JP2014213605A - Label edition device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a label edition device for producing printing information capable of preventing the printing contents of a label from making the printing contents of a label of a variable length hardly readable, when the label is printed with information, and capable of suppressing the useless consumption of label paper.SOLUTION: In the case where the size in a longitudinal direction of printing contents (image) IM1 and IM2 inputted is smaller than the size in a longitudinal direction of a variable length printing area AR3, as set, the length of the variable length printing area is changed small (or reset) in conformity to the printing contents. In the case where the longitudinal size of printing contents IM3 inputted is larger than the set longitudinal size of the variable length printing area AR3, that case is notified.

Description

  The present invention relates to a label editing apparatus that edits information to be printed on a variable-length label whose dimensions in the issuing direction are not constant.

  In general, on a label affixed to a container or package of processed food according to the JAS Law, items including common obligation display items are printed (printed) based on the processed food quality display standards. For foods other than processed foods under the JAS Law, items including display contents based on the Food Sanitation Law are printed.

  The items printed (printed) on such labels include a certain amount of printed information regardless of the label, such as the date or seller's address, and a list of additives. There are cases where the amount of information of the print content (print content) is determined according to the object to which the label is attached, such as a display or an arbitrary image image (for example, a POP image for sales promotion). The printing area of the label to be printed is a fixed-length printing area (fixed-length printing area) whose dimension in the length direction is constant, and the printing area of the label for printing the latter item has the dimension in the length direction of the printing content. This is a variable-length printing area (variable-length printing area) that varies depending on the amount of information.

  On the other hand, when setting a label print layout (print layout), the number and contents of items printed on a label generally change depending on the type of product to which the label is attached. If a variable-length label sheet whose dimension in the length direction is not constant, such as a label, it is possible to deal with labels of more types of products.

  When using such a linerless label, the label printer can reduce the waste of the label paper. By removing the blank line included in the printed content of the label, the length of the label can be measured. Has been shortened, thereby suppressing consumption of label paper (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent No. 2580967

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, when a label printer operator (operator) sets a label print layout, a blank line is provided between print items so that customers can easily read the label print contents. Even when the print layout is set, the blank line is deleted, so that the set print layout is broken, and there is a possibility that the printed content of the label becomes difficult to read.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and when printing information on a variable-length label, it is easy to read the printed content of the label, and the label can suppress wasteful consumption of the label paper An object is to provide an editing device.

The present invention displays a layout setting screen for arranging information to be printed on a printing surface of a variable-length label whose dimensions in the issuing direction are not constant, and at least the printing direction issuance direction based on the setting contents for the setting screen A printing area of one or more fixed-length printing elements having a fixed dimension, and a printing area of a variable-length printing element that is arranged in front or rear of the label issuing direction, and whose printing area is not constant in size. Layout information input means for inputting layout information including information, print content information input means for inputting print content information representing the contents of information to be printed on the printing surface of the label, and the variable length input by the layout information input means How to issue the print area of the variable-length print element is the amount of information in the issue direction of the print content information input by the print content input means corresponding to the print area of the print element Of it is greater than the amount of information corresponding to the dimensions is obtained and a notification means for notifying that not perform printing on the print area of the variable printing element.
Further, the amount of information in the printing direction of the print content information input by the print content input means corresponding to the print area of the variable length print element input by the layout information input means is the amount of the print area of the variable length print element. When the amount of information is equal to or less than the amount of information corresponding to the size in the issue direction, the value in the issue direction of the print content information input by the print content input means is the value in the issue direction of the print area of the variable-length print element The sum of the dimensions in the printing direction including the printing area of the variable-length printing element and the blank line between the printing areas is set as the dimension in the printing direction of the label. In addition to setting, layout information setting means for holding blank lines included between the print areas is further provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when printing information on a variable-length label, it is easy to read the printed content (printed content) of the label, and it is possible to suppress wasteful consumption of the label paper. Details of the effect will be described later.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a label sticking apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the label sticking apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the label issuing unit 40 of the label sticking apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the label sticking apparatus 100. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing an example of the linerless label L. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of label information set for one linerless label L by an operator operating the operation display unit 4, and FIG. 6B is included in the label information. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of print area information that is one information element of the print area information group. 7A and 7B show screens (labels) displayed by the control unit 31 on the display unit 39 of the operation display unit 4 and operated by the operator when the operator sets the printing contents of the linerless label L. It is the schematic which showed an example of the transition of a size setting screen. FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic diagrams showing an example of screen transitions following FIG. 7B. FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams showing an example of screen transitions following FIG. 8B. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of screen transition following FIG. FIGS. 11A to 11D are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of setting the print area of the linerless label L in which the print layout is set. It is the schematic which showed the example of printing of the linerless label L printed out corresponding to FIG. 11 (a)-(d). 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by a control unit 31 when inputting image data to be printed in a variable-length print area.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
〔Example〕
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a label sticking apparatus 100 having a label editing function according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an outline of the label sticking apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the label issuing unit 40 of the label sticking apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the label sticking apparatus 100.

  The label sticking apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a label issuing unit 40 and a label sticking unit 41 as sticking means for sucking and holding a label issued from the label issuing unit 40 and sticking a label to a predetermined position of a product. And having. In addition, the label sticking apparatus 100 transports the product W from the upstream side to the label sticking region Lp, and transports the product W on which the label is stuck by the label sticking unit 41 in the label sticking region Lp to the downstream side; And a control unit 31 for controlling the label applying unit 41, the conveying unit 1 and the like.

The product W according to the present embodiment is packaged such that processed products such as food are placed on a tray and the opening on the upper surface of the tray is covered with a film. The label affixing unit 41 affixes a label on the upper surface (surface to be affixed) of the product that is the object to be affixed. In addition, the goods W as a label sticking target object are not restricted to the said Example.
The label issuing unit 40 issues a variable length label defined based on the size of the print data. When the label pasting unit 41 pastes a label smaller than the size of the surface to be pasted on the product, the label pasted product is discharged downstream by the transport conveyor (transport means 1). For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a stock conveyor 51 is arranged on the downstream side of the conveying means 1, and the products W discharged downstream by the conveying conveyor (conveying means 1) temporarily stay in order. To do.
Moreover, the label sticking part 41 is stuck in the state which the edge part of the label protruded from the edge part of a to-be-pasted surface, when sticking a label of the size (long size) larger than the to-be-pasted surface of goods to a goods. .

The control unit 31 sets the center position of the label adsorption unit as horizontal movement distance data of an increase / decrease amount with respect to the horizontal movement distance from the label issuing port to the label application position on the product, and the label adsorption unit as a label application on the product. Based on the sticking position data consisting of timing data for starting descent from the position toward the product and the label size according to the print item, it is determined whether or not the label protrudes from the surface to be attached of the product. When the determined label is affixed to the product in a state of protruding from the surface to be affixed of the product W, a process of stopping the driving of the conveying unit 1 is performed.
And the control part 31 performs the process which displays the image etc. which show that the label protruded and affixed on the goods on the display part 39, and notifies it to an operator (operator) etc.
Note that the label affixing position data to the product W is stored in a storage unit (discussed below) in a label affixing condition determination table (label affixing condition) (not shown), and the information stored in this storage unit is stored in the product. It is set according to the tray number corresponding to the size (including type and the like) of the tray, and specifically, the tare weight (tray weight) and the label affixing coordinates (X2, Y2) for specifying the label affixing position ) And the label sticking direction (the angle to stick to the side (end) of the tray).

The label affixing coordinates (X2, Y2) are the movement distance data (label affixing coordinates X2) in the horizontal direction from the label issuing port to the label affixing position on the product, the center position of the label adhering part of the label affixing part 41, and the label It consists of a position (label sticking coordinate Y2) where the suction part is lowered from the label sticking position on the product toward the product. The position where the label suction unit is lowered from the product is substantially the same as the timing data T for starting the lowering of the label suction unit from the product. That is, the position at which the label suction unit is lowered from the product is defined by the timing data T for starting the label suction unit from the product.
Specifically, the timing data T is a delay time from when the product W is detected by the sensor 35 (T = 0) to when the label suction unit starts to descend from the standby position (X, Z). The label adhering position in the Y-axis direction (label pasting coordinate Y2) is determined.
Therefore, when Y2 = 0 when time T = 0, if the transport speed at which the product W is transported to the label pasting region Lp is D (mm) per second, the pasting timing time T (timing data T) is Calculated by T = Y2 / D. However, Y2 is calculated | required from label sticking conditions.
Note that the Z data at the standby position of the label suction portion is the standby state of the label suction portion for performing label sticking from the initial position (origin) of the label suction portion vertically upward from the placement surface of the product W in the label sticking region Lp. Represents the vertical distance to the position. Z data is calculated by the following formula (1).

[Equation 1]
Z = (Z0−Z2) −H (1)

Z0 indicates the vertical distance (fixed value: determined by the mechanism) from the initial position (origin) of the label adsorbing portion to the placement surface of the product W in the label application region Lp, and Z2 is a label for label application. The vertical distance (constant value) from the standby position (X, Z) of the suction portion to the label adhesion position (the upper surface of the product W) is indicated, and H indicates the height of the product W detected by the sensor 15b.
The Z2 data determines the position in the Y direction of the label La on the product W together with the sticking timing time T (timing data T), so that the label adhesion position does not vary depending on the height H of the product. Set to a constant value.

  In the horizontal movement distance data, the distance from the label issuing port to the label affixing position on the product and the horizontal movement distance (+, −) to be corrected for this distance are set. Similarly, the timing data includes A timing based on the distance from the label issuing port to the label affixing position on the product and the conveyance speed of the product, and data (+, −) for correcting the timing are set. In the XY orthogonal coordinate system in which the product conveyance direction is the Y-axis direction, the center of the label suction surface when the lower right corner of the product (tray) is positioned at the origin of this coordinate system is the center of the label La ( LC). Therefore, for example, when the upper surface application region of a long linerless label (label La) is applied to the upper surface of the product, the label is attached so that the bent portion is positioned at the product end.

  An operator (operator) or the like picks up the product W placed in or near the label attaching region Lp and with the label La protruding, and takes the product W out of the label attaching region Lp. La is bent into a substantially L shape, and the bent portion is attached to the side surface of the product W or the like. When the label La protrudes from the side surface in a state where the label La is folded and attached to the side surface of the product W, the operator further folds the label La and attaches the label La to the bottom surface of the product.

  Next, the operator or the like places the product with the label La on the label attaching region Lp or the original position in the vicinity thereof. Next, the operator operates the stop release button or the mechanical stop release button displayed on the display operation unit 4. When the stop release button is operated to receive an instruction to cancel the drive stop of the transport unit 1, the control unit 31 cancels the drive stop of the transport unit 1 and drives the transport unit.

  Hereinafter, the label sticking apparatus 100 of the Example of this invention is demonstrated in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the label sticking device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a packaging function. Specifically, the label sticking device 100 receives the label La issued from the stretch wrapping unit 11, the label issuing unit (measurement label printer) 40, and the label issuing unit 40 and sticks the label to the packaged product W. A label affixing portion 41, and the like.
The label issuing unit 40 is disposed on the upper side of the heater 10 (heat seal unit) in the stretch packaging unit 11, and the label applying unit 41 is disposed in the vicinity of the label issuing unit 40.

  In addition, although the structure of the label sticking part 41 is not illustrated in detail, it has the following structure. The label affixing unit 41 includes three driving mechanisms. The first driving mechanism includes a horizontal motor and a driving circuit that drives the motor, and the label adsorbing unit is horizontal, that is, a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the product. A stepping motor is used as a horizontal motor for driving a horizontal motor (first driving machine) to be moved to the horizontal axis. Therefore, the position of the label suction unit can be detected by counting the number of drive pulses of the stepping motor. For example, the stepping motor is configured to have a positive count when rotating clockwise and a negative count when rotating counterclockwise.

Further, a horizontal reference position sensor is provided, and this horizontal reference position sensor is a sensor for detecting that the label suction portion is located at the reference position in the horizontal direction. The label suction position is determined based on the count value of the drive pulse from this reference position. Positioning of the part in the horizontal direction is performed.
The second drive mechanism includes a vertical motor, a drive circuit for driving the vertical motor, and a vertical reference position sensor, and the vertical motor (second drive mechanism) moves the label adsorption portion in the vertical direction. Except for the above, it is the same as the horizontal motor described above.
The third drive mechanism includes a rotation motor for rotating the label adsorption unit, a drive circuit for driving the rotation motor, and a rotation reference position sensor. The rotation motor (third drive mechanism) This is the same as the horizontal motor described above except that the suction unit is a motor that rotates in a plane parallel to the product conveyance surface and is not the distance positioned by the drive pulse of the rotary motor but the rotation angle.

  The label sticking unit 41 further includes a label sticking sensor, and is a sensor that detects that the label is stuck on the product, that is, that the suction surface of the label suction unit is in contact with the product W. It is detected that the upper parallel arm is separated from the support arm when a force in the upper direction is applied to the portion more than a certain level.

The stretch wrapping unit 11 includes an elevator in which a product placement unit 12 for placing the product W is placed in front of the machine casing 11a, and the product W placed on the product placement unit 12 is provided inside the machine casing by the pusher conveyor 13. Convey up to 14.
In addition, the case where goods W are conveyed in the state accommodated in the tray which is a container is illustrated, and the goods mounting part 12 is comprised as a weighing pan of the measurement part 50, and the goods mounting part 12 A width detection sensor 15a for detecting the width of the product W is provided in the vicinity of the front side.
Further, a height detection sensor 15b, which is positioned on the side of the pusher conveyor 13 and detects the height of the product W on the product conveyance path by the pusher conveyor 13, detects the height and the depth dimension of the product W ( It also serves as a length detection sensor for measuring a length dimension along the transport direction).

The width detection sensor 15a that detects the lateral width (L) of the product W placed on the product placement unit 12 includes movable right and left reflective photosensors.
The right reflective optical sensor that detects the right length (LR) of the product W and the left reflective optical sensor that detects the left length (LL) of the product W are each approximately at the center position where the product W is placed. The product is moved away from the product in the horizontal width direction (the right side length LL of the product + the left side length LR of the product). The width (dimension L) of the product W is used for controlling the packaging machine. The width detection sensor 15 a transmits the length data L, that is, (LL + LR) to the control unit of the label issuing unit (measurement label printer) 40.

  The detection sensor 15b for detecting the height H of the product W includes a projector and a light receiver, and a large number of light projectors and light receivers are placed at predetermined intervals in the height direction with the transport path in the middle of the product transport path. The height H of the product is detected by blocking the light of the projector according to the height of the product arranged individually and conveyed on the conveyance path. The height data is used for controlling the packaging machine and is transmitted to the control unit of the label issuing unit (measurement label printer) 40.

Further, the detection sensor 15a for detecting the vertical width W of the product W is configured such that the position P0 of the sensor with respect to a predetermined reference point and the product W placed on the product placement unit 12 are pushed by the pusher of the pusher conveyor 13. When the product W is transported to the elevator 14 provided inside the frame, the product W is calculated as a difference (P0−P) from the pusher position P when the light of the sensor projector is blocked by the product W transported on the transport path. Is detected.
As described above, the size (width L, height H, height W) of the product W (tray) is detected in the middle of being conveyed to the elevator 14 provided inside the machine frame of the stretch wrapping unit 11.

  A packaging part 16 is provided above the elevator 14, a film roll 17 is set on the side of the packaging part 16 (a direction perpendicular to the pusher conveyor), and a film 17 a fed out from the film roll 17 is filmed. Pulled out by the feed mechanism 5, cut to a predetermined length, and then transferred to the packaging unit 16.

In the packaging part 16, the upper folding member 6 and the left and right folding members 7 and 7 ′ that fold the end portion of the film 17 a covering the upper surface of the product W to the bottom side of the product W, the left and right folding thereof are provided above the film feed mechanism 5. A discharge pusher (pusher) 8 for discharging the packaged product W located above the members 7, 7 ′, and a front folding roller 9 are disposed at the front position in the movement direction of the discharge pusher 8.
The film feed mechanism 5 includes a pair of upper and lower endless elastic belts 5a and 5b that sandwich a side end in the width direction of the film, and a clamp plate 5c that presses the lower elastic belt 5b toward the upper elastic belt 5a. They are arranged before and after the packaging part 16.

  Further, in front of the front folding roller 9, there is a heater (heat seal portion) 10 that heats, bonds and discharges the overlapping portion of the end of the film folded to the bottom surface side of the product W, and a discharge portion at the front thereof. The display operation unit 4 (console unit) is provided on the machine frame 11a, the label issuing unit 40 (weighing label printer) is provided on the upper side of the heater (heat seal unit) 10, and the heater (heat seal unit). A label affixing portion 41 is installed above 10.

  The heater (heat seal part) 10 has an endless belt made of glass fiber or the like wound around a plurality of pulleys so as to be rotatable, and a heat plate is disposed below the transport surface (outward side belt) of the endless belt. Has been configured. The hot plate is electrically heated and becomes a heat source for the heater (heat seal part). The hot plate is electrically connected to a thermostat (not shown) constituting control means as temperature detection means, and is controlled to maintain a constant temperature. When the thermostat reaches a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value, power supply to the hot plate is interrupted, and when the temperature reaches a predetermined value or lower, the hot plate is supplied with current. The endless belt is heated and maintained at a temperature at which the film folded on the bottom surface of the product wrapped and discharged can be heat sealed.

  Although a heat insulating part is not essential at the bottom of the pusher 8, a heat insulating part made of a heat insulating material such as foamed synthetic resin, for example, polystyrene foam, rigid urethane foam, polyethylene foam, phenol foam or the like is provided on the entire bottom surface of the discharge pusher 8. You may do it. The bottom surface of the heat insulating portion provided at the bottom of the discharge pusher 8 is provided with a slight gap so as not to rub against the upper surface of the heater (heat seal portion) 10 (the surface of the endless belt).

  Moreover, although the heat insulation part is not essential on the front surface of the pressing surface of the discharge pusher 8 (the surface that comes into contact with the product W and presses and transfers the packaged object), the heat insulating material is adhered to the pressing surface of the discharge pusher 8. You may make it comprise a heat insulation part. As a result, even if the pressing surface made of a metal plate is heated by the heat of the heater 10, the portion in contact with the packaged product W is a heat insulating portion made of a heat insulating material, so a hole is opened in the film to be packaged by heat. Can be prevented.

In addition, a drive mechanism (not shown) for moving the discharge pusher 8 includes a first pusher position detection sensor that detects that the discharge pusher 8 is positioned at the standby position, and the discharge pusher 8 discharges the packaged product W. A second pusher position detection sensor is provided to detect that the discharge pusher 8 is moved to the position where it is discharged to the label affixing region Lp (that is, located on the heater (heat seal part) 10). When detected by the pusher position detection sensor, control is performed to return the discharge pusher 8 to the initial position (standby position). Thereby, the movement control which discharges the goods W to the label sticking area | region Lp is performed.
That is, after detecting that the discharge pusher 8 is positioned at the standby position by the first pusher position detection sensor, the discharge pusher 8 is detected by the second pusher position detection sensor, whereby the product W is labeled with the label affixing region Lp. It can be determined that it is located in

  The label affixing region Lp indicates the completion of the packaging operation in which the discharge pusher 8 discharges the product W to the discharge unit. For example, the first and second pusher position detection sensors are transmissive photosensors, and the flag attached to the discharge pusher 8 at this position blocks the sensor so that the discharge pusher 8 is positioned at this position. Detect that As the first and second pusher position detection sensors, for example, reflection type photo sensors may be used.

In the stretch wrapping unit 11 having the above-described configuration, the product W transported onto the elevator 14 by the pusher conveyor 13 is pushed up with respect to the film 17a stretched on the packaging unit 16 by the lift of the elevator 14, and covers the upper surface of the product W. The end portion of the film 17a is folded to the bottom side of the product W by the rear folding member 6 and the left and right folding members 7, 7 '.
Next, the product W is pushed horizontally toward the heater (heat seal part) 10 by the discharge pusher 8, and the front end of the film 17a is moved to the bottom side of the product W by the front folding roller 9 during the pushing. The overlapping portion of the film end portion that is folded and folded on the bottom surface side is heat-sealed by a heater (heat seal portion) 10 to obtain a product W packaged with a film. Then, the product W that has been packaged is discharged from the heater (heat seal portion) 10 onto the discharge portion by the push of the discharge pusher 8.

  As described above, the label sticking apparatus 100 includes the label issuing unit 40 and the label sticking unit 41 for sticking the label La issued from the label issuing unit 40 to the product (article) W.

  The label applying unit 41 receives the label La issued from the label issuing unit 40 and attaches the label La to the product (article) W that moves on the conveyor 1 '(see FIG. 1). Specifically, the label affixing unit 41 adsorbs and holds the label La to be issued by the negative pressure action of air, and the member that adsorbs and holds the label La as the product (article) W in the label affixing region Lp The label La is affixed to the article by being pressed onto the article. The attaching position of the label La attached by the label attaching unit 41 varies depending on the size (for example, the size of the tray) and the shape of the product (article) W. Therefore, the label sticking unit 41 is supported so as to be movable so that the sticking position of the label La can be changed according to the size and shape of the product (article) W to be conveyed.

  As shown in FIG. 3, in the label issuing unit (printer) 40, a long belt-like label sheet 21 ′ having one side as a printing surface and the other side having an adhesive layer as a label sheet is rolled. This is a linerless label issuing unit that uses a linerless label roll 21.

The label issuing unit 40 is provided with a roll loading unit 23 in a case 40a, and a printing unit 25 and a printing unit are disposed at a front position in the feeding direction of the label paper 21 'of the linerless label roll 21 set in the roll loading unit 23. Cutting means 26 for cutting the linerless label sheet thus formed into a length corresponding to the printing length of the printing unit 25 is disposed. The linerless label roll 21 is rotatably supported by the roll loading unit 23.
The cutting unit 26 prints information such as a product in the printing unit 25 and cuts the label paper 21 ′ sent toward the label delivery port into a sheet having a length corresponding to the printing length in the printing unit 25. . The cutting means 26 has a pair of upper and lower movable blades 26a and a fixed blade 26b arranged so as to sandwich the label paper 21 'fed horizontally from the label delivery port.

The printing unit 25 includes a platen roller 25a located below (labeling surface side) the label paper 21 ′ and a thermal head 25b located above (printing surface side) the label paper 21 ′. The platen roller 25a is configured to be driven and rotated by a stepping motor 24 described later.
The thermal head 25b positioned above the label paper 21 'is urged downward so that the label paper 21' is held by the lower roller (platen roller 25a), thereby stabilizing the label paper 21 '. And can be sent out.

  Further, the platen roller 25a of the printing unit 25 is configured so that the respective surfaces are coated with a release agent, and the adhesive applied to the side surface opposite to the printing surface of the label paper 21 ′ is not attached, As a result, the label paper 21 'is smoothly delivered. Note that the configuration in which the adhesive layer of the label sheet 21 ′ is less likely to adhere to the roller is not limited to the above configuration, and the roller itself or the outermost peripheral portion of the roller may be configured with an easily peelable member.

FIG. 4 is an electrical block diagram of the label sticking apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
The label sticking device 100 includes a label issuing sticking unit 40E and a packaging mechanism control unit 102E. The label issuing and pasting unit 40E mainly controls the label issuing unit 40 and the label pasting unit 41, and has a function of editing printing contents of the label to create printing information. A control unit (CPU) 31 Controlled by. The packaging mechanism control unit 102E mainly controls the mechanism unit of the stretch packaging machine 102 and is controlled by the CPU 61.

<Packaging mechanism control unit 102E>
Next, the packaging mechanism control unit 102E will be described.
The packaging mechanism control unit 102E includes a CPU 61, a communication interface circuit (INF) 65, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, an operation unit 64, and a mechanism driving unit 66. Each component is connected via a bus (data communication line or the like) 61a.

  The communication interface circuit (INF) 65 is a circuit for communicating various data and commands with the label issuing and pasting unit 40E.

The ROM 62 stores a control program executed by the CPU 61.
The RAM 63 has various registers and flag areas used when the CPU 61 executes the control program of the ROM 62, and various tables for determining control data based on product shape data (vertical, horizontal, and height). Is remembered.
The operation unit 64 is a switch for starting and stopping the apparatus.

The mechanism driving unit 66 is a circuit for driving each mechanism unit of the packaging machine when packaging is performed. Specifically, the motor 67 drives the elevator, the pusher conveyor carry-in motor 68 carries the packaged goods, There is a film transfer motor 69 of the film feed mechanism. In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the detail of a packaging machine.
Further, the mechanism drive unit 66 includes a product width detection sensor 15a for detecting the width of the package object, a height detection sensor 15b for detecting the height of the package object, and a length detection for detecting the product length. A sensor is connected to supply detection data to the CPU 61.

  A signal notifying that the measurement of the article to be packaged placed on the product placement unit has been stabilized is transmitted from the label issuing sticking unit 40E to the packaging mechanism control unit 102E. Further, as data for determining the label application position from the packaging mechanism control unit 102E to the label issue application unit 40E, one length data (length from the center of the product to the end in the width direction) detected by the width detection sensor 15a. Height data), height data detected by the detection sensor 15b, length (depth) data, and the like are transmitted.

<Label issue pasting part 40E>
The label issuing and pasting unit 40E includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a display operation unit (console unit) 4, a communication interface circuit (INF) 46, a first article detection sensor 35, a second article detection sensor 36, It has a label issuing unit 40, a label applying unit 41, an attaching drive unit 42, a transport driving unit 43, a product detection sensor 59, a weighing unit 50, and the like. Each component is connected via a bus 31a (data communication line) or the like.

  The label issuing unit 40 includes a thermal head (printing unit) 25b, a stepping motor 24 that drives the platen roller 25a, and a cutter as a cutting unit 26 that cuts the label paper 21 'printed by the thermal head 25b. The thermal head (printing unit) 25b, the stepping motor 24, the cutter as the cutting means 26, and the like are connected to the control unit 31 via the interface 37.

The storage unit 32 stores the label length of the linerless label.
The storage unit 32 includes storage devices such as a ROM 33 and a RAM 34.
The ROM 33 stores various control programs executed by the control unit 31.
The RAM 34 includes areas such as various registers and flags used when the control unit 31 executes the control program stored in the ROM 33, and a preset data area in which various data is stored in advance for each product.
In the preset data area, products with various product data such as “product name”, “unit price”, “barcode”, etc., which are data for price calculation and label printing, corresponding to the packaged item (product number) are stored. A file, a label format file in which a label printing format is defined, a tray file, and the like are stored.

The display operation unit (console unit) 4 includes a keyboard (including numeric input keys (ten keys)), an operation input unit 38 including a touch panel, and a display unit 39 configured by a liquid crystal display or the like. The display operation unit (console unit) 4 displays various data and commands, or displays input data, preset data, and various messages based on commands from the control unit 31.
Input of various data relating to the application of the linerless label L (label La) in the present invention can be performed by operating the operation unit or the operation input unit 38 of the display operation unit 4 (described later).
The weighing unit 50 supplies a weighing signal of an article to be packaged placed on the product placement unit to the control unit 31.

A communication interface circuit (INF) 46 communicates various data and commands with the packaging mechanism control unit 102E.
The thermal head 25b, the stepping motor 24, and the cutter as the cutting means 26 constitute a printing unit of the label issuing unit 40 and print the product name, price, unit price, barcode, etc. on the linerless label based on the command of the control unit 31. Then, the printed linerless label is cut into a sheet by a cutter as the cutting means 26, and the label La is issued to the label issuing port.
The product detection sensor 59 is arranged on the side of the discharge path, slightly before the position where the label adsorbing part is vertically lowered for sticking (close to the packaging part), detects the presence or absence of the package in the discharge path, Generates a signal for labeling. The product detection sensor 59 outputs the fact to the control part 31 when a package is located in a label sticking place, ie, a discharge path (heat seal part).

  The conveyance driving unit 43 includes a conveyance motor that drives the conveyance conveyor (conveying means 1), and drives or stops driving the conveyance motor under the control of the control unit 31.

  The first article detection sensor 35 includes a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and is disposed on the side of the discharge path (heat seal portion) 10 as shown in FIG. The presence / absence of the product W discharged is detected and a signal indicating it is output to the control unit 31. The control part 31 adjusts the timing of label sticking to the goods W based on the signal.

  The second article detection sensor 36 indicates whether or not the product W is placed on the transport conveyor (transport means 1) disposed in the front part of the discharge path (heat seal section) 10 or in the vicinity thereof. Is output. As will be described later, the second article detection sensor 36 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit.

  The control unit 31 comprehensively controls each component. The control unit 31 executes the control program (PRG) read from the storage unit 32, thereby causing the label sticking device 100 as a computer to realize each function.

  As described above, the control unit 31 determines the size of the linerless label L corresponding to the print item of the linerless label L to be affixed to the product W and the center position of the label suction unit from the label issuing port to the label affixing position on the product. The linerless label L is attached to the product W on the basis of the horizontal movement distance data with respect to the horizontal movement distance up to and the timing data at which the label suction portion starts to descend from the label attaching position on the product to the product. When the linerless label L determined to protrude from the surface is affixed to the product in a state of protruding from the surface to be adhered of the product W, a process for stopping the driving of the conveying means 1 is performed.

In addition, when the control unit 31 applies the linerless label L to the product with the label application unit 41 protruding from the surface to which the product W is applied, and stops the conveying means 1, the display unit of the display operation unit 4 In 39, a process of notifying that the linerless label L is sticking out is applied.
In addition, when the operation input unit 38 receives an instruction to cancel the drive stop of the transport unit 1, the control unit 31 cancels the drive stop of the transport unit 1.
Further, for the print item determined as the variable-length print area, the control unit 31 has a dimension in the height direction of the image input as the print content of the print item larger than the dimension in the height direction of the variable-length print area. In such a case, the fact is notified by the display unit 39 as notification means (for example, a warning message is displayed; warning output (described later)).

  Since the label issuing unit 40, the label pasting unit 41, the pasting drive unit 42, and the like have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the linerless label L.
The linerless label L has a rectangular shape having a size defined by the width dimension WL and the length dimension LL. The linerless label L includes one or more fixed-length print areas RS and one or more variable-length print areas RV.

  The fixed-length print region RS has a rectangular shape, and the region is defined by a width dimension WS and a length dimension LS with the lower left reference point P1 as a reference position. Similarly, the variable-length print region RV has a rectangular shape, and the region is defined by a width dimension WV and a length dimension LV with the lower left reference point P2 as a reference position. Here, the reference positions of the fixed-length print region RS and the variable-length print region RV are expressed in absolute coordinates with the origin P0 at the lower left corner of the linerless label L. The unit is a printing dot (dot) of the printing mechanism.

  6A shows an example of label information set for one linerless label L by the operator operating the operation display unit 4, and FIG. 6B shows information elements included in the label information. FIG. 2C shows an example of print area information which is one information element of the print area information group.

  The label information includes label length information including a length dimension LL and a width dimension WL of the linerless label L, and a print area information group including one or more print area information. The label information data is stored in the storage unit 32.

  The print area information, which is one information element of the print area information group, is an item name that represents the name of the item assigned by the operator to each print area (fixed length print area RS and variable length print area RV). It consists of the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the set reference point of the print area, the width dimension, the length dimension, and a variable length flag indicating that the print area is the variable length print area RV.

  When the printing area is set as the variable-length printing area RV by the operator, a value representing “set” is stored as the variable-length flag, and the printing area is set as the fixed-length printing area RS by the operator. In the case of a failure, a value (non-set value) representing “reset” is stored as the variable length flag.

  7 (a), (b), FIG. 8 (a), (b), FIG. 9 (a), (b) and FIG. 10 show the control when the operator sets the print contents of the linerless label L. The part 31 displays on the display part 39 of the operation display part 4, and shows an example of transition of the screen (label size setting screen) operated by the operator. In this case, an example of an operation for setting the variable-length printing region RV is shown. Note that the setting of the fixed-length printing area RS is the same as the setting of the variable-length printing area RV, and therefore only the portions with different setting contents are described as appropriate, and further description is omitted.

The screen of FIG. 7A is a label size setting screen that is initially displayed. The screen of FIG. 7B is a screen in which “Labeler type selection standard” on the screen of FIG. When the labeler type is changed to “Linerless”, this is the label size setting screen to be transitioned to next. In this case, 60 is input from the numeric keypad of the operation unit 38 as a width dimension, and 100 is input from the numeric keypad of the operation unit 38 as a height dimension (length dimension). For the operation item that requires input from the numeric keypad, the control unit 31 displays the input value from the numeric keypad in the input window on the right side of the corresponding operation element and prints it as the value of the item of the operation element. Store in area information.
Here, the unit of the value of each dimension (and coordinates to be described later) is the number of dots of printing in the printing mechanism (hereinafter the same).

  In addition, the operation element of an item whose value is changed by a touch operation such as “selection standard for labeler type” is an item that switches between two or more preset values in order each time the touch operation is performed. The value set at that time is displayed on the display element on the right side of the operation element. Here, in the display element on the left side of the operation element, the item name that is the operation target of the operation element is displayed.

  In this case, two values of “standard” and “linerless” are set in this order in the item “select labeler type”, and when the label size setting screen is displayed first, the control unit 31 , “Standard” that is set first as the value of the item “select labeler type” is set, thereby displaying “selection standard of labeler type” on the operation element.

  Then, when the “labeler type selection standard” is touch-operated, the control unit 31 sets “linerless” which is set second as the value of the item “labeler type selection”. “Labeler type selection linerless” is displayed on the operation element.

  Further, when “labeler type selection linerless” is touch-operated, the control unit 31 returns to the first because there is no second next (ie, third) as the value of the “labeler type selection” item, The first set “standard” is set, so that “labeler type selection standard” is displayed on the operation element.

  In this way, each time the operator operates the operation element of the item “select labeler type”, the control unit 31 sets the value set in “select labeler type” to the preset “standard”. While changing alternately to two values of “linerless”, the display content of the operation element of the item “select labeler type” is updated to the content reflecting the value. And the control part 31 memorize | stores the value set by operation in corresponding printing area information.

  7 (a), (b), FIG. 8 (a), (b), FIG. 9 (a), (b), and FIG. At least one of the two types of operation elements is arranged. Then, the operation content of the operator for the operation elements other than the two operation elements described above, the setting of the input value performed by the control unit 31, the update of the display content of the display unit 39 of the operation display unit 4, and the print area information Since the value is stored in the same manner as one of the two operation elements described above, the description thereof is omitted.

When setting the linerless label L including the variable-length print region RV on the screen of FIG. 7B, the operator sets the “interval” item to “label length automatic calculation” by a touch operation. Thereby, the dimension in the length direction of the blank line provided between the print areas becomes constant (described later).
Then, the operator touches a touch operation element (not shown) for instructing the transition to the next screen, and transitions to the screen (label format setting screen) in FIG. Subsequently, when the operator touches the “pricing label” on the screen of FIG. 8A, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 8B (pricing label item selection screen).

  The screen of FIG. 8B displays a list of items to be printed on the pricing label when the linerless label L is used as the pricing label, and the items that the operator sets in the variable-length printing area RV. Is a setting screen for selecting.

  In this case, when setting any item of “Product Name, Additive, Special Message, Origin, Advertisement”, set “Name” to “Product No., Weight, Content, Barcode, Logo, Images 1-3 ( When setting any of the items "variable), image (fixed 1), image (fixed 2)", set "basic items" to "processing date, best date, processing period, net time, POP processing date, POP best taste". When setting any of the items of “day, POP processing time, POP net time, past fixed date, future fixed date”, “date” is set to “comment 1-30, selection comment 1-5, URL comment 1-5”. If any item of “Selected URL comment” is set, “Comment” is touched. If any item of “Individual identification number 1 to 3 and lot No.” is set, “Other” is touch-operated.

  Note that the correspondence relationship between the names of the operation elements touched by the operator and the setting items is not limited to that described above. In addition, the specific contents of each item set by the operator are not directly related to the present invention, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  When the operator touches the “basic item” on the screen of FIG. 8B, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 9A (item selection screen). The screen shown in FIG. 9A is a screen (item selection screen) for displaying a list of a plurality of items included in the “basic items” and allowing the operator to select any item. When the operator touches “image 1 (variable)” on this screen, the screen transitions to the screen (item setting screen) shown in FIG.

  When the operator touches “variable length printing” on the screen of FIG. 9B and sets the value to “present” (from “none”), the printing area of “image 1 (variable)” Is set to the variable length printing region RV. When the operator sets “variable length printing” to “present”, as shown in FIG. 10, the “no printing” operation element displayed in FIG. 9B is not displayed and “width” is displayed. "And" height (length) "operation elements are displayed.

  Then, when the operator operates the numeric keypad of the operation unit 38 and inputs numerical values for “width” and “height”, the input values are respectively changed in the width direction of the print area of “image 1 (variable)”. It is the maximum value in the height direction (length direction). In the example of FIG. 10, since the value “470” is input to the “width” and the value “100” is input to the “height”, the height dimension is included in the print region of “image 1 (variable)”. Can be printed with an image of up to 100 (dots) and a width of up to 470 (dots).

By performing such a series of operations, the operator sets the print area of the target item.
When the value of the “variable length printing” item on the screen of FIG. 9B is set to “none”, the item selected at that time (the item to be set) is the fixed length printing area RS. Set to

  The above operations are repeated as appropriate, and the operator sets the linerless label L so that the print layout (arrangement of the print area of each item on the label print surface; print layout) becomes desired.

  Next, the relationship between the setting example of the print area of the linerless label L having the print layout set in this way and the print example actually printed on the linerless label L will be described with reference to FIGS. And it demonstrates with reference to Fig.12 (a)-(d).

  Here, in FIGS. 11A to 11D, the same print layout is set, and the print layout includes two fixed-length print areas AR1 and AR2 and one variable-length print area AR3. Have. In the direction (printing direction) in which the printing of the linerless label L proceeds, the first is the fixed-length print area AR2, the second is the fixed-length print area AR1, and the two fixed-length print areas are continuously arranged, and the fixed-length print area AR2 A print layout in which the variable-length print area AR3 is arranged in front of the print direction is set.

Of course, this print layout is an example, and for example, a print layout in which a variable-length print area is arranged at the rear of the print direction with respect to the fixed-length print area AR1 may be used.
In short, in the print layout of this embodiment, one or a plurality of continuous fixed-length print areas are set, and one fixed-length print area or a plurality of continuous fixed-length print areas are collected. This is a print layout in which a variable-length print area is arranged at one of the front part and the rear part in the print direction rather than one print area.
In addition, rather than a single print area consisting of a single fixed-length print area or a series of continuous fixed-length print areas, a print layout is set in which variable-length print areas are respectively arranged at the front and rear of the print direction. Also good.

  Further, when the linerless label L including the variable length printing region RV is set as described above, the operator sets the “interval” item to “label length automatic calculation” as described above. As a result, an interval of a dimension d is provided in the length direction between the fixed-length print area AR1 and the fixed-length print area AR2, and between the fixed-length print area AR2 and the variable-length print area AR3.

  11A to 11D are common in that “barcode etc.” and “product name” are set as print items in the fixed-length print area AR1 and the fixed-length print area AR2, respectively. Shows the case where the print contents of the variable-length print area AR3 are different.

FIG. 11A shows a case where an image (image) of print contents is not input to the variable-length print area AR3.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 12A, the linerless label to be printed is provided between the print contents of the fixed-length print area AR1 and between the fixed-length print area AR1 and the fixed-length print area AR2. A blank line and a print content in the fixed-length print area AR2 are continuously arranged in the length direction. In this case, the variable-length print area AR3 in which no image of the print content is input The deleted print contents are displayed.

  FIG. 11B shows a case where an image IM1 having a width dimension of 54 (dots) and a height dimension of 52 (dots) is input to the variable length print area AR3 as an image of the print contents.

  In this case, the height dimension of the image IM1 input as the print content of the variable length print area AR3 is smaller than the height dimension of the variable length print area AR3. Therefore, in this case, the dimension in the height direction of the variable-length printing area AR3 is reset to a dimension that is smaller by the length DA in accordance with the dimension in the height direction of the image IM1. That is, the dimension in the height direction (length direction) of the variable-length printing area AR3 is changed (that is, variable length) according to the printing contents of the image IM1.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 12B, the linerless label L printed out is printed between the fixed length print area AR1 and between the fixed length print area AR1 and the fixed length print area AR2. , Blank line provided in the fixed-length print area AR2, blank line provided between the fixed-length print area AR2 and the variable-length print area AR3, and the height dimension reduced by the length DA. The print contents of the set variable length print area AR3 are continuously arranged in the length direction.

  FIG. 11C shows a case where an image IM2 having a width dimension of 450 (dots) and a height dimension of 160 (dots) is input to the variable length print area AR3 as an image of the print contents. Yes.

  In this case, the height dimension of the image IM2 input as the print content of the variable length print area AR3 is smaller than the height dimension of the variable length print area AR3. Therefore, in this case, the dimension in the height direction of the variable length printing area AR3 is reset to a dimension that is smaller by the length DB in accordance with the dimension in the height direction of the image IM2. That is, the dimension in the height direction (length direction) of the variable length printing area AR3 changes (variable length) in accordance with the printing contents of the image IM2.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 12C, the linerless label L printed out is printed between the fixed length print area AR1 and between the fixed length print area AR1 and the fixed length print area AR2. , Blank line provided in the fixed length print area AR2, blank line provided between the fixed length print area AR2 and the variable length print area AR3, and the height dimension reduced by the length DB. The print contents of the set variable length print area AR3 are continuously arranged in the length direction.

  FIG. 11D shows a case where an image IM3 having a width dimension of 54 (dots) and a height dimension of 300 (dots) is input to the variable length print area AR3 as an image of the print contents. Yes.

  In this case, the height dimension of the image IM3 input as the print contents of the variable length print area AR3 is larger than the height dimension of the variable length print area AR3. As described above, when the image IM3 larger than the set dimension in the height direction of the variable length print area AR3 is input as the print content, the input print content cannot be printed without being lost.

  That is, in this case, as shown in FIG. 12D, the linerless label L printed out is printed between the fixed length print area AR1 and the fixed length print area AR1 and the fixed length print area AR2. The blank line provided in the area, the print contents of the fixed-length print area AR2, the blank line provided between the fixed-length print area AR2 and the variable-length print area AR3, and the variable-length print area that does not reduce the height dimension The print content of AR3 (described later) is continuously arranged in the length direction.

  In this case, the print contents of the variable-length print area AR3 are, for example, as shown in FIG. 12D, a warning message (variable) such as “The image size is larger than the area. A message informing that printing on the print area of the long print element cannot be performed is the print content arranged at the center.

  As described above, in the print layout of this embodiment, each print area is arranged with a fixed length interval in the length direction, and the print contents of the items set in each print area are in the length direction. Are printed in a form separated by a fixed-length blank line (interval). Therefore, when a person (customer or the like) reads the linerless label, the contents of each item printed on the linerless label can be clearly identified. That is, the customer or the like can easily grasp the contents of the print item by reading the linerless label of this embodiment.

  If the image input as the print contents of the variable-length print area is a large image that does not fit in the variable-length print area, a notification is given that the image input to the variable-length print area cannot be printed. Since the warning message is printed in the printing area set in the variable-length printing area, the label paper of the linerless label is not wasted.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an outline of processing performed by the control unit 31 when inputting image data to be printed in the variable-length print area. In addition, the program data for making the control part 31 perform this process can be memorize | stored in ROM33 of the memory | storage part 32, for example.

  As described above, the operator displays the item selection screen shown in FIG. 9A and performs a series of operations to set a variable-length print area (step S101), and the set variable length. When image data, which is the print content of the print area, is input using an appropriate means (step S102), the control unit 31 receives the variable length print area set in step S101 and the image data input in step S102. The print area size (print size) is compared (step S103), and it is checked whether the print area size of the input image data is larger than the variable-length print area (step S104).

  If the print area size of the input image data is equal to or smaller than the variable-length print area and the result of step S104 is NO, the input image data is arranged as the print contents of the variable-length print area (step S105) and input In accordance with the print area size of the image data, the dimension in the length direction of the variable-length print area is reset (step S106), and the process proceeds to the next process (omitted).

  On the other hand, when the print area size of the input image data is larger than the variable-length print area and the result of step S104 is NO, the print contents of the variable-length print area are as shown in FIG. Print data of a warning message such as “The image size is larger than the area and cannot be printed” is arranged (step S107), and the process proceeds to the next process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the dimension in the length direction of the input print content is smaller than the dimension in the length direction of the set variable-length print area, the variable-length print area is adapted to the print contents. When the dimension in the length direction of the input print content is larger than the dimension in the length direction of the set variable-length print area, the effect is notified. Since labels with such print contents are not printed, label paper is not wasted, and print layout labels not intended by the print layout setter (operator) are printed. There is nothing.

  In addition, blank lines provided between the print items by the operator are maintained without being deleted in order to present the print contents to the customer in an easy-to-read manner, so the label print layout set according to the operator's operation is The customer can clearly read and grasp the contents of the printed label without breaking down.

  In addition, the print layout of the present embodiment has one fixed-length print area or one print area formed by combining a plurality of continuous fixed-length print areas, and one of the front part and the rear part in the print direction of the print area. A print layout in which one variable-length print area is arranged, but is not limited to this, for example, one fixed-length print area or a single print area in which a plurality of continuous fixed-length print areas are combined, and the print area A print layout in which one variable-length print area (total of two variable-length print areas) is arranged at the front and rear in the print direction may be set.

  Note that the program data to be executed by the control unit 31 is not only stored in the ROM 33 of the storage unit 32 as described above, but is provided with appropriate communication means, and if necessary, the program data is transmitted via the network via the communication means. It is also possible to download the program from an external device provided with a recording medium that records the program, or from an external device that stores program data in the storage means.

  Such program data may be, for example, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or flexible disk, MO, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD-RAM, It can also be provided by being recorded in a nonvolatile recording medium (memory) such as SRAM, NOV-RAM, EEPROM, memory card or the like. The program data recorded in the memory is installed in the label issuing and pasting unit 40E by the control unit 31 and executed by the control unit 31, or the control unit 31 reads out the program from the memory and executes the program. The procedure can be executed.

  The present invention can be applied to any label editing apparatus as long as the label editing apparatus is formed by editing the content to be printed on a variable-length label. For example, the same applies to a printing apparatus having a printing mechanism capable of printing variable-length labels and a host apparatus (such as a computer system apparatus) that generates printing information to be supplied to such a printing apparatus. Can do.

4 Operation Display Unit 31 Control Unit 32 Storage Unit 33 ROM
34 RAM
38 Operation input part 39 Display part 40E Label issue sticking part 41 Label sticking part

Claims (2)

Display the layout setting screen that arranges information to be printed on the printing surface of variable-length labels whose dimensions in the issuing direction are not constant, and at least the dimensions in the issuing direction of the print area are constant based on the settings for that setting screen Layout information including a print area of one or more fixed-length print elements and a print area of a variable-length print element that is arranged in front or rear of the label issue direction and whose print area issue direction dimension is not constant Layout information input means for inputting
Print content information input means for inputting print content information representing the content of information to be printed on the printing surface of the label;
The amount of print content information issued by the print content input means corresponding to the print area of the variable length print element input by the layout information input means is the direction of issue of the print area of the variable length print element. And a notifying means for notifying that the variable length printing element cannot be printed in the printing area when the amount of information is larger than the amount of information corresponding to the size of the label editing apparatus.   The amount of print content information issued by the print content input means corresponding to the print area of the variable length print element input by the layout information input means is the direction of issue of the print area of the variable length print element. If the amount of information is equal to or less than the amount of information corresponding to the print size information, the size of the print area of the variable-length print element is reset to a value corresponding to the information amount of the print content information input by the print content input means. The sum of the dimensions in the printing direction including all the printing areas including the printing area of the variable-length printing element thus reset and the blank lines between the printing areas is set as the dimension in the label printing direction. The label editing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising layout information setting means for holding blank lines included between the print areas.

Images