG. 10A shows a tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm] on which printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20c has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10A, on the tape 10D having a width of 6 [mm] printed corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20c, the print R21 of the character 21 and the above-mentioned A print R22a of the upper portion 22a of the character 22 is formed.

  FIG. 10B shows a tape 10A having a width dimension of 18 [mm] on which printing corresponding to the image data for each apparatus related to the image 20d has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, on the tape 10A having a width of 18 [mm] printed corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20d, the lower portion 22b of the character 22 is printed. A print R22b, a print R23 of the character 23, and a print RBA of the barcode BA are formed.

  Then, the tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm] shown in FIG. 10A and the tape 10A having a width dimension of 18 [mm] shown in FIG. As shown in (c), a print label L having a tape width dimension of 24 [mm] and a print corresponding to the image 20 ′ is realized.

  Here, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the indicated value of the tape width dimension is 24 [mm] as described above, and the content of the image data to be printed within the range of 24 [mm] is the image 20 ′. Thus, when the second priority mode is executed on the operation terminal 100, there is no combination of width dimensions in which the barcode BA portion is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, or the combination corresponds to the combination. In some cases, the tape 10 used in the printing apparatus 200 is out of tape, or the printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination cannot print normally.

  In this case, the bar code BA among the nine combinations of the combination numbers “1” to “9” associated with the tape width dimension indication value: 24 [mm] in the second correlation table TB2. Reference is made to a combination of width dimensions to which the portion is distributed and assigned to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, and the width dimension is such that the distribution boundary position of the barcode BA portion is separated from the center position in the height direction of the barcode BA portion. Is determined.

  For example, the combination of the combination number “8” associated with the indicated value of the tape width dimension in the second correlation table TB2: 24 [mm], that is, 9 [mm], 6 [mm], and 9 [mm]. Consider a case where a combination of three width dimensions arranged in order is determined as a combination of the above width dimensions.

  In this case, for the printing apparatuses 200C and 200D corresponding to the combination of the three width dimensions arranged in the order of 9 [mm], 6 [mm], and 9 [mm] determined as described above, Device-specific image data relating to a corresponding part of 20 'is assigned. In the example shown in FIG. 11, device-specific image data related to the image 20e in the upper 9 [mm] portion of the image 20 ′ is assigned to the printing apparatus 200C, and the upper 9 [mm] of the image 20 ′ is assigned. The device-specific image data relating to the image 20f of the portion of the height dimension: 6 [mm] in the range from the position to the lower 9 [mm] position is assigned to the printing apparatus 200D, and the lower side of the image 20 ′. The device-specific image data related to the image 20g of the 9 [mm] portion is allocated to the printing device 200C. At this time, the character 23 portion and the barcode BA portion of the image 20 ′ are allocated and allocated to the printing apparatuses 200D and 200C, and the distribution boundary position of the barcode BA portion is 2 from the upper end position of the barcode BA portion. The position is [mm] (position of 4.5 [mm] from the lower end position).

  FIG. 12A shows the extracted image 20e.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, the image 20e has a height dimension of 9 [mm], and includes the character 21 in the upper part and the character 22 in the lower part. The device-specific image data related to the image 20e is output to the printing device 200C. As a result, in the printing apparatus 200C, apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20e is input, and printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20e is performed on the tape 10C having a width dimension of 9 [mm].

  FIG. 12B shows the extracted image 20f.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, the image 20f has a height dimension of 6 [mm], and includes an upper portion 23c of the character 23 at the lower portion and an upper portion BAa of the barcode BA at the right portion thereof. It is out. The device-specific image data related to the image 20f is output to the printing device 200D. Thereby, in the printing apparatus 200D, apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20f is input, and printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20f is performed on the tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm].

  FIG. 12C shows the extracted image 20g.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (c), the image 20g has a height dimension of 9 [mm], an upper part 23d below the character 23 at the upper part, and a lower part BAb below the bar code BA at the right part thereof. Is included. The device-specific image data related to the image 20g is output to the printing device 200C. Thereby, in the printing apparatus 200C, apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20g is input, and printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20g is performed on the tape 10C having a width dimension of 9 [mm].

  FIG. 13A shows a tape 10C having a width of 9 [mm], on which printing corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20e has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (a), on the tape 10C having a width of 9 [mm] printed corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20e, the print R21 of the character 21 and the above-mentioned A print R22a of the character 22 is formed.

  FIG. 13B shows a tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm] on which printing corresponding to the apparatus-specific image data related to the image 20f has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, the upper portion 23c of the character 23 is printed on the tape 10D having a width of 6 [mm] that has been printed corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20f. A print RBAa of R23c and the upper portion BAa of the barcode BA is formed.

  FIG. 13C shows a tape 10C having a width of 9 [mm] on which printing corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20g has been performed.

  As shown in FIG. 13 (c), the tape 10C having a width of 9 [mm] on which printing corresponding to the image data for each device related to the image 20g has been performed has a lower portion 23d of the character 23. The print R23d and the print RBAb of the lower part BAb of the barcode BA are formed.

  Then, the tape 10C having a width dimension of 9 [mm] shown in FIG. 13A, the tape 10D having a width dimension of 6 [mm] shown in FIG. 13B, and the tape 10D shown in FIG. 13C. By assembling the tape 10C having a width dimension of 9 [mm], as shown in FIG. 14, the print label L having a tape width dimension of 24 [mm] and a print corresponding to the image 20 'is provided. Is realized.

  Next, referring to FIG. 15, in order to realize the above-described method, the control procedure of the print processing method executed by the CPU 102 of the operation terminal 100 using the print processing program stored in the ROM of the memory 104 or the storage device 110. Will be explained.

  In FIG. 15, the processing shown in this flow is started, for example, when the operator gives a predetermined start instruction via the operation unit 108.

  First, in step S10, the CPU 102 obtains the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E used by the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E detected by the cartridge detection unit 212 of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E, so that each printing is performed. The width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the apparatuses 200A to 200E are determined. The procedure of step S10 corresponds to a dimension determining unit.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S20, and the CPU 102 acquires an indication value of the tape width dimension input by the operator through the operation unit 108. The procedure of step S20 corresponds to an instruction acquisition procedure.

  In step S30, the CPU 102 acquires the contents of the image data to be printed and formed in the range of the instruction value acquired in step S20, which is input through the operation unit 108 by the operator. Note that the procedure of step S30 corresponds to an image acquisition procedure.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S40, and the CPU 102 performs a mode selection operation for selecting a mode for determining a combination of width dimensions for realizing the instruction value acquired in step S20 via the operation unit 108 by the operator. Accept. When the mode selected by the mode selection operation accepted in step S40 is the first priority mode, the process proceeds to step S100.

  In step S100, the CPU 102 executes the first priority mode to determine the combination of the width dimensions so as to minimize the number of width dimensions to be combined, and perform the first split printing process for performing split printing. (Details will be described later). Thereafter, the processing shown in this flow is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the mode selected by the mode selection operation accepted in step S40 is the second priority mode, the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S <b> 200, the CPU 102 executes the second priority mode to determine the combination of the width dimensions so that the barcode portion of the image data is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, and performs splitting. A second split printing process (details will be described later) for printing is executed. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flow is terminated.

  Next, a detailed procedure of the first split printing process in step S100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 16, in step S110, the CPU 102 executes the first priority mode, and in the first correlation table TB1 stored in the storage device 110, the width dimension associated with the instruction value acquired in step S20. The value of the variable X representing the combination number is set to 1 and the maximum value Xmax of the variable X is set. For example, when there are 10 combinations, Xmax = 10 is set.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S120, and the CPU 102 selects the combination corresponding to the value of the variable X at this time among the combinations of the width dimensions associated with the instruction value acquired in step S20 in the first correlation table TB1. A combination of width dimensions related to the number is detected.

  In step S130, the CPU 102 acquires the detection status by the tape break detection unit 213 of each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E, thereby relating to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S120. Whether the tape 10 is out of tape is detected. Then, the CPU 102 determines whether or not split printing by each printing device 200 is possible based on the detected presence or absence of the tape 10 relating to each printing device 200. If at least one of the tapes 10 related to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S120 is out of tape and split printing by each printing apparatus 200 is impossible, step S130 is performed. This determination is not satisfied (S130: NO), and the routine goes to Step S140.

  In step S140, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the value of the variable X has reached the maximum value Xmax. If the value of the variable X has not reached the maximum value Xmax, the determination in step S140 is not satisfied (S140: NO), and the process proceeds to step S150. In step S150, the CPU 102 adds 1 to the value of the variable X, and then returns to step S120 to repeat the same procedure. On the other hand, when the value of the variable X reaches the maximum value Xmax in step S140, that is, in the first correlation table TB1, each corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions associated with the instruction value acquired in step S20. If none of the split printing by the printing apparatus 200 is possible, or if the split printing by each printing apparatus has not been completed normally as described later, the determination in step S140 is satisfied (S140). : YES), the process moves to step S160.

  In step S160, the CPU 102 displays a predetermined error display on the display unit 106 to notify the operator that split printing is impossible. Thereafter, the processing shown in this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S130, none of the tapes 10 related to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions detected in step S120 is out of tape, and split printing by each printing apparatus 200 is possible. In this case, the determination in step S130 is satisfied (S130: YES), and the combination of width dimensions detected in step S120 is used as the combination of width dimensions for realizing the instruction value acquired in step S20. After the determination, the process proceeds to step S170. That is, in the first correlation table TB1 in which combinations of a plurality of width dimensions are associated in order from the combination in which the number of width dimensions to be combined decreases with respect to the indicated value of each tape width dimension, Since these are detected in order, in step S130, the combination of the width dimensions is determined so that the number of width dimensions to be combined is minimized. Note that the procedure of step S130 corresponds to a combination determination procedure.

  In step S <b> 170, the CPU 102 applies to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions determined in step S <b> 130, a device-specific image related to a corresponding part of the contents of the image data acquired in step S <b> 30. Allocate data. Note that the procedure of step S170 corresponds to a tape allocation procedure.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S180, and the CPU 102 sequentially outputs the image data for each device allocated in step S170 to each corresponding printing device 200 via the communication control unit 112 and the network NW. Note that the procedure of step S180 corresponds to a data output procedure. As a result, in each printing apparatus 200, corresponding image data for each device is input via the communication control unit 216, and printing corresponding to the image data for each device is performed on the tape 10.

  In step S190, the CPU 102 determines whether the printing by each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions determined in step S130 has been normally completed. For example, when the printing by each printing apparatus 200 is not normally terminated due to the tape 10 being cut out during printing, the determination in step S190 is not satisfied (S190: NO), and the above step The process proceeds to S140 and the same procedure is executed. On the other hand, if the printing by each printing apparatus 200 has been completed normally, the determination in step S190 is satisfied (S190: YES), and the processing shown in this routine is ended.

  Next, the detailed procedure of the second split printing process in step S200 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  17 and 18, in step S203, the CPU 102 executes the second priority mode, and detects the position and height dimension of the barcode portion of the image data acquired in step S30.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S209, and the CPU 102 determines a combination of width dimensions including a width dimension equal to or greater than the height dimension of the barcode portion detected in step S203, which is associated with the instruction value acquired in step S20. Extract. Then, the CPU 102 stores the extracted combinations of width dimensions in the first work area WE1 (see FIG. 19) provided in the RAM of the memory 104 and capable of storing a plurality of combinations of width dimensions.

  In step S212, the CPU 102 sets the value of the variable Y representing the number of the record (width dimension combination) in the first work area WE1 to 1 and sets the maximum value Ymax of the variable Y. . For example, if there are 10 records, Ymax = 10 is set.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S215, and the CPU 102 detects a combination of width dimensions corresponding to the record relating to the number corresponding to the value of the variable Y at this time among the records of the first work area WE1.

  In step S218, the CPU 102 applies to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S215, an apparatus related to a corresponding part of the contents of the image data acquired in step S30. When another image data is assigned, it is determined whether or not the barcode portion detected in step S203 is distributed and assigned to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200. When the barcode portion detected in step S203 is distributed and assigned to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, the determination in step S218 is not satisfied (S218: NO), and the process proceeds to step S233.

  In step S233, the CPU 102 detects the distribution boundary position of the barcode portion detected in step S203. Then, the CPU 102 has a first field provided in the RAM of the memory 104 that can store a combination of a plurality of width dimensions, and a second field that can store the distribution boundary position corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions. The combination of the width dimensions detected in step S215 is stored in the first field of the second work area WE2 (see FIG. 20), and the distribution boundary position detected is stored in the second field. .

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S236, and the CPU 102 determines whether or not the value of the variable Y has reached the maximum value Ymax. If the value of the variable Y has not reached the maximum value Ymax, the determination in step S236 is not satisfied (S236: NO), and the process proceeds to step S239. In step S239, the CPU 102 adds 1 to the value of the variable Y and then returns to step S215 to repeat the same procedure.

  On the other hand, in step S218, if the barcode portion detected in step S203 is not distributed and assigned to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200, the determination in step S218 is satisfied (S218: YES), and the process proceeds to step S221. Move.

  In step S221, the CPU 102 acquires the detection status by the tape break detection unit 213 of each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E, so that the tape 10 associated with each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S215. Detects whether the tape has run out. Then, the CPU 102 determines whether or not split printing by each printing device 200 is possible based on the detected presence or absence of the tape 10 relating to each printing device 200. If at least one of the tapes 10 related to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S215 is out of tape and split printing by each printing apparatus 200 is impossible, step S221 is performed. This determination is not satisfied (S221: NO), the process proceeds to step S236 and the same procedure is repeated. On the other hand, if none of the tapes 10 related to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S215 is out of tape, and split printing by each printing apparatus 200 is possible, step After the determination in S221 is satisfied (S221: YES), the combination of width dimensions detected in step S215 is determined as the combination of width dimensions for realizing the indication value acquired in step S20, and then step The process moves to S224. That is, in step S221, the combination of the width dimensions is determined so that the barcode portion of the image data is not distributed and assigned to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200. Note that the procedure of step S221 also corresponds to a combination determination procedure.

  In step S224, the CPU 102 applies to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions determined in step S221, an apparatus-specific image related to a corresponding part of the contents of the image data acquired in step S30. Allocate data. The procedure of step S224 also corresponds to a tape allocation procedure.

  In step S227, the CPU 102 sequentially outputs the image data for each device assigned in step S224 to each corresponding printing device 200 via the communication control unit 112 and the network NW. Note that the procedure of step S224 also corresponds to a data output procedure. As a result, in each printing apparatus 200, corresponding image data for each device is input via the communication control unit 216, and printing corresponding to the image data for each device is performed on the tape 10.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S230, and the CPU 102 determines whether or not the printing by each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions determined in step S221 has been normally completed. For example, if the printing by each printing apparatus 200 is not normally terminated due to the tape 10 being cut during printing, the determination of step S230 is not satisfied (S230: NO), and the above step The process proceeds to S236 and the same procedure is executed. On the other hand, when the printing by each printing apparatus 200 has been normally completed, the determination in step S230 is satisfied (S230: YES), and the processing shown in this routine is ended.

  On the other hand, when the value of the variable Y reaches the maximum value Ymax in step S236, that is, there is a combination of width dimensions in which the barcode portion detected in step S203 is not distributed and assigned to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200. If none of the printing, split printing by each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions is impossible, or if split printing by each printing apparatus has not been completed normally The determination in step S236 is satisfied (S236: YES), and the process proceeds to step S242.

  In step S242, the CPU 102 sorts the records (the combination of width dimensions and the distribution boundary position) of the second work area WE2 in ascending order of the distribution boundary position included in the record.

  In step S245, the CPU 102 sets the value of the variable Z to 1 and represents the maximum value Zmax of the value of the variable Z, which represents the record number of the second work area WE2 in the form after the sorting in step S242. Set. For example, when there are 10 records, Zmax = 10 is set.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S248, and the CPU 102, among the records in the second work area WE2 in the form after sorting in step S242, includes the width dimension included in the record related to the number corresponding to the value of the variable Z at this point. Detect combinations of.

  In step S251, the CPU 102 acquires the detection status by the tape break detection unit 213 of each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E, thereby relating to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S248. Whether the tape 10 is out of tape is detected. Then, the CPU 102 determines whether or not split printing by each printing device 200 is possible based on the detected presence or absence of the tape 10 relating to each printing device 200. If at least one of the tapes 10 related to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions detected in step S248 is out of tape and split printing by each printing apparatus 200 is impossible, step S251 is performed. This determination is not satisfied (S251: NO), and the routine goes to Step S254.

  In step S254, the CPU 102 determines whether or not the value of the variable Z has reached the maximum value Zmax. If the value of the variable Z has not reached the maximum value Zmax, the determination in step S254 is not satisfied (S254: NO), and the process proceeds to step S257. In step S257, the CPU 102 adds 1 to the value of the variable Z and then returns to step S248 to repeat the same procedure. On the other hand, when the value of the variable Z reaches the maximum value Zmax in step S254, each printing corresponding to the combination of width dimensions allocated and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200 by the barcode portion detected in step S203 is performed. If none of the split printing by the apparatus 200 is possible, or if the split printing by each printing apparatus has not been completed normally as will be described later, the determination in step S254 is satisfied (S254: YES), the process moves to step S260.

  In step S260, the CPU 102 displays a predetermined error display on the display unit 106 to notify the operator that split printing is impossible. Thereafter, the processing shown in this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S251, none of the tapes 10 related to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions detected in step S248 is out of tape, and split printing by each printing apparatus 200 is possible. In this case, the determination in step S251 is satisfied (S251: YES), and the combination of width dimensions detected in step S248 is used as the combination of width dimensions for realizing the instruction value acquired in step S20. After the determination, the process proceeds to step S263. That is, in step S251, the combination of the width dimensions is determined so that the distribution boundary position of the barcode portion is separated from the center position in the height direction of the barcode portion. The procedure of step S130 also corresponds to a combination determination procedure.

  In step S263, the CPU 102 applies the image for each device related to a corresponding part of the contents of the image data acquired in step S30 to each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions determined in step S251. Allocate data. The procedure of step S263 also corresponds to a tape allocation procedure.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S266, and the CPU 102 sequentially outputs the image data for each device allocated in step S263 to each corresponding printing device 200 via the communication control unit 112 and the network NW. Note that the procedure of step S266 also corresponds to a data output procedure. As a result, in each printing apparatus 200, corresponding image data for each device is input via the communication control unit 216, and printing corresponding to the image data for each device is performed on the tape 10.

  In step S269, the CPU 102 determines whether the printing by each printing apparatus 200 corresponding to the combination of width dimensions determined in step S251 has been normally completed. For example, when the printing by each printing apparatus 200 is not normally terminated due to the tape 10 being cut during printing, the determination in step S269 is not satisfied (S269: NO), and the above step The process proceeds to S254 and the same procedure is executed. On the other hand, when the printing by each printing apparatus 200 has been normally completed, the determination in step S269 is satisfied (S269: YES), and the processing shown in this routine is ended.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the operator inputs an instruction value of the tape width dimension corresponding to the size of the print label L to be finally realized via the operation unit 108 of the operation terminal 100, A combination of width dimensions for realizing the indicated value as a total dimension is determined. Thereafter, device-specific image data relating to a corresponding portion of the content of the image data is assigned to each printing device 200 corresponding to the combination. As a result, the device-specific image data assigned to the printing device 200 is printed on the tape 10 by each printing device 200. Therefore, the print labels intended by the operator can be obtained by assembling (arranging) the plurality of tapes 10 together. L can be realized.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as described above, the plurality of printing apparatuses 200 using the tapes 10 having different width dimensions collect the plurality of tapes 10 formed and printed by the respective printing apparatuses 200. It is possible to realize a print label L having an intended arbitrary width dimension. Unlike conventional methods of cutting and pasting a plurality of tapes with a fixed width while adjusting the cut-off width and overlap width of each other (without the hassle of cutting and pasting) ) A print label L having an arbitrary width dimension can be realized easily and reliably. Therefore, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the five printing apparatuses 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> E are actually connected to the operation terminal 100 so that they can communicate with each other. Each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E includes a cartridge detection unit 212. The cartridge detection unit 212 of each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E detects the width dimension of the tapes 10A to 10E to be used. Therefore, the detection result by the cartridge detection unit 212 of each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E is acquired, and thereby the combination of width dimensions for realizing the above-described instruction value is determined. In the present embodiment, as described above, the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E are automatically acquired using the detection results of the cartridge detection units 212 of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E, so that the operator operates the operation terminal 100. There is no need to manually input the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E via the unit 108, and the operation burden can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the first and second correlation tables TB1 and TB2 representing the correlation between the tape width dimension indicated value and a combination of a plurality of width dimensions capable of realizing the indicated value are provided in advance on the operation terminal. 100 storage devices 110. Accordingly, by using the first and second correlation tables TB1 and TB2, the combination of the width dimensions can be easily and quickly determined without performing a complicated calculation.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the combination of the width dimensions is determined so that the number of width dimensions to be combined is minimized. Thereby, the print label L for displaying the desired image content can be realized by an assembly of as few tapes 10 as possible. In other words, it is possible to avoid dividing the desired image content into as many tapes 10 as possible.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the combination of the width dimensions is determined so that the barcode portion of the image data is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200. Thus, the barcode portion of the image content displayed on the print label L can be printed on one tape 10 as much as possible. As a result, it is possible to reliably obtain a sense of unity in appearance of the barcode portion after the printing is formed.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, the CPU 102 determines a combination of the width dimensions so that the number of width dimensions to be combined is minimized, and a plurality of barcode portions of the image data are printed. The second priority mode in which the combination of the width dimensions is determined so as not to be distributed and allocated to the device 200 can be selectively executed. Thereby, according to an operator's use and a request, it can change and use suitably whether the number of the width dimensions combined is reduced or a barcode part is not distributed. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be further improved.

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

(1) When manually inputting the width dimension of the print-receiving tape used in each printing apparatus In the above embodiment, the cartridge detection unit 212 of each printing apparatus 200A to 200E is used in each of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E. The widths of the tapes 10A to 10E used in the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E detected by the cartridge detection unit 212 of the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E in the operation terminal 100 are detected. Although the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E have been determined by acquiring the dimensions, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operator inputs the width dimensions of the tapes 10 </ b> A to 10 </ b> E used in the printing apparatuses 200 </ b> A to 200 </ b> E via the operation unit 108 of the operation terminal 100, and each printing operation input by the operator on the operation terminal 100 is performed. Based on the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E used in the apparatuses 200A to 200E, the width dimensions of the tapes 10A to 10E related to the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E may be determined. In this case, the same effect as the above embodiment can be obtained.

(2) When only one printing device is connected to the operation terminal In the above embodiment, five printing devices 200A to 200E are connected to the operation terminal 100, and each of these printing devices 200A to 200E has a tape 10A. -10E is used separately, split printing is performed by the printing apparatuses 200A to 200E. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one printing device 200 may be connected to the operation terminal 100, and the printing device 200 may perform split printing by enabling the tapes 10A to 10E to be used individually by replacement. In this case, in the printing apparatus 200, there are five types: an embodiment using the tape 10A, an embodiment using the tape 10B, an embodiment using the tape 10C, an embodiment using the tape 10D, and an embodiment using the tape 10E. Aspects are conceivable, and the printing apparatuses 200 of these five types of aspects each correspond to separate printer means. Also in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

(3) Others In the above-described embodiment, the width of the tape 10 in the cartridge 14 is indirectly detected by detecting the detected portion of the cartridge 14 mounted on the cartridge holder 202 by the cartridge detection unit 212. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the width of the tape 10 in the cartridge 14 attached to the cartridge holder 202 may be directly detected by an appropriate detection unit. In this case, the appropriate detection unit corresponds to detection means. Also in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the five printing apparatuses 200A to 200E in which the tapes 10A to 10E having different widths are used are connected to the operation terminal 100. The number of 200 connected devices is not particularly limited, and the operation terminal 100 may be connected to four or less printing apparatuses 200 that use tapes 10 having different width dimensions, or six or more printing apparatuses. 200 may be connected. Also in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, the combination of width dimensions is determined so that the barcode portion of the image data is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the combination of width dimensions may be determined so that a desired portion such as a specific image portion of the image data is not distributed and assigned to the plurality of printing apparatuses 200. Also in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although it was the system (type which does not perform bonding) to print on the tape 10, it is not restricted to this, On the to-be-printed tape (for example, cover film etc.) different from the tape 10 However, the present invention may be applied to a method in which printing is performed and these are bonded together. Also in this case, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained.

  The arrows shown in FIG. 2 show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  Further, the flowcharts and routines shown in FIGS. 15 to 18 are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures illustrated, but to add or delete procedures or change the order without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. You may do.

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

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

10, 10A-D tape (printed tape)
100 operation terminal 102 CPU (calculation means)
108 Operation part (operation means)
110 Storage device (storage means)
200, 200A to D Printing device (printer means)
212 Cartridge detection unit (detection means)

Claims (7)

With respect to the arithmetic means provided in the operation terminal, which can be connected to a plurality of printer means, each carrying out desired printing corresponding to the inputted image data while transporting print-receiving tapes having different width dimensions
A dimension determining procedure for determining the width dimension of the print-receiving tape relating to each of the plurality of printer means;
An instruction acquisition procedure for acquiring an instruction value of the tape width dimension, which is input via the operation means provided in the operation terminal;
An image acquisition procedure for acquiring the content of the image data to be printed in the range of the instruction value acquired in the instruction acquisition procedure, which is input through the operation means;
A combination determination procedure for determining a combination of the width dimensions for realizing the instruction value acquired in the instruction acquisition procedure from the width dimensions of each of the plurality of printer units determined in the dimension determination procedure. When,
For each of the plurality of printer units corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions determined in the combination determination procedure, among the contents of the image data acquired in the image acquisition procedure, corresponding printer-specific image data is obtained. Data allocation procedure to be assigned,
Print processing program to execute. The print processing program according to claim 1,
The dimension determination procedure includes:
A procedure for obtaining the width dimension of the print-receiving tape used by the printer means detected by a detection means provided in each of the plurality of printer means connected to the operation terminal; and
A print processing program for causing the arithmetic means to further execute a data output procedure for sequentially outputting image data for each printer assigned in the data assignment procedure to the plurality of corresponding printer means. In the print processing program according to claim 1 or 2,
The operation terminal is
Storage means for storing a correlation between an arbitrary indicated value and a plurality of combinations of the width dimensions capable of realizing the indicated value;
In the combination determination procedure,
A print processing program, wherein the combination of the width dimensions is determined using the correlation stored in the storage means. The print processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the combination determination procedure,
The print processing program, wherein the combination of the width dimensions is determined so that the number of the width dimensions to be combined is minimized. The print processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the combination determination procedure,
The print processing program, wherein the combination of width dimensions is determined so that a desired portion of the image data is not distributed and allocated to a plurality of the printer means in the data allocation procedure. The print processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
For the computing means,
A combination number priority mode for determining a combination of the width dimensions in the combination determination procedure so that the number of the width dimensions combined in the combination determination procedure is minimized;
A data allocation priority mode for determining a combination of the width dimensions in the combination determination procedure so that a desired portion of the image data is not distributed and allocated to the plurality of printer units in the data allocation procedure;
Is a print processing program that can be selectively executed. A print processing method executed by an operation terminal, which can be connected to a plurality of printer means, each of which performs desired printing corresponding to input image data while conveying print-receiving tapes having different width dimensions,
A dimension determining procedure for determining the width dimension of the print-receiving tape relating to each of the plurality of printer means;
An instruction acquisition procedure for acquiring an instruction value of the tape width dimension, which is input via the operation means provided in the operation terminal;
An image acquisition procedure for acquiring the content of the image data to be printed in the range of the instruction value acquired in the instruction acquisition procedure, which is input through the operation means;
A combination determination procedure for determining a combination of the width dimensions for realizing the instruction value acquired in the instruction acquisition procedure from the width dimensions of each of the plurality of printer units determined in the dimension determination procedure. When,
For each of the plurality of printer units corresponding to the combination of the width dimensions determined in the combination determination procedure, among the contents of the image data acquired in the image acquisition procedure, corresponding printer-specific image data is obtained. Data allocation procedure to be assigned,
A print processing method characterized by comprising:

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