JP2014188778A - Print preparation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance expression in a print and to improve convenience of an operator.SOLUTION: A printing label preparation device 3 has a table storage part 2013 for storing a table 40 including a record correlating a specific string to a specific image or symbol for converting the specific string. The printing label preparation device 3 controls a transportation device 209 and a printing head 205 coordinately so that it is determined whether the specific string is included in the record of a database 30 stored in a database storage part 2011 designated by a print instruction signal received via a communication control part 208, and when the specific string is included in the record designated by the print instruction signal, the specific string is converted into the specific image or symbol using the record of the table 40 stored in the table storage part 2013 and the converted specific image or symbol is allocated along a template T stored in a template storage part 2012 for printing.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed material creation apparatus that creates printed material.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printed material creation apparatus that creates printed material is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This printed matter creating apparatus (printing apparatus) can perform so-called database printing in which the content of a character string assigned by a template is designated by a database record. When database printing is performed, a printed matter is created in which a plurality of character strings respectively assigned to a plurality of fields in a specified record of the database are assigned along a template.

JP 2006-309473 A

  Here, each record of the database only includes a character string related to each of a plurality of fields. On the other hand, in order to broaden the amount of expression in the printed material, we want to create a printed material in which a specific character string is replaced with a specific image or symbol, and the replaced specific image or symbol is assigned according to the template. Operator needs may arise. In the above-described prior art, such consideration is not particularly taken into consideration, and it is inconvenient because the operator himself must perform an operation of replacing a specific character string with a specific image or symbol.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printed material creation apparatus that can broadly expand the expressive power of printed materials and can improve the convenience for the operator.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a conveying means for conveying a printing medium, a printing means for performing desired printing on the printing medium conveyed by the conveying means, and characters for a plurality of fields. An acquisition unit that acquires from the operation terminal a database including at least one record to which each column is assigned; a first storage unit that stores the database acquired by the acquisition unit; and the plurality of records in each record of the database A second storage means for storing a template for allocating the plurality of character strings respectively assigned to the fields in a predetermined manner; and at least one record included in the database stored in the first storage means. A first receiving means for receiving a designated print instruction signal from the operation terminal; and the first receiver When receiving the print instruction signal, the plurality of character strings included in the record designated by the print instruction signal are allocated along the template stored in the second storage unit, A printed matter creation apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls the transport unit and the printing unit in a coordinated manner so as to create one printed matter for each specified record, and the specific character string is identified A third storage unit that stores a correlation for conversion associated with a specific image or symbol for converting the character string, and the record designated by the print instruction signal received by the first receiving unit, Determination means for determining whether or not the specific character string is included, and the control means uses the determination means to specify the record designated by the print instruction signal. When it is determined that the specific character string is included, the specific character string is converted into the specific image or symbol using the conversion correlation stored in the third storage unit, The conveying means and the printing means are controlled in cooperation so that the converted specific image or symbol is assigned and printed along the template.

  The printed matter creation apparatus of the present invention can perform so-called database printing in which the content of a character string assigned by a template is designated by a record in the database. That is, the database acquired from the operation terminal by the acquisition unit is stored in the first storage unit. The template is stored in the second storage means. When a print instruction specifying at least one record included in the database is given at the operation terminal, a corresponding print instruction signal is received by the first receiving means. Then, based on the control of the control unit, a printed matter in which a plurality of character strings included in the designated record are allocated along the template is created by the conveying unit and the printing unit.

  Here, each record of the database transmitted in advance from the operation terminal to the printed material creating apparatus as described above only includes a character string related to each of a plurality of fields. On the other hand, in the printed matter creation apparatus of the present invention, a specific character string can be converted into a corresponding specific image or symbol independently on the apparatus side. For this purpose, the printed matter creation apparatus of the present invention is provided with a third storage unit and a determination unit. The third storage unit stores a conversion correlation in which a specific character string and a specific image or symbol for performing the conversion are associated with each other. When the print instruction signal is received as described above, the determination unit determines whether or not the specific character string is included in the record designated by the instruction signal. When a specific character string is included and the determination is satisfied, the specific character string is replaced with a specific image or symbol using the conversion correlation based on the control of the control unit. Then, instead of the specific character string, the replaced specific image or symbol is assigned along the template, and a corresponding printed matter is created.

  As described above, in the printed matter creation apparatus according to the present invention, by providing a function of converting a specific character string into a specific image or symbol by itself, an instruction from the operation terminal side corresponds to a record including a conventional character string. It is possible to broaden the expressive power of the printed material actually created while using the print instruction. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to broaden the expressiveness of a printed material, so that the convenience for the operator can be improved.

1 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a print label producing system including a print label producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which represents typically the structure of an operation terminal and a printed label production apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a database. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a template. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of a table. It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the table of the converted aspect. It is explanatory drawing showing the produced three printed labels. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure which a control circuit performs. It is a routine showing the detailed procedure of step S200.

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

  First, an overall configuration of a print label producing system including a print label producing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the print label producing system 1 includes an operation terminal 2 and a print label producing device 3 (printed material producing device). The operation terminal 2 and the print label producing apparatus 3 are connected so as to be able to communicate with each other.

  The operation terminal 2 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 shown in FIG. 1, a general-purpose PC is used as the operation terminal 2.

  The print label creating apparatus 3 creates a print label L (printed material) having a desired print based on an appropriate operation by the operator via the operation terminal 2.

  Next, the configuration of the operation terminal 2 and the print label producing apparatus 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the operation terminal 2 stores a CPU 12, a memory 13 including, for example, a ROM or a RAM, an operation unit 14 that can perform various operations, a display unit 17 that performs various displays, and various types of information. A communication control unit 15 that controls transmission / reception of various information / instruction signals between the storage device 16 and the print label producing device 3 is provided.

  The CPU 12 controls the entire operation terminal 2 by performing signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the ROM or the storage device 16 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM. For example, the CPU 12 transmits / receives various information / instruction signals to / from the print label producing apparatus 3 via the communication control unit 15.

  The print label producing apparatus 3 includes a tape roll holder unit 210, a conveying device 209 (conveying unit), a print head 205 (printing unit), a cutter 207, a control circuit 202, and an operation unit 206 (various operations). An operation means), a display unit 211 that performs various displays, a storage device 201 that stores various types of information, and a communication control unit 208 that controls transmission and reception of various types of information and instruction signals between the operation terminals 2. .

  The tape roll holder unit 210 can be attached to and detached from the tape roll 204 (or a print medium to be printed) (which is originally spiral but simplified and shown as a concentric circle) (or a cartridge including the tape roll 204). It is removable).

  The transport device 209 transports the tape 203 wound around the tape roll 204.

  The print head 205 is provided to face the conveying device 209 and performs desired printing on the tape 203 that is fed from the tape roll 204 and conveyed by the conveying device 209.

  The cutter 207 cuts the tape 203 that has been printed into a predetermined length, thereby obtaining the print label L.

  The control circuit 202 controls the entire print label producing apparatus 3 by performing signal processing according to a program stored in advance in a ROM or storage device 201 (not shown) while using a temporary storage function of a RAM (not shown). For example, the control circuit 202 transmits / receives various information / instruction signals to / from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 208.

  The storage device 201 stores a database storage unit 2011 (first storage) in which a database 30 (see FIG. 3 described later) including at least one record in which character strings (including one character) are assigned to a plurality of fields is stored. Means). In the present embodiment, the database 30 created on the operation terminal 2 side is transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15, and received (acquired) via the communication control unit 208 in the print label creating apparatus 3. And stored in the database storage unit 2011.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the database 30.

  In the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, a data group of one horizontal row is set as one record, a number field 31 assigned a character string representing a number to each record, a name field 32 assigned a character string representing a name, and a gender. A gender field 33 to which a character string representing the classification is assigned, and a classification field 34 to which a character string representing the classification is assigned are included.

  For example, in the record in the first row of the database 30, “1” is a character string representing a number in the number field 31, “Suzuki” is a character string representing a name in the name field 32, and a character string representing gender is in the gender field 33. “Male” is assigned to the classification field 34 and “celebration” is assigned to the classification field 34 as a character string representing the classification. Similarly, in the record in the second row, “2” is used as the character string indicating the number in the number field 31, “Ito” is used as the character string indicating the name in the name field 32, and “Male” is used as the character string indicating the gender in the gender field 33. “,” And “children” are assigned to the classification field 34 as character strings representing classification. Similarly, in the record on the third line, “3” is a character string representing a number in the number field 31, “Kawai” is a character string representing a name in the name field 32, and “female” is a character string representing gender in the gender field 33. “,” “Pet” is assigned to the classification field 34 as a character string representing the classification. Similarly, in the record in the fourth row, “4” is used as the character string indicating the number in the number field 31, “Ishida” is used as the character string indicating the name in the name field 32, and “Male” is displayed as the character string indicating the gender in the gender field 33. “,” “Kitchen” is assigned to the classification field 34 as a character string representing the classification. Similarly, in the record in the fifth line, “5” is used as a character string representing a number in the number field 31, “Tomomatsu” is used as a character string representing a name in the name field 32, and “male” is used as a character string representing gender in the gender field 33. "," "Business" is assigned to the classification field 34 as a character string representing the classification.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the storage device 201 also has a template T (see FIG. 4 described later) for assigning a plurality of character strings respectively assigned to a plurality of fields in each record of the database 30 in a predetermined manner. A stored template storage unit 2012 (second storage means) is provided. In the present embodiment, the template T is stored in the template storage unit 2012 in advance.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of the template T.

  A template T shown in FIG. 4 is a template for allocating four character strings respectively assigned to the four fields 31 to 34 in each record of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3 in a predetermined manner. In this template T, the fixed character string “NO.” Is arranged in the upper left portion, and the four allocation frames F1, F2, F3, and F4 are allocated in a predetermined manner.

  The allocation frame F1 is an allocation frame corresponding to the character string assigned to the number field 31 in each record of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, and the fixed character string so as to follow the fixed character string “NO.”. It is arranged on the right side of “NO.”.

  The allocation frame F4 is an allocation frame corresponding to the character string assigned to the classification field 34 in each record of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, and is arranged below the fixed character string “NO.” And the allocation frame F1. Has been.

  The allocation frame F2 is an allocation frame corresponding to the character string allocated to the name field 32 in each record of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, and is arranged below the allocation frame F4.

  The allocation frame F3 is an allocation frame corresponding to the character string allocated to the gender field 33 in each record of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, and is arranged below the allocation frame F2.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the print label producing apparatus 3 can perform so-called database printing in which the content of the character string assigned by the template T is designated by a record in the database 30. That is, the template T is stored in the template storage unit 2012 in advance. In addition, the database 30 created in advance on the operation terminal 2 side is transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15, and received by the print label creating apparatus 3 via the communication control unit 208, and stored in the database. Stored in the section 2011. When the operator operates the operation unit 14 of the operation terminal 2 and issues a print instruction specifying at least one record in the database 30, a print instruction signal specifying the at least one record is displayed on the operation terminal 2. Is transmitted via the communication control unit 15, and is received via the communication control unit 208 in the print label producing apparatus 3. Then, the transport device 209, the print head 205, and the like are controlled in cooperation, and a plurality of character strings respectively assigned to a plurality of fields are recorded for each record of the database 30 designated by the received print instruction signal. By being assigned along the template T, one corresponding print label L is created.

  Here, each record of the database 30 stored in advance in the database storage unit 2011 as described above only includes a plurality of character strings respectively assigned to a plurality of fields. The greatest feature of this embodiment is that a specific character is included in at least one record of the database 30 specified by the print instruction signal received via the communication control unit 208 in the print label producing apparatus 3 as described above. If there is a record that includes a column, the print label creating apparatus 3 converts the specific character string into a specific image or symbol for the record that includes the specific character string, A specific print label L is created by allocating the converted specific image or symbol along the template T instead of the specific character string. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order with reference to FIGS.

  That is, in the present embodiment, as described above, in order to be able to convert a specific character string into a specific image or symbol independently on the print label creating apparatus 3 side, the storage device 201 of the print label creating apparatus 3 further includes A table storage unit that stores a table 40 (see FIG. 5 described later) including a record (correlation for conversion) in which a specific character string and a specific image or symbol for converting the specific character string are associated with each other 2013 (third storage means) is provided (see FIG. 2). In the present embodiment, the table 40 created on the operation terminal 2 side is transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15, received by the print label creating apparatus 3 via the communication control unit 208, and stored in the table. Is stored in the section 2013.

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the table 40.

  In the table 40 shown in FIG. 5, a data group of one horizontal row is regarded as one record, a character string field 41 in which a specific character string is assigned to each record, and an image / symbol field in which a specific image or symbol is assigned. 42 is included.

  For example, in the record in the first row of this table 40, “m” as a specific character string is assigned to the character string field 41, and “♂” symbol Sy1 as a specific symbol is assigned to the image / symbol field 42, respectively. The “male” and “♂” symbols Sy1 are associated with each other. Similarly, in the record on the second line, “female” is assigned to the character string field 41 as a specific character string, and “♀” symbol Sy2 is assigned to the image / symbol field 42 as a specific symbol. And the “♀” symbol Sy2 are associated with each other. Similarly, in the record in the third row, “celebration” is assigned to the character string field 41 as a specific character string, and “cracker” image P1 is assigned to the image / symbol field 42 as a specific image. And the “cracker” image P1 are associated with each other. Similarly, in the record in the fourth row, “children” as a specific character string is assigned to the character string field 41 and “boy” image P2 is assigned to the image / symbol field 42 as a specific image, thereby “celebration”. And a “boy” image P2 are associated with each other. Similarly, in the record on the fifth line, “pet” is assigned to the character string field 41 as a specific character string, and “dog” image P3 is assigned to the image / symbol field 42 as a specific image. And the “dog” image P3 are associated with each other. Similarly, in the record on the sixth line, “kitchen” is assigned to the character string field 41 as a specific character string, and “sugar” image P4 is assigned to the image / symbol field 42 as a specific image. And the “sugar” image P4 are associated with each other. Similarly, in the record on the seventh line, “business” as a specific character string is assigned to the character string field 41 and “mobile phone” image P5 is assigned to the image / symbol field 42 as a specific image, respectively. "And a" mobile phone "image P5 are associated with each other.

  In the present embodiment, the operation unit 206 of the print label producing apparatus 3 causes the contents of the record in the table 40 stored in the table storage unit 2013 as described above (correspondence between a specific character string and a specific image or symbol). Append) can be changed.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of the table 40 in the form after the contents of the record in the table 40 shown in FIG. 5 are changed.

  In the table 40 shown in FIG. 6, the “cracker” image P1 assigned to the conversion field 42 in the record in the third row of the table 40 shown in FIG. 5 is changed to a “cake” image P6 as a specific image. As a result, the “celebration” and the “cake” image P6 are associated with each other. Similarly, the “boy” image P2 assigned to the conversion field 42 in the record in the fourth row of the table 40 shown in FIG. 5 is changed to the “girl” image P7 as a specific image, thereby the “ It is changed to a mode in which the “child” and “girl” image P7 are associated with each other. Similarly, the “dog” image P3 assigned to the conversion field 42 in the record in the fifth row of the table 40 shown in FIG. 5 is changed to the “cat” image P8 as a specific image, thereby the above “ The “pet” and “cat” images P8 are associated with each other. Similarly, the “sugar” image P4 assigned to the conversion field 42 in the record of the sixth row of the table 40 shown in FIG. 5 is changed to the “cherry” image P9 as a specific image, thereby the above “ The “kitchen” and the “cherry” image P9 are associated with each other. Similarly, the “mobile phone” image P5 assigned to the conversion field 42 in the record in the seventh row of the table 40 shown in FIG. 5 is changed to the “personal computer” image P10 as a specific image. The “business” and the “computer” image P10 are associated with each other.

  When a print instruction signal is received via the communication control unit 208 in the print label producing apparatus 3 as described above, each of at least one record in the database 30 specified by the received print instruction signal. With respect to, it is determined whether or not a specific character string is included. For a record that includes a specific character string and satisfies the above determination, the specific character string is replaced with a corresponding specific image or symbol using the corresponding record in the table 30, and the specific The replaced specific image or symbol is assigned along the template T in place of the character string, so that the corresponding print label L is created.

  For example, consider a case where the print label producing apparatus 3 receives a print instruction signal designating the records in the first to third rows of the database 30 shown in FIG.

  In this case, regarding the record in the first row of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, “male” as a specific character string in the gender field 32 and “celebration” as a specific character string in the classification field 34 respectively. Since the above determination is satisfied and “male” is assigned to the conversion field 42 using the record in the first row in which “male” is assigned to the character string field 41 in the table 40 shown in FIG. Using the third row record in which “celebration” is assigned to the character string field 41 in the table 40 shown in FIG. It is replaced with the assigned “cake” image P6.

  In addition, regarding the record in the second row of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, “male” that is a specific character string is assigned to the gender field 32, and “child” that is a specific character string is assigned to the classification field 34. Therefore, the above determination is satisfied, and “male” is assigned to the conversion field 42 using the first line record in which “male” is assigned to the character string field 41 in the table 40 shown in FIG. The “テ ー ブ ル” symbol Sy1 is replaced, and “child” is assigned to the conversion field 42 using the record in the fourth line in which “child” is assigned to the character string field 41 in the table 40 shown in FIG. Replaced with the “girl” image P7.

  Further, regarding the record in the third row of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, the gender field 32 is assigned a specific character string “female” and the classification field 34 is assigned a specific character string “pet”. Therefore, the above determination is satisfied, and “female” is assigned to the conversion field 42 using the second line record in which “female” is assigned to the character string field 41 in the table 40 shown in FIG. “Pet” is assigned to the conversion field 42 using the record in the fifth line in which “pet” is assigned to the character string field 41 in the table 40 shown in FIG. It is replaced with the “cat” image P8.

  Then, regarding the record in the first row of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, “1” assigned to the number field 31, “Suzuki” assigned to the name field 32, and “male” assigned to the gender field 33 Instead, the replaced “cake” symbol Sy1 and the replaced “cake” image P6 instead of the “celebration” assigned to the classification field 34 are assigned along the template T shown in FIG. Thus, one corresponding print label L (see the upper part of FIG. 7) is created.

  Further, regarding the record in the second row of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, “2” assigned to the number field 31, “Ito” assigned to the name field 32, and “male” assigned to the gender field 33 Instead, the replaced “♂” symbol Sy1 and the replaced “girl” image P7 in place of the “child” assigned to the classification field 34 are allocated along the template T shown in FIG. Thus, one corresponding print label L (see the middle of FIG. 7) is created.

  Further, regarding the record in the third row of the database 30 shown in FIG. 3, “3” assigned to the number field 31, “Kawai” assigned to the name field 32, and “female” assigned to the gender field 33 Instead, the replaced “cat” symbol Sy2 and the replaced “cat” image P8 in place of the “pet” assigned to the classification field 34 are assigned along the template T shown in FIG. Thus, one corresponding print label L (see the lower part of FIG. 7) is created.

  Next, a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 of the print label producing apparatus 3 to realize the above will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the process shown in this flow is started when, for example, the print label producing apparatus 3 is turned on.

  First, in step S10, the control circuit 202 determines whether an operation for receiving the database 30 created on the operation terminal 2 side via the operation unit 206 is performed by the operator. When the above operation is performed, the determination in step S10 is satisfied (S10: YES), the process proceeds to step S20, and the control circuit 202 transmits the database 30 transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15. Is stored in the database storage unit 2011 of the storage device 201, and the process proceeds to step S30. Note that the control circuit 202 that executes step S20 functions as an acquisition unit. On the other hand, if the above operation is not performed, the determination in step S10 is not satisfied (S10: NO), step S20 is skipped, and the process proceeds directly to step S30.

  In step S30, the control circuit 202 determines whether or not an operation for receiving the table 40 created on the operation terminal 2 side via the operation unit 206 has been performed by the operator. When the above operation is performed, the determination in step S30 is satisfied (S30: YES), the process proceeds to step S40, and the control circuit 202 transmits the table 40 transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15. Is stored in the table storage unit 2012 of the storage device 201, and the process proceeds to step S50. The control circuit 202 that executes step S40 functions as a second receiving unit. On the other hand, if the above operation is not performed, the determination in step S30 is not satisfied (S30: NO), step S40 is skipped, and the process proceeds directly to step S50.

  In step S50, the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the operator has performed an operation for changing the content of the record in the table 40 stored in the table storage unit 2013 via the operation unit 206. If the above operation has been performed, the determination in step S50 is satisfied (S50: YES), the process proceeds to step S60, and the control circuit 202 changes the content of the record in the table 40 by the above operation. The table 40 is stored (overwritten) in the table storage unit 2012 of the storage device 201, and the process proceeds to step S70. On the other hand, if the above operation is not performed, the determination in step S50 is not satisfied (S50: NO), step S60 is skipped, and the process proceeds directly to step S70.

  In step S <b> 70, the control circuit 202 determines whether the print instruction signal transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15 is received via the communication control unit 208. If the print instruction signal has not been received, the determination in step S70 is not satisfied (S70: NO), and the same procedure is repeated by returning to step S10. On the other hand, when the print instruction signal is received, the determination in step S70 is satisfied (S70: YES), and the process proceeds to step S80. Note that the control circuit 202 that executes step S70 functions as a first receiving unit.

  In step S80, the control circuit 202 includes a specific character string for each of at least one record in the database 30 stored in the database storage unit 2011 specified by the print instruction signal received in step S70. Determine. The control circuit 202 that executes step S80 functions as a determination unit. For a record including a specific character string, the determination in step S80 is satisfied (S80: YES), and the process proceeds to step S90.

  In step S90, the control circuit 202 handles the specific character string using the corresponding record in the table 40 stored in the table storage unit 2013 with respect to the record including the specific character string. Convert to a specific image or symbol.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S100, and the control circuit 202, for the record including the specific character string, the character string other than the specific character string included in the record, and the specific image converted in the step S90. Alternatively, print data for allocating symbols along the template T stored in the template storage unit 2012 is generated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S200 described later.

  On the other hand, in step S80, regarding the record that does not include the specific character string, the determination in step S80 is not satisfied (S80: NO), and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the control circuit 202 assigns a plurality of character strings included in the record according to the template T stored in the template storage unit 2012 with respect to the record that does not include the specific character string. Generate print data.

  In step S200, the control circuit 202 uses the print data generated in step S90 or step S110, and the database stored in the database storage unit 2011 specified by the print instruction signal received in step S70. For each of the 30 records, a label creation process (details will be described later) is executed in which the transport device 209 and the print head 205 are controlled in a coordinated manner so as to create one print label L. In addition, the control circuit 202 which performs the said step S100, step S110, and step S200 functions as a control procedure. Thereby, the process shown in this flow is completed.

  Next, the detailed procedure of the label creation process in step S200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 9, in step S <b> 210, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the transport device 209 to start transport of the tape 203.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S220, and the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the transport direction position of the tape 203 has reached a predetermined print start position by a known method. Until the print start position is reached, the determination in step S220 is not satisfied (S220: NO), and the same procedure is repeated by returning to step S210. When the print start position is reached, the determination at Step S220 is satisfied (S220: YES), and the routine goes to Step S230.

  In step S230, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the print head 205, and starts printing the print data generated in step S90 or step S110 on the tape 203.

  In step S240, the control circuit 202 determines whether the transport direction position of the tape 203 has reached a predetermined print end position by a known method. Until the print end position is reached, the determination in step S240 is not satisfied (S240: NO), and a loop waits. When the print end position is reached, the determination at Step S240 is satisfied (S240: YES), and the routine goes to Step S250.

  In step S250, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the print head 205, and finishes printing on the tape 203.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S260, and the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the transport direction position of the tape 203 has reached the tape cutting position by a known method. Until the tape cutting position is reached, the determination in step S260 is not satisfied (S260: NO), and the loop waits. When the tape cutting position is reached, the determination in step S260 is satisfied (S260: YES), and the flow proceeds to step S270.

  In step S <b> 270, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the transport device 209 and stops transport of the tape 203.

  In step S280, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the cutter 207, and cuts the tape 203 that has been printed, thereby printing the print data generated in step S90 or step S110. A label L is generated. Thereby, the process shown in this routine is completed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a specific character string can be converted into a corresponding specific image or symbol independently on the print label producing apparatus 3 side. For this purpose, the print label creating apparatus 3 is provided with a table storage unit 2013, and the table storage unit 2013 includes a table including a record in which a specific character string and a specific image or symbol are associated with each other for the above conversion. 40 is stored. When a print instruction signal is received through the communication control unit 208 in the print label producing apparatus 3 as described above, a specific character string is included in the record designated by the received print instruction signal. A determination is made whether or not When a specific character string is included and the above determination is satisfied, the specific character string is replaced with a corresponding specific image or symbol using the corresponding record in the table 40. Then, instead of the specific character string, the replaced specific image or symbol is assigned along the template T, and the corresponding print label L is created.

  As described above, the print label producing apparatus 3 of the present embodiment has a function of converting a specific character string into a specific image or symbol by itself, so that an instruction from the operation terminal 2 side is a conventional character string. The expressive power in the actually created print label L can be broadly expanded while giving a print instruction for a record including the. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the table 40 transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15 is received by the print label producing apparatus 3 via the communication control unit 208 and stored in the table storage unit 2013. . Thereby, before giving a print instruction from the operation terminal 2 to the print label producing apparatus 3, the table 40 is transmitted from another external device or the like to the print label producing apparatus 3 in advance, or the operation unit 206 of the print label producing apparatus 3 is used. There is no need to prepare the table 40 in advance by operating. Thereby, the convenience of the operator can be further improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the print label producing apparatus 3 includes an operation unit 206 that can change the contents of the record of the table 40 received via the communication control unit 205 and stored in the table storage unit 2013. . Thereby, the record of the table 40 once received from the operation terminal 2 and stored can be further changed to the contents desired by the operator on the printed label producing apparatus 3 side. As a result, the expressive power of the print label L can be further expanded widely, and the convenience 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.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the table 40 created on the operation terminal 2 side is transmitted from the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 15 and received by the print label creation device 3 via the communication control unit 208. Although it was memorize | stored in the table memory | storage part 2013, it is not restricted to this. That is, the table 40 may be stored in the table storage unit 2013 in advance.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the printed label L is generated by cutting the tape 203 that has been printed with the cutter 207 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, when a label mount (so-called die-cut label) separated in advance to a predetermined size corresponding to the label is continuously arranged on the tape fed out from the roll, the tape is not cut by the cutter 207. After the label is discharged from a discharge port (not shown), only the label mount (the one with the corresponding print) may be peeled off from the tape to generate the print label L. The present invention is also applicable to such a case. it can.

  In the above-described embodiment, the printing method is performed on the tape 203 (a type in which bonding is not performed). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and printing is performed on a printing medium other than the tape 203 (for example, a cover film). You may apply this invention to the system which goes and bonds these together.

  Furthermore, although the said embodiment demonstrated as an example the case where the tape 203 was wound and the tape roll 204 was comprised and the tape 203 was drawn | fed out from the tape roll 204, it is not restricted to this. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet (including one formed by cutting a tape wound around a roll and then cutting to an appropriate length) is stacked in a predetermined storage section ( For example, the printed matter may be created by stacking and stacking on a tray-like object, and transferring and transporting from the storage unit to perform printing.

  Furthermore, a configuration in which a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet is transported one by one from the outside of the print label producing apparatus 3 by a predetermined feeder mechanism and supplied into the print label producing apparatus 3 is further conceivable. It is also conceivable to provide the tape roll 204 as a so-called installation type or an integral type that cannot be attached to and detached from the production device 3 side. In this case, the same effect 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. 8 and 9 are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the drawings, 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.

2 Operation terminal 3 Print label creation device (printed material creation device)
30 Database 31 Number field 32 Name field 33 Gender field 34 Classification field 40 Table 202 Control circuit 203 Tape (print medium)
205 Print head (printing means)
206 Operation part (operation means)
208 Communication control unit 209 Conveying device (conveying means)
2011 database storage unit (first storage means)
2012 template storage unit (second storage means)
2013 Table storage unit (third storage unit)
L Print label (printed matter)
P1 “cracker” image (specific image)
P2 “boy” image (specific image)
P3 “Dog” image (specific image)
P4 "sugar" image (specific image)
P5 “Mobile phone” image (specific image)
P6 “Cake” image (specific image)
P7 “Girl” image (specific image)
P8 “Cat” image (specific image)
P9 “Cherry” image (specific image)
P10 “Computer” image (specific image)
Sy1 “♂” symbol (specific symbol)
Sy2 “♀” symbol (specific symbol)
T template

Claims (3)

A conveying means for conveying the print medium;
Printing means for performing desired printing on the printing medium conveyed by the conveying means;
An acquisition means for acquiring from the operation terminal a database including at least one record in which character strings are respectively assigned to a plurality of fields;
First storage means for storing the database acquired by the acquisition means;
Second storage means for storing a template for allocating the plurality of character strings respectively assigned to the plurality of fields in each record of the database in a predetermined manner;
First receiving means for receiving, from the operating terminal, a print instruction signal designating at least one of the records included in the database stored in the first storage means;
When the first receiving unit receives the print instruction signal, the plurality of character strings included in the record designated by the print instruction signal are arranged along the template stored in the second storage unit. A control means for controlling the conveying means and the printing means in cooperation so as to create one printed matter for each designated record by assigning;
A printed material creation apparatus having
Third storage means for storing a conversion correlation in which a specific character string is associated with a specific image or symbol for converting the specific character string;
Determining means for determining whether or not the specific character string is included in the record designated by the print instruction signal received by the first receiving means;
Have
The control means includes
When the determination unit determines that the specific character string is included in the record specified by the print instruction signal, the conversion stores the specific character string stored in the third storage unit. The conveyance means and the printing means are controlled in cooperation so as to convert to the specific image or symbol using the correlation, and to allocate and print the converted specific image or symbol along the template. A printed matter producing apparatus characterized by the above. The printed material creation apparatus according to claim 1,
Second receiving means for receiving the conversion correlation transmitted from the operation terminal;
The third storage means
A printed matter creating apparatus, wherein the conversion correlation received by the second receiving means is stored. The printed matter creation apparatus according to claim 2,
Operation means capable of changing the correspondence between the specific character string and the specific image or symbol in the conversion correlation received by the second receiving means and stored in the third storage means. A printed matter producing apparatus characterized by the above.

Images