JP2018167433A - Print image generation device, label printer, print image generation method, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a print image generation device capable of easily generating a highly decorative date label, and a label printer, a print image generation method and a program therefor.SOLUTION: A label printer 1 comprises: a mode designation reception part 110 receiving designation of a date input mode out of a plurality of modes; a display control part 120 causing a display screen to display a date input screen for inputting date information, a first selection screen for selecting a character decoration applied to the date information and a second selection screen for selecting an image decoration applied to the date information when the date input mode is designated; and a printing image generation part 130 generating a printing image obtained by synthesizing a first image obtained by applying the character decoration selected in the first selection screen to characters of the date information input to the date input screen and a second image based on the image decoration selected in the second selection screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a print image generation apparatus, a label printing apparatus, a print image generation method, and a program thereof that generate a print image for printing a date.

  Conventionally, patent document 1 is known as this kind of technique. Patent Document 1 discloses a printing apparatus that measures at least one of a date and a time, makes the date / time information that is the timed result editable on condition that a password is input, and prints the edited date / time information on a print medium. ing.

JP 2010-94826 A

  By the way, in recent years, date labels (date stickers) to be attached to diaries and notebooks have attracted attention. A date label is a label decorated with date characters and frames, and is used to improve the appearance of a diary or notebook. There is a desire to easily create such a date label, but the conventional technique has not been devised for decorating the date label.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a print image generation device, a label printing device, a print image generation method, and a program thereof that can easily create a date label with high decorativeness.

  The print image generation apparatus of the present invention includes a mode designation receiving unit that accepts designation of a date input mode from among a plurality of modes, a date input screen for inputting date information when designated in the date input mode, and a date A first control screen for selecting a character decoration to be applied to information and a second selection screen for selecting an image decoration to be applied to date information are displayed on the display screen, and are input to the date input screen. A print image in which the first image obtained by applying the character decoration selected on the first selection screen to the character of the selected date information and the second image based on the image decoration selected on the second selection screen is generated. And a print image generation unit.

  The print image generation method of the present invention includes a step in which the print image generation apparatus accepts designation of a date input mode from a plurality of modes, and a date input screen for inputting date information when designated in the date input mode. And a first selection screen for selecting a character decoration to be applied to date information and a second selection screen for selecting an image decoration to be applied to date information are displayed on the display screen, and input to the date input screen A print image obtained by combining the first image obtained by applying the character decoration selected on the first selection screen to the character of the date information selected and the second image based on the image decoration selected on the second selection screen. And generating.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute each step in the above-described print image generation method.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the date information is input to the date information by a simple operation such as inputting date information on the date input screen, selecting character decoration on the first selection screen, and selecting image decoration on the second selection screen. Print images with decoration and image decoration can be generated. Further, by printing this print image on a label medium, a date label with high decorativeness can be created.

  In the above-described print image generation apparatus, the first selection screen is a screen for selecting a type of typeface as character decoration.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the characters of the date information can be a user's favorite typeface.

  In the above print image generating apparatus, the second selection screen is a screen for selecting a type of a decorative frame as an image decoration.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, a user's favorite decoration frame can be added to the date information.

  In the above-described print image generation device, the display control unit, when designated in the date input mode, displays the character decoration on the first selection screen, the first selection screen, and the second selection screen that automatically determine the character decoration and the image decoration at random. And a third selection screen for selecting one of the second option for the user to select image decoration is displayed on the display screen, and the print image generation unit selects the first option on the third selection screen. A print image is generated by synthesizing a first image in which character decoration of date information is automatically determined and a second image based on the automatically determined image decoration.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the user can omit the selection operation on the first selection screen and the second selection screen by selecting the first option on the third selection screen. Further, since the character decoration and the image decoration are automatically determined at random, it is possible to generate a print image rich in change.

  In the above-described print image generation device, the print image generation unit determines at least one of the character arrangement and the character size of the date information according to the image decoration selected on the second selection screen, and the determined character arrangement and the character A first image is generated based on at least one of the sizes.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, according to the selected image decoration, at least one of the character arrangement and the character size of the date information is determined, and thus the user can omit these selection operations.

  In the print image generation device, the display control unit displays a fourth selection screen for selecting at least one of the character arrangement and the character size of the date information on the display screen, and the print image generation unit performs the fourth selection. A first image is generated based on at least one of a character arrangement and a character size selected on the screen.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, at least one of the character arrangement and the character size of the date information can be selected according to the user's preference.

  The print image generation apparatus includes a label information detection unit that detects label information indicating a die cut shape of a die cut label sheet on which a print image is printed, and the display control unit performs the second selection according to the detected die cut shape. It is characterized in that the choice of image decoration displayed on the screen is changed.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the image decoration options corresponding to the die-cut shape of the die-cut label sheet are displayed on the second selection screen, so that the user can select an image decoration suitable for the die-cut shape.

  A label printing apparatus according to the present invention includes a mode designation receiving unit that accepts designation of a date input mode from among a plurality of modes, a date input screen for inputting date information when designated in the date input mode, and date information A first selection screen for selecting a character decoration to be applied to the image, a second selection screen for selecting an image decoration to be applied to the date information, a display control unit for displaying on the display screen, and a date input screen A print image is generated by combining the first image obtained by applying the character decoration selected on the first selection screen to the character of the date information and the second image based on the image decoration selected on the second selection screen. A print image generation unit and a print unit that prints the print image on a label medium are provided.

  According to the configuration of the present invention, the date information is input to the date information by a simple operation such as inputting date information on the date input screen, selecting character decoration on the first selection screen, and selecting image decoration on the second selection screen. A highly decorative date label with decoration and image decoration can be created.

1 is an external perspective view of a label printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a label printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a date frame. It is a figure which shows the example of printing of a date label. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of a label printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing regarding the production | generation of a printing image. It is a screen transition diagram showing the flow of label creation processing. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a month input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a day input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a day selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a selection / discretion printing selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a date frame selection screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a date frame numerical value input screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a font selection screen.

  Hereinafter, a print image generating apparatus, a label printing apparatus, a print image generating method, and a program thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the label printing apparatus 1 is employed as the “print image generating apparatus” is illustrated.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a label printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the label printing apparatus 1, an outline is formed by an apparatus case 2, and a keyboard 3 having various input keys and buttons and a display screen 41 are disposed on the apparatus case 2. Further, the label printing apparatus 1 is provided with an opening / closing lid 21, and a cartridge mounting portion 6 for mounting the tape cartridge C is formed in the inside thereof.

  A tape discharge port 22 is formed on the side surface of the apparatus case 2, and a tape cutter 23 for cutting the printing tape T faces the tape discharge port 22. And the printed printing tape T is sent out from the tape discharge port 22, is cut | disconnected by the tape cutter 23 in the state which stopped feeding temporarily, and a strip-shaped label is created.

  The printing tape T is an example of a “label medium”. In the present embodiment, a date label L (see FIG. 4) in which character decoration and image decoration are applied to date information is created as a label. The date information refers to information including at least one of “month”, “day”, and “day of the week”. In the present embodiment, the type of the font can be selected as the character decoration, and the frame type of the date frame can be selected as the image decoration. The date frame is an example of a “decorative frame”.

  On the other hand, the cartridge mounting unit 6 includes a head unit 61 in which a thermal type print head 7 is built in a head cover 61 a, a platen drive shaft 62 facing the print head 7, and a winding for winding an ink ribbon R described later. A drive shaft 63 and a positioning projection 64 of the tape reel 17 described later are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the tape cartridge C will be described. The tape cartridge C is configured such that a tape reel 17 around which a printing tape T is wound and a ribbon reel 19 around which an ink ribbon R is wound are accommodated in a cartridge case 51. The cartridge case 51 is formed with a through hole 55 into which a head cover 61a that covers the head unit 61 is inserted. Further, a ribbon take-up reel 54 is arranged in the vicinity of the ribbon reel 19, and the ink ribbon R fed out from the ribbon reel 19 is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 54 so as to go around the through hole 55.

  On the other hand, the printing tape T is composed of a recording tape having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the back surface and a release tape covered with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and is wound in a roll shape with the recording tape facing outside. A plurality of types of printing tape T having different tape types are prepared, and one type of printing tape T is accommodated in each cartridge case 51.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the label printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The label printing apparatus 1 includes a keyboard 3, a display screen 41, a tape identification sensor 27, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 70, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 71, a printing mechanism 72, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 74 as hardware configurations. Is provided.

  The keyboard 3 is used for information input and various settings. The keyboard 3 is equipped with a [date label] button (not shown) for designating a date input mode for creating the date label L. The display screen 41 displays various information such as the screens shown in FIGS.

  The tape identification sensor 27 detects the tape type of the printing tape T. The tape type is distinguished by tape width, tape color, tape material, label shape of die cut label, ink color (printing color) of ink ribbon R, and the like. As a method for detecting the tape type, a method of reading an image (bar code, two-dimensional code, matrix pattern, etc.) or RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) attached or printed on the tape cartridge C, one or more formed on the tape cartridge C A method for detecting the presence or absence of a hole is conceivable. When the CPU 74 determines that the tape type detected by the tape identification sensor 27 is inappropriate for printing, the CPU 74 displays that fact on the display screen 41. For example, when the date label L is created, if a tape width narrower than a preset minimum tape width (for example, 12 mm) is detected, a display prompting replacement of the tape cartridge C is performed.

  The ROM 70 is a non-volatile storage area, and stores firmware of the label printing apparatus 1 and various setting information. The ROM 70 also stores a plurality of types of date frame images Ia as part of the firmware. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that four types of date frame images Ia shown in FIG. The RAM 71 is a volatile storage area and is used as a work area for the CPU 74.

  The printing mechanism 72 includes the print head 7, the tape feed motor 26, the cutter motor 25, and the tape cutter 23. The print head 7 performs printing on the recording tape of the print tape T that is fed from the tape reel 17. The tape feed motor 26 is a drive source that transports the printing tape T fed from the tape reel 17 toward the tape discharge port 22 (see FIG. 1). The cutter motor 25 is a drive source that drives the tape cutter 23 and cuts the printing tape T.

  The CPU 74 performs various controls such as generation of a print image 90 (see FIG. 6) for printing the date label L and printing of the generated print image 90 in cooperation with each of the above-described configurations. Details will be described later.

  Next, the date frame images Ia to Id stored in the ROM 70 will be described with reference to FIG. In the date frame images Ia to Id, character areas E in which characters of date information are arranged are respectively set. In the drawing, a print image image (date frame image + character image) when “month: May”, “day: 12th”, and “day of the week: Sunday” are input as date information is shown.

  In this embodiment, when the date frame type “1” or “2” is selected by the user, the characters of the date information are arranged in the character area E1. In this case, the label printing apparatus 1 arranges “day” having a large character size on the left side, and arranges “month” and “day of the week” having character sizes smaller than “day” side by side on the right side. Further, when the date frame type “3” or “4” is selected by the user, the characters of the date information are arranged in the character area E2. In this case, the label printing apparatus 1 arranges “day” having a large character size at the center, and arranges “month” and “day of the week” having character sizes smaller than “day” above and below it. The date label L shown in FIG. 4 shows a print example when the date frame of the date frame type “1” is selected.

  Next, the functional configuration of the label printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The label printing apparatus 1 includes a mode designation receiving unit 110, a display control unit 120, a print image generation unit 130, and a printing unit 140 as functional configurations.

  The mode designation accepting unit 110 accepts designation of a date input mode from among a plurality of modes. The user designates the date input mode by pressing the [Date Label] button on the keyboard 3. In addition to the date input mode, the plurality of modes include a normal input mode for inputting text on a text input screen (not shown).

  When the date input mode is designated, the display control unit 120 displays the date input screen D1 (D1a, D1b, D1c), the automatic / discreet print selection screen D2, the date frame selection screen D3 (D3a, D3b), and the font selection screen D4. For example, various screens related to the creation of the date label L are displayed on the display screen 41 (see FIG. 7 and the like).

  The date input screen D1 is a screen for inputting date information, and includes a month input screen D1a (see FIG. 8), a day input screen D1b (see FIG. 9), and a day of the week selection screen D1c (see FIG. 10). In addition, the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2 (see FIG. 11) includes an option “automatic printing” for automatically determining the date frame and type of font (combination of date frame and font) at random, a date frame selection screen D3, This is a screen for selecting one of the choices “preference printing” for the user to select the date frame and the type of font on the font selection screen D4. “Randomly automatically determine” refers to extraction of objects (image decoration and character decoration) by a random extraction method. The option “automatic printing” is an example of the first option, and the option “discretion printing” is an example of the second option.

  The date frame selection screen D3 is a screen for selecting a date frame as an image decoration to be applied to date information. The date frame image selection screen D3a (see FIG. 12) and the date frame numerical value input screen D3b (see FIG. 13). including. The font selection screen D4 (see FIG. 14) is a screen for selecting a type of font as character decoration applied to date information. Note that the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2 is an example of a third selection screen, the date frame selection screen D3 is an example of a second selection screen, and the font selection screen D4 is an example of a first selection screen. .

  The print image generation unit 130 adds the character decoration selected on the font selection screen D4 to the characters of the date information input on the date input screen D1 when the option “discretion printing” is selected on the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2. A print image 90 is generated by combining the first image 91 subjected to the above and the second image 92 based on the image decoration selected on the date frame selection screen D3 (see FIG. 6). For example, when “May”, “12th”, and “Sunday” are input as date information by the user, and the date frame of the date frame type “1” (see FIG. 3) is selected, the print image generating unit 130 As shown in FIG. 6, a print image 90 obtained by combining the first image 91 and the second image 92 is generated. “Combining the first image 91 and the second image 92” may not only combine (arrange) the first image 91 and the second image 92 but also superimpose them. .

  The print image generation unit 130 automatically determines the first image 91 in which the character decoration of the date information is automatically determined when the option “Random print” is selected on the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2. A print image 90 is generated by combining the second image 92 based on the image decoration.

  Further, the print image generation unit 130 determines the character arrangement and character size of the date information according to the date frame selected on the date frame selection screen D3, and the first image based on the determined character arrangement and character size. An image 91 is generated. In the example of FIG. 6, since the date frame of the date frame type “1” is selected, the character arrangement and the character size of the date information are as shown in the character area E1 of FIG. That is, the print image generation unit 130 sets the character size of “date” of the date information to “large”, sets the character size of “month” and “day of the week” to “small”, arranges “day” on the left side, The first image 91 shown in FIG. 6 is generated by arranging “month” and “day of the week” side by side.

  The printing unit 140 prints the print image 90 generated by the print image generation unit 130 on the print tape T. Thereby, a date label L (see FIG. 4) is created.

  Next, the flow of label creation processing (including “print image generation method”) will be described with reference to the screen transition diagram of FIG. 7 and screen display examples of FIGS.

  When the user presses the [Date Label] button on the keyboard 3, the label printing apparatus 1 displays a month input screen D1a (S01). As shown in FIG. 8, on the month input screen D1a, numbers from 1 to 12 can be input. The input number is displayed in black brackets on the month input screen D1a. Note that the symbol K indicates a cursor indicating the input position of the text.

  The label printing apparatus 1 displays the day input screen D1b when the [Select] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed after numbers are input to the month input screen D1a (S02). As shown in FIG. 9, numbers from 1 to 31 can be input on the day input screen D1b. The input number is displayed in black brackets on the day input screen D1b. When a cancel operation is performed on the day input screen D1b, the display returns to the month input screen D1a. The cancel operation refers to pressing a predetermined button such as a [Delete] button on the keyboard 3 or simultaneously pressing a plurality of predetermined buttons. In other screens described below, the previous screen can be returned by a cancel operation (see the “Cancel” arrow in FIG. 7).

  The label printing apparatus 1 displays the day of the week selection screen D1c when the [Select] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed after numbers are input to the day input screen D1b (S03). As shown in FIG. 10, on the day selection screen D1c, one of the seven options corresponding to each day of the week from Sunday to Saturday is selected. As indicated by reference numeral 81, the reverse display indicates that the option is in the selected state. Further, an inverted triangle mark 82 indicates that there are options other than the displayed options. When this inverted triangular mark is displayed, the user can display other options by pressing the [↓] button on the keyboard 3.

  When one of the options is selected on the day of the week selection screen D1c and the [Select] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed, the label printing apparatus 1 displays an automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2 (S04). As shown in FIG. 11, on the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D <b> 2, either the “automatic printing” option or the “discretion printing” option is selected. When the option “discretion printing” is selected on the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2, and the [Select] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed, the date frame image selection screen D3a is displayed (S05). As shown in FIG. 12, on the date frame image selection screen D3a, an option indicating each date frame image Ia (date frame types “1” to “4”, see FIG. 3) and an option “none” are displayed. When the option “none” is selected, the label printing apparatus 1 generates a print image 90 including only the first image 91. Options other than the date frame type “1” are displayed when the [↓] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed.

  On the other hand, when the number indicating the date frame type is input on the date frame image selection screen D3a, the label printing apparatus 1 displays the date frame numerical value input screen D3b (S06). As shown in FIG. 13, on the date frame numerical value input screen D3b, the characters “date frame” and the input number (“1” in the example in the figure) are displayed in a blinking manner. When the [Select] button is pressed in this state, the screen returns to the date frame image selection screen D3a. On the date frame image selection screen D3a, the date frame image Ia corresponding to the number input on the date frame numerical value input screen D3b is selected. In addition, after a numerical value is input on the date frame numerical value input screen D3b, when a cancel operation is performed instead of pressing the [Select] button, the configuration may return to the date frame image selection screen D3a.

  When the [Select] button is pressed on the date frame image selection screen D3a, the label printing apparatus 1 displays the font selection screen D4 (S07). As shown in FIG. 14, on the font selection screen D4, a plurality of typeface types are displayed as options. Options other than the options “basic” and “postcard” (such as “formal” and “slim”) are displayed when the [↓] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed. Note that basic fonts such as “Mincho” and “Gothic” may be displayed as options on the font selection screen D4.

  When any option is selected on the font selection screen D4 and the [Select] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed, the label printing apparatus 1 displays a print execution confirmation screen (not shown) (S08). The print execution confirmation screen is also displayed when the option “Random print” is selected on the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2 and the [Select] button on the keyboard 3 is pressed. On the print execution confirmation screen, a message for confirming whether or not to print the date label L is displayed. When the user presses the [Select] button on the keyboard 3 on the print execution confirmation screen, a print preparation screen (not shown) is displayed (S09). On the printing preparation screen, a message indicating that preparation for printing is being performed is displayed. Thereafter, the label printing apparatus 1 executes printing when printing preparation is complete.

  As described above, according to the label printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the user inputs date information on the date input screen D1, selects a date frame on the date frame selection screen D3, and typefaces on the font selection screen D4. The date label L having high decorativeness can be created by applying the character decoration and the image decoration to the date information by a simple operation such as selecting the type of the date. In addition, the user can omit the selection operation on the date frame selection screen D3 and the font selection screen D4 by selecting the option “Random” on the automatic / discretionary print selection screen D2. Further, when the option “Random” is selected, the character decoration and the image decoration are automatically determined at random, so that the date label L rich in change can be created.

  In addition, since the print image generation unit 130 determines the character arrangement and character size of the date information in accordance with the selected image decoration, the user can omit these selection operations and select which date. Even if the frame type is selected, the date label L with good character balance can be created.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following modification examples can be employed.
[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, the print image generation unit 130 determines the character arrangement and character size of the date information according to the selected image decoration. However, the display control unit 120 determines the character arrangement and character of the date information. A fourth selection screen (not shown) for selecting the size is displayed on the display screen 41, and the print image generation unit 130 selects the first selection screen based on the character arrangement and the character size selected on the fourth selection screen. The image 91 may be generated. According to this configuration, it is possible to select the character arrangement and character size of the date information according to the user's preference.
In the fourth selection screen, it is possible to select only one of the date arrangement and the character size instead of selecting both of the character information and the character size. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the arrangement of characters and the character size of date information are determined according to the image decoration selected by the print image generation unit 130, but only one of them may be determined.

[Modification 2]
As a printing medium of the label printing apparatus 1, die cut label paper may be usable. The die-cut label paper refers to a printing tape T on which labels cut into a predetermined shape are arranged at predetermined intervals. In this case, a label information detection unit (not shown) that detects label information indicating the die cut shape of the die cut label paper on which the print image 90 is printed is provided, and the date frame is displayed by the display control unit 120 according to the detected die cut shape. You may change the choice of the image decoration (date frame) displayed on the image selection screen D3a. For example, when the die cut shape is rectangular, the date frame types “1” to “3” may be selected, and when the die cut shape is circular, the date frame type “4” may be selected. Further, in the case of the label printing apparatus 1 of the above embodiment, the label information detection unit can detect the label information using the tape identification sensor 27. According to this configuration, since the image decoration options corresponding to the die cut shape of the die cut label sheet are displayed on the date frame image selection screen D3a, the user can select an image decoration suitable for the die cut shape.

[Modification 3]
The label printing apparatus 1 may be equipped with a calendar function (a configuration that stores calendar information may be used). In this case, the display control unit 120 can omit the display of the day of week selection screen D1c (see FIG. 10).
The label printing apparatus 1 may be equipped with a time measuring function for specifying today's date. In this case, a first date input mode (date input mode in the above embodiment) and a second date input mode (mode for creating a date label L for today's date) are provided, and the [Date Label] button is input. If the first date input mode is entered, and the [Today label] button is entered, the second date input mode may be designated. When the first date input mode is designated, the steps shown in FIG. 7 are executed. When the second date input mode is designated, S01 to S03 are omitted from the steps shown in FIG. It may be configured to execute the steps. That is, when the second date input mode is designated, the display control unit 120 can omit the display of the date input screen D1 (month input screen D1a, day input screen D1b, and day selection screen D1c).

[Modification 4]
The date control options displayed on the date frame image selection screen D3a may be changed by the display control unit 120 according to the tape width of the printing tape T detected by the tape identification sensor 27. For example, when the tape width is 24 mm or more, the date frame types “1” to “4” are displayed. When the tape width is 12 mm or more, the date frame types “3” and “4” are displayed. However, if the tape width is less than 12 mm, the date frame may not be selected.

[Modification 5]
The print image generation unit 130 may generate a print image for printing the date labels L for a plurality of days. In this case, a start date and an end date are input as date information. In this case, the printing unit 140 continuously prints a plurality of date labels L. Note that the label may be cut or not cut. In the latter case, a cut line may be printed. If the label printing apparatus 1 is equipped with a half-cut function (a function for cutting only the recording tape without cutting the release tape of the printing tape T), the label may be half-cut.
The date information may be input in units of months. For example, when “January” is input (selected) as the date information, the print image generation unit 130 generates a print image for printing the date label L from January 1st to January 31st. In this case, with regard to the day of the week, the user may select the day of the start date (in this case, January 1) and assign the day of the week from the selected day of the week to each date. In addition, when the label printing apparatus 1 is equipped with a calendar function, it may be possible to input the year or Japanese calendar and month. In this case, the day of the week need not be input. Furthermore, when date information is input in units of months, the print image generation unit 130 may generate a print image for printing a month label (not shown) representing the month name. In this case, the printing unit 140 prints the date label L for the number of days of the selected month and the month label of the selected month based on one printing instruction. Further, the month label and the date label L may be cut, not cut, printed with a cut line, or half cut.

[Modification 6]
When the print image generation unit 130 generates a print image for printing the date labels L for a plurality of days, and the “automatic printing” is selected by the user, the same combination of decorations is not continuously obtained. In this way, character decoration and image decoration may be determined. For example, when there are “character decoration A” and “character decoration B”, “image decoration A” and “image decoration B”, the date label L on the first day is a combination of “character decoration A” + “image decoration A” The date label L of the second day is “character decoration A” + “image decoration B”, “character decoration B” + “image decoration A”, “character decoration B” + “image decoration B”. Printed in any combination. Further, the character decoration and the image decoration may be determined so that the same decoration is not used continuously. In this case, when the date label L on the first day is printed with a combination of “character decoration A” + “image decoration A”, the date label L on the second day is “character decoration B” + “image decoration B”. Printed in combination.
In addition, when the start date and end date are input as date information, or when “Month” is input, the character decoration and image decoration are determined so that the same combination of decorations does not exist within the target period. May be.

[Modification 7]
The print image generation unit 130 of the above embodiment automatically determines the character decoration and the image decoration at random when “automatic printing” is selected by the user. However, only the character decoration or only the image decoration is automatically determined at random. May be.
Also, in combination with the modification 6, when only the character decoration or only the image decoration is automatically determined at random, the character decoration or the image decoration may be determined so as not to be the same decoration continuously.

[Modification 8]
In the above embodiment, “type of typeface” can be selected as the character decoration, but various character decorations (emphasized character, italic, white character, shadow character, mirror character, etc.) may be selectable. Further, when the label printing apparatus 1 supports color printing, the printing color may be selectable.
Further, although the type of date frame can be selected as the image decoration, a simple frame such as a square frame or a round frame may be selected. Further, instead of such a decorative frame, the type of background pattern may be selectable. Further, when the label printing apparatus 1 supports color printing, the color of a decorative frame or a background pattern may be selectable.

[Modification 9]
In the above embodiment, “month”, “day”, and “day of the week” are printed as date information, but “Western calendar or Japanese calendar” may be added. In addition, information to be printed as date information may be selectable among “month”, “day”, “day of the week”, and “Western calendar or Japanese calendar”.
In addition, “Month”, “Day”, “Day of the week”, and “Western calendar or Japanese calendar” may be selectable. For example, in the case of “Month”, it is possible to select from “January”, “January”, “Yuzuki”, “Mutsuki”, “Jan”, “JAN”, “January”, “JANUARY”, etc. .

[Modification 10]
A program for realizing each functional unit shown in FIG. 5 may be provided by using the hardware configuration of the label printing apparatus 1 shown in the embodiment and the modification. The program may be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory card, etc.). That is, a program for causing a computer to function as each functional unit of the label printing apparatus 1 and a recording medium on which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of rights of the present invention. Further, at least a part of each functional unit of the label printing apparatus 1 may be realized by cloud computing. Various information processing apparatuses such as a personal computer or a tablet terminal equipped with a display with a touch sensor may be used as the “print data generation apparatus”. Other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Label printing apparatus (print image generation apparatus), 110 ... Mode designation | designated reception part, 120 ... Display control part, 130 ... Print image generation part, 140 ... Printing part

Claims (10)

A mode designation accepting unit for accepting designation of a date input mode from a plurality of modes;
When the date input mode is designated, a date input screen for inputting date information, a first selection screen for selecting a character decoration applied to the date information, and an image decoration applied to the date information are selected. A second selection screen for displaying on the display screen,
A first image obtained by applying the character decoration selected on the first selection screen to the characters of the date information input on the date input screen, and a second image based on the image decoration selected on the second selection screen A print image generation apparatus comprising: a print image generation unit configured to generate a print image obtained by synthesizing an image.   The print image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first selection screen is a screen for selecting a type of a font as the character decoration.   The print image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second selection screen is a screen for selecting a type of a decoration frame as the image decoration. The display control unit, when designated in the date input mode, the character decoration and the image selection on the first selection, the first selection screen and the second selection screen, respectively, which are automatically determined at random, A third selection screen for selecting any one of the second options for the user to select the image decoration is displayed on the display screen;
When the first option is selected on the third selection screen, the print image generation unit is based on the first image obtained by automatically applying the character decoration to the characters of the date information and the automatically determined image decoration. 4. The print image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a print image obtained by combining the second image is generated. 5.   The print image generation unit determines at least one of a character arrangement and a character size of the date information according to an image decoration selected on the second selection screen, and at least one of the determined character arrangement and the character size. 5. The print image generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first image is generated based on one side. 6. The display control unit causes the display screen to display a fourth selection screen for selecting at least one of a character arrangement and a character size of the date information,
5. The print image generation unit generates the first image based on at least one of a character arrangement and a character size selected on the fourth selection screen. 6. The print image generating apparatus according to Item 1. A label information detection unit for detecting label information indicating a die-cut shape of the die-cut label paper for printing the print image;
7. The printing according to claim 1, wherein the display control unit changes an image decoration option displayed on the second selection screen according to the detected die-cut shape. Image generation device. A mode designation accepting unit for accepting designation of a date input mode from a plurality of modes;
When the date input mode is designated, a date input screen for inputting date information, a first selection screen for selecting a character decoration applied to the date information, and an image decoration applied to the date information are selected. A second selection screen for displaying on the display screen,
A first image obtained by applying the character decoration selected on the first selection screen to the characters of the date information input on the date input screen, and a second image based on the image decoration selected on the second selection screen A print image generation unit that generates a print image obtained by combining the image and
And a printing unit that prints the print image on a label medium. Print image generation device
A step of accepting specification of a date input mode from a plurality of modes;
When the date input mode is designated, a date input screen for inputting date information, a first selection screen for selecting a character decoration applied to the date information, and an image decoration applied to the date information are selected. A second selection screen for displaying on the display screen;
A first image obtained by applying the character decoration selected on the first selection screen to the characters of the date information input on the date input screen, and a second image based on the image decoration selected on the second selection screen And a step of generating a print image obtained by combining the image and the print image.   The program for making a computer perform each step in the printing image generation method of Claim 9.

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