JP2023134249A - Label generation device and label generation program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a technique for allowing a user to easily stick together a plurality of labels for making a stuck label.SOLUTION: A label generation device 2 that generates a first label L1 and a second label L2 for making a stuck label L3 in which a non-adhesive surface 6a of the first label L1 and an adhesive surface 6b of the second label L2 are stuck together in a thickness direction. A CPU 21a performs a first printing process of conveying a label tape TP and printing a first label image to generate the first label L1 and a second printing process of conveying the label tape TP and printing a second label image to generate the second label L2. A first amount of conveyance of the label tape TP in the second printing process is larger than a second amount of conveyance of the label tape TP in the first printing process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a label generation device and a label generation program.

Conventionally, for example, in Patent Document 1, a tape with a print image printed thereon is created using a tape printing device, and a user overlays a plurality of printed tapes on each other in the thickness direction to create a label with a desired appearance. It is disclosed that

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-17937

In the above-mentioned conventional technology, printing images are individually printed on a plurality of tapes, and the plurality of tapes are laminated together to create a stacked label with a desired appearance.

When pasting, the user holds one tape (in other words, a label) horizontally and holds both ends of another tape (in other words, a label) with both hands, and then Pasting is performed while positioning with respect to the label. At that time, if the two labels to be pasted are the same size, it is difficult to hold another label without staining it.

An object of the present invention is to provide a technique that allows a user to easily paste a plurality of labels together to create a stacked label.

In order to achieve the above object, the label generating device of the present invention has a non-adhesive surface of a first label printed on a first medium and an adhesive surface of a second label printed on a second medium bonded together in the thickness direction. A label generation device that generates the first label and the second label for creating a stacked label, the device includes a printing section, a conveying section, and a control section, and the control section is configured to control the first label and the second label. a first printing process of transporting one medium to the transport unit and printing a first label image to the printing unit to generate the first label; and transporting the second medium to the transport unit and generating a second label. a second printing process of causing the printing unit to print an image to generate the second label; and a second conveyance amount of the second medium by the conveyance unit in the second printing process is equal to the second conveyance amount of the second medium by the conveyance unit in the second printing process. It is larger than the first conveyance amount of the first medium by the conveyance unit in printing processing.

In the present invention, the control unit performs a first printing process for generating a first label and a second printing process for generating a second label. In the first printing process, the first medium is transported by the transport section, and the first label image is printed by the printing section on the transported first medium, thereby generating the first label. In the second printing process, the second medium is transported by the transport section, and a second label image is printed by the printing section on the transported second medium, thereby generating a second label.

During the first printing process and the second printing process, the control unit makes the second transport amount of the second medium larger than the first transport amount of the first medium in order to improve the convenience described above. Thereby, the second label generated by printing on the second medium can be made longer than the first label generated by printing on the first medium. For example, in a state where the first label is placed horizontally, the user grasps the left end of the second label with his left hand and the right end with his right hand, and while positioning the second label with respect to the placed first label, attaches the second label. When doing so, the length of the second label can be utilized as a dedicated space for holding the second label.
According to the present invention, the second label can be easily attached to the first label, and convenience for the user can be improved.

In order to achieve the above object, the label generation program of the present invention has a non-adhesive surface of a first label generated by printing a first label image on a first medium, and a first label generated by printing a first label image on a first medium. a reception process for receiving a creation instruction to create a stacked label in which the adhesive surface of a second label generated by printing a second label image on two media is pasted in the thickness direction; A third label image in which a first image is added in a first direction from one end, and a second image is added in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the other end opposite to the one end of the second label image. A generation process for generating the first label image and a print instruction transmission process for transmitting a print instruction for the first label image and the third label image to the label generation apparatus are executed.

The calculation unit adds images to both ends of the second label image, thereby converting the second label generated by printing on the second medium in the label generation device into the first label generated by printing on the first medium. It can be longer than the label. Therefore, the length longer than the first label can be used as a dedicated space for holding the second label, and the second label can be easily attached to the first label. Therefore, convenience for the user can be improved.

Note that the present invention is not limited to a label generation device and a label generation program, but can be appropriately applied to, for example, a label generation method executed by a label generation program, a label generation system, and the like.

According to the present invention, it is possible to easily attach the second label to the first label, and it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

1 is a system configuration diagram schematically representing an example of the overall configuration of a printing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information terminal and a label generation device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure of pasting a 1st label and a 2nd label, and creating an overlapping label. It is an explanatory view showing a procedure of pasting together a first label and a second label of the same size to create an overlapping label. It is an explanatory view showing a procedure of pasting a second label provided with a handle on a first label to create a stacked label. It is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure of pasting a second label on which a cut mark is printed on a first label to create an overlapping label. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a procedure for creating an overlapping label by pasting the second label that has been half-cut onto the first label. It is an explanatory view showing a process of printing a cut mark and creating a second label. It is an explanatory view showing the process of performing a half cut and creating a 2nd label. It is an explanatory view showing a process of performing a full cut and creating a first label. It is an explanatory view showing a process of printing a cut mark and creating a first label. It is a top view showing the length of a 1st label and a 2nd label in the conveyance direction. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the CPU of the information terminal and the CPU of the label generation device in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the CPU of the information terminal and the CPU of the label generation device in the first embodiment. It is a flowchart representing the control procedure executed by the CPU of the information terminal and the CPU of the label generation device in the second embodiment.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The first embodiment is an embodiment in which a process for adding a handle margin to a label is executed on the label generation device side.

<Overall system configuration>
FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of the entire printing system according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a printing system 1 includes a label generation device 2 and information terminals 3 and 4. The information terminals 3 and 4 may be either one or both. The label generation device 2 is a label printer that creates a printed label L, and includes a display section 26 and an input section 27. The information terminal 3 is, for example, a mobile terminal, and may be a smartphone equipped with a touch panel 37 as shown in FIG. 1, a tablet terminal, or the like. The information terminal 4 is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer, and may be a notebook computer equipped with an operation section 33 and a display section 34 as shown in FIG. 1, or a desktop computer. The information terminals 3 and 4 are each connected to the label generation device 2 so as to be able to send and receive information to each other; for example, the information terminal 3 is connected via wireless communication, and the information terminal 4 is connected via wired communication. . Note that the information terminal 3 may be connected via wired communication, or the information terminal 4 may be connected via wireless communication.

<Information terminal>
FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information terminals 3 and 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the information terminals 3 and 4 include a CPU 31, a memory 32 including, for example, RAM or ROM, an operation section 33, a display section 34, a communication control section 35, and a mass storage device 36. It is equipped with.

The operation unit 33 receives instructions and information from the user. The display unit 34 displays various information and messages. The information terminal 3 is configured as a touch panel 37 that has both the functions of the operation section 33 and the display section 34. The communication control unit 35 controls communication with the label generation device 2.

The large-capacity storage device 36 stores a print application, various other programs, various data, etc., for causing the CPU 31 to execute each procedure of the sequence shown in FIGS. 13 and 15, etc. described later, such as editing print data. do. Print applications, various programs, various data, etc. may be stored in the memory 32.

The CPU 31 performs various processes and performs various communications with the label generation device 2 according to programs stored in the ROM or mass storage device 36 while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM of the memory 32 . The CPU 31 is an example of a calculation unit.

<Label generation device>
FIG. 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the label generation device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the label generation device 2 includes a control circuit 21, a cartridge holder 22a, a cartridge sensor 22b, and a feed roller drive shaft 23b that drives a feed roller 23a for conveying the label tape TP. It has a communication control section 24, a print head 25, a display section 26, an input section 27, a mass storage device 28, a cutter 29a, and a half cutter 29b. The print head 25 is an example of a printing section, and the feed roller drive shaft 23b is an example of a conveying section.

The cartridge holder 22a removably mounts the cartridge 5 thereon. The cartridge sensor 22b is provided on the cartridge holder 22a, and detects the type of cartridge 5 by a known appropriate method such as mechanical detection or optical/magnetic detection.

The control circuit 21 includes a CPU 21a, a RAM 21b, a ROM 21c, and the like. The label generation device 2 is capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from the information terminals 3 and 4 by connecting the control circuit 21 to the communication control section 35 of the information terminals 3 and 4 via the communication control section 24. There is. The CPU 21a is an example of a control unit.

The input unit 27 is composed of a plurality of buttons, etc., and inputs instructions and information from the user. The display unit 26 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays various information and messages. The communication control unit 24 controls communication with the information terminals 3 and 4.

The large-capacity storage device 28 stores a print program for causing the CPU 21a to execute each procedure of the sequence shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, which will be described later, and various data. The printing program, various data, etc. may be stored in the RAM 21b or ROM 21c of the control circuit 21.

The cutter 29a cuts the label tape TP printed by the print head 25. As a result, a printed label L is generated. The half cutter 29b performs so-called half-cutting, which cuts the label tape TP to a partial depth in the thickness direction. As shown in the partially enlarged view in FIG. 2, the label tape TP or printed label L includes a label body 6 having a non-adhesive surface 6a on the front surface and an adhesive surface 6b on the back surface, and an adhesive surface 6b on the back surface of the label body 6. It is composed of a release material 7 that is removably pasted to the holder. When the printed label L is used, the release material 7 is peeled off and the adhesive surface 6b exposed is attached to the adherend. The half cutter 29b sets the depth of the cutting line to such an extent that the label body 6 is cut but the release material 7 is not cut. The half cutter 29b is an example of the cutting section.

<Layered label>
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the user creates an overlapping label L3 in which two labels, a first label L1 and a second label L2, are pasted together in the thickness direction. Specifically, the label generation device 2 prints on the label tape TP and generates the non-adhesive surface 6a of the first label L1, which is generated by the label generation device 2 on the label tape TP. The adhesive surface 6b on the back surface of the label body 6 exposed by peeling off the release material 7 from the second label L2 is pasted together to create a stacked label L3. In other words, in the stacked label L3, the first label L1 becomes the lower layer label, and the second label L2 becomes the upper layer label. The label body 6 of the second label L2 is transparent so that the first label L1 can be seen through it. In this embodiment, the first label L1 is printed with a first label image that is, for example, a colored curtain-like pattern, and the second label L2 is printed with a second label image that includes, for example, black characters "ABC". Let's explain the case where it is. Note that the label tape TP for creating the first label L1 is an example of the first medium, and the label tape TP for creating the second label L2 is an example of the second medium.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show an example of a label pasting operation performed by a user when the second label L2 does not have a dedicated space for gripping. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), for example, in a state where the first label L1 is placed horizontally, the user grasps the left end of the label body 6 of the second label L2 with his left hand, and also holds the right end of the label main body 6 of the second label L2. is held with the right hand, and the label is pasted while being positioned relative to the placed first label L1. If the two labels L1 and L2 to be pasted together have the same size as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), fingerprints will be left on both ends of the label body 6 of the second label L2. In that case, since the label body 6 of the second label L2 is transparent, fingerprints will be visible on the created stacked label L3, resulting in poor appearance. In this way, when the labels L1 and L2 have the same size, it is difficult to hold the second label L2 without staining it.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show an example of a label pasting operation performed by a user when the second label L2 is provided with a dedicated space for gripping. As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), in this embodiment, margin areas L2b and L2c are formed at both ends of the printing area L2a where the second label image is formed on the second label L2. . In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a margin area L2b located downstream of the print area L2a in the conveyance direction of the second label L2 is referred to as a front margin area L2b, and a margin area L2b located upstream of the print area L2a in the conveyance direction of the second label L2 is referred to as a front margin area L2b. The margin area L2c located at is also referred to as the rear margin area L2c. The user can utilize the blank areas L2b and L2c as a handle portion that is a dedicated space for gripping. Even if fingerprints are left in the margin areas L2b and L2c, the margin areas L2b and L2c are finally cut off, so that no fingerprints remain on the produced overlapping label L3, and deterioration in appearance can be prevented. By grasping the margin areas L2b and L2c, the user can easily attach the second label L2 to the first label L1, thereby improving convenience for the user.

In this embodiment, an example will be described in which two labels L1 and L2 are created and pasted together. Note that the number of printed labels L to be stacked is not limited to two, and three or more printed labels L may be stacked and stuck. In that case, margins may be formed for a plurality of labels other than the bottom label.

<Layering procedure>
FIG. 6 shows an example of the procedure for creating the overlapping label L3 in this embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 6 corresponds to, for example, a case where the half cut function by the half cutter 29b is disabled in the label generation device 2, or a case where the label generation device 2 does not include the half cutter 29b.

As shown in FIG. 6(a), in the second label L2, the print head 25 cuts the boundary area between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a, and the boundary area between the print area L2a and the rear margin area L2c. Mark Ma is printed on it. The "border area" includes the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a, the boundary between the print area L2a and the rear margin area L2c, and a neighboring area slightly on the margin area side of these boundaries. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the cut mark Ma is printed, for example, as two line segments separated on both sides in the label width direction on the boundary. Note that the cut mark Ma may be of any type as long as it can be positioned with respect to the first label L1; for example, it may be a single straight line along the boundary, or may be a dotted line, a point, or a blank space from the boundary area. It may be solid coloring, a design, etc. for the entire area side. The cut mark Ma is an example of a mark.

As shown in FIG. 6(b), the release material 7 of the second label L2 is peeled off from the label body 6 by the user. As shown in FIG. 6(c), the label body 6 is pasted onto the first label L1 while being aligned with the first label L1 by the two left and right cut marks Ma. The pasting operation is performed while the user grasps the front margin area L2b portion and the rear margin area L2c portion of the label body 6. Since the outline of the printing area L2a of the label body 6 can be expressed by the two cut marks Ma of the second label L2, it can be easily positioned relative to the first label L1, which has approximately the same size as the printing area L2a. It can be aligned and bonded smoothly.

As shown in FIG. 6(d), the user uses scissors or the like to cut the label body 6 of the second label L2 along the two cut marks Ma. As a result, the sections between the front margin area L2b and the printing area L2a and between the printing area L2a and the rear margin area L2c of the label body 6 of the second label L2 are manually cut, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6(e). ), the overlapping label L3, which is the final objective, is created. According to the above stacking procedure, the front margin area L2b portion and the rear margin area L2c portion of the label body 6 with fingerprints are removed, so that it is possible to prevent the appearance of the stacking label L3 from deteriorating.

FIG. 7 shows another example of the procedure for creating the stacked label L3 in this embodiment. The example shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to a case where, for example, the half cut function by the half cutter 29b is enabled in the label generation device 2, and the back slit BS is formed in the release material 7. As shown in FIG. 7(a), in the second label L2, a half cut line is formed by the half cutter 29b at the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a, and the boundary between the print area L2a and the rear margin area L2c. CL is formed. At the half-cut line CL, only the label body 6 is cut, and the release material 7 is not cut. By the half-cut line CL, the label body 6 of the second label L2 can be divided into a printing area L2a portion, a front margin area L2b portion, and a rear margin area L2c portion.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the label body 6 in the front margin area L2b and rear margin area L2c portions of the second label L2 is peeled off from the release material 7. As shown in FIG. 7(c), the back slit BS formed in the release material 7 is exposed. The back slit BS is a slit formed in advance only in the release material 7, and is formed along the label longitudinal direction at a substantially central position in the label width direction. The release material 7 is divided into approximately two equal parts in the label width direction by the back slit BS. As shown in FIG. 7(d), the upper half of the release material 7 is peeled off from the label body 6 by the user. Note that the lower half of the release material 7 may be removed.

As shown in FIGS. 7(e) and 7(f), the label body 6 of the second label L2 is pasted onto the first label L1 while aligning both left and right ends with respect to the first label L1. It will be done. The bonding operation is performed while the user grasps the front margin region L2b portion and the rear margin region L2c portion of the release material 7. Since the second label L2 can be easily aligned with the first label L1, which has approximately the same size as the outer shape of the print area L2a portion of the label body 6, bonding can be performed smoothly.

As shown in FIG. 7(g), the lower half of the release material 7 is peeled off from the label body 6 of the second label L2 by the user. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7(h), a stacked label L3, which is the final objective, is created. According to the above stacking procedure, since fingerprints are not left on the label body 6 of the second label L2, deterioration in the appearance of the stacking label L3 can be prevented.

Note that if the back slit BS is not formed in the release material 7 of the second label L2, the upper half of the release material 7 can be peeled off from the label body 6 by, for example, folding back the upper half of the release material 7 to the back side. It's okay. Even in this case, overlapping can be performed in the same procedure as in FIG. 7 above. Further, in the case where the half-cut shown in FIG. 6 is not performed, for example, by folding the upper half of the release material 7 to the back side without peeling off the entire release material 7 of the second label L2 from the label body 6, The upper half of the release material 7 may be peeled off from the label body 6. In this state, the upper half of the label body 6 may be bonded to the first label L1 while being aligned with the first label L1 by the two left and right cut marks Ma.

<Second label creation process>
FIGS. 8(a) to 8(g) show an example of the process of creating the second label L2. The examples shown in FIGS. 8(a) to 8(g) are used, for example, when the half-cut function by the half cutter 29b is disabled in the label generation device 2, or when the label generation device 2 is not equipped with the half cutter 29b. handle.

FIG. 8(a) shows an initial position state in which the second label L2 created previously is cut. In this state, when the label generation device 2 receives the print data of the second label L2, the creation of the second label L2 is started. Note that, as shown in FIG. 8A, due to the relative positional relationship between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a in the label generation device 2, there is inevitably some space on the front side, which is the downstream side in the conveyance direction, of the second label L2 to be created. A margin of length db is created. In this embodiment, the blank space is utilized as the front blank area L2b. That is, the length of the front margin area L2b in the transport direction is approximately the same as the distance db between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a. As shown in FIG. 8A, the cut mark Ma is printed by the print head 25 at approximately the same timing as the start of conveyance of the label tape TP. The cut mark Ma becomes the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a.

Note that the length of the front margin area L2b in the transport direction is not limited to db, and may be formed to be longer than db. In that case, the label tape TP may be transported by a predetermined amount after starting to be transported, and the cut mark Ma may be printed at the timing when the print head 25 reaches the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a.

As shown in FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c), as the label tape TP is conveyed, the second label image is printed in the print area L2a by the print head 25. FIG. 8 shows a case where the second label image is, for example, black characters "ABC".

As shown in FIG. 8(d), the cut mark Ma is printed at the timing when the print head 25 reaches the boundary between the printing area L2a and the trailing margin area L2c. As shown in FIG. 8(e), the label tape TP is continuously conveyed, and as shown in FIG. 8(f), the label tape TP is removed at the timing when the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the rear margin area L2c. Transport is stopped. As shown in FIG. 8(g), by cutting the label tape TP with the cutter 29a, a second label L2 having a front margin area L2b and a rear margin area L2c before and after the print area L2a is created. . The lengths of the front margin area L2b, print area L2a, and rear margin area L2c in the transport direction are db, da, and dc, respectively. da varies depending on the second label image, and may be longer or shorter than db and dc. db and dc are set to the same length in this embodiment. Note that db and dc may have different lengths.

FIGS. 9(a) to 9(g) show other examples of the process of creating the second label L2. The examples shown in FIGS. 9A to 9G correspond to, for example, a case where the half cut function of the half cutter 29b is enabled in the label generation device 2.

FIG. 9A shows an initial position state in which the second label L2 created previously is cut. In this state, when the label generation device 2 receives the print data of the second label L2, the creation of the second label L2 is started. Also in FIG. 9, a margin of length db created by the relative positional relationship between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a is defined as the front margin area L2b.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), as the label tape TP is transported, the second label image is printed in the print area L2a by the print head 25. As shown in FIG. 9(c), the conveyance of the label tape TP is stopped at the timing when the half cutter 29b reaches the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the printing area L2a, and the half cut is performed by the half cutter 29b. A half cut line CL is formed.

As shown in FIG. 9(d), the label tape TP is continuously conveyed, and printing on the printing area L2a is completed. As shown in FIG. 9(e), the conveyance of the label tape TP is stopped at the timing when the half cutter 29b reaches the boundary between the print area L2a and the trailing margin area L2c, and the half cutter 29b performs a half cut to create a half cut. A cut line CL is formed.

As shown in FIG. 9(f), the label tape TP is continuously conveyed, and the conveyance of the label tape TP is stopped at the timing when the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the rear margin area L2c. As shown in FIG. 9(g), by cutting the label tape TP with the cutter 29a, a second label L2 having a front margin area L2b and a rear margin area L2c before and after the print area L2a is created. .

<First label creation process>
FIGS. 10(a) to 10(f) show an example of the process of creating the first label L1. The examples shown in FIGS. 10(a) to 10(f) correspond to, for example, a case where the automatic cut function by the cutter 29a is enabled in the label generation device 2.

FIG. 10A shows an initial position state in which the first label L1 created previously is cut. In this state, when the label generation device 2 receives the print data of the first label L1, creation of the first label L1 is started. Note that, as shown in FIG. 10(a), due to the relative positional relationship between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a in the label generation device 2, there is inevitably some space on the front side, which is the downstream side in the transport direction, of the first label L1 to be created. A margin of length db is created. As will be described later, in the step of creating the first label L1, the margin area L1b having the length db is cut off.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), as the label tape TP is conveyed, the print head 25 prints the first label image in the print area L1a. FIG. 10 shows a case where the first label image is, for example, a colored curtain-like pattern. The label tape TP is conveyed, and the conveyance of the label tape TP is stopped at the timing when the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the margin area L1b. As shown in FIG. 10(c), the label tape TP is cut by the cutter 29a, thereby removing the margin area L1b.

As shown in FIG. 10(d), the label tape TP is continuously conveyed, and printing on the printing area L1a is completed. As shown in FIG. 10(e), the label tape TP is continuously conveyed, and the conveyance of the label tape TP is stopped at the timing when the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the printing area L1a. As shown in FIG. 10(f), the label tape TP is cut by the cutter 29a, thereby creating a first label L1 having a printing area L1a.

Note that when the first labels L1 are created one by one, the margin area L1b is cut out as described above and the labels are created. On the other hand, when a plurality of first labels L1 are created in succession, before the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the printing area L1a in FIG. Printing of the first label image on the printing area L1a is started. Printing on the subsequent first label L1 is performed before and after cutting the label tape TP shown in FIG. 10(f). Before the printing on the subsequent first label L1 is completed and the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the printing area L1a, printing of the first label image on the printing area L1a of the subsequent first label L1 is started. . When a plurality of first labels L1 are created in succession through the above-described creation process, a margin area L1b is generated in the first label, so it is necessary to cut out the margin, but when two Since the margin area L1b is not generated for the labels after the eye, one label L1 is created in order without removing the margin.

FIGS. 11(a) to 11(d) show other examples of the process of creating the first label L1. The examples shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(d) correspond to, for example, a case where the automatic cut function by the cutter 29a in the label generation device 2 is disabled.

FIG. 11A shows an initial position state in which the first label L1 created previously is cut. In this state, when the label generation device 2 receives the print data of the first label L1, creation of the first label L1 is started. In the example shown in FIG. 11, since the user cuts the label tape TP using scissors or the like, the tip of the label tape TP is located on the front side, which is downstream of the cutter 29a by a predetermined distance in the transport direction. ing. That is, a margin larger than the length db inevitably occurs on the front side, which is the downstream side in the transport direction, of the second label L2 to be created. The margin area L1b larger than the length db is finally cut out by the user using scissors or the like. As shown in FIG. 11A, the cut mark Mb is printed by the print head 25 at approximately the same timing as the start of conveyance of the label tape TP. The cut mark Mb becomes the boundary between the margin area L1b and the print area L1a.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, the cut mark Mb is printed, for example, as a mark in which a design of scissors is inserted between two line segments separated on both sides in the label width direction on the boundary. Note that the cut mark Mb may be of any type as long as it serves as a mark when the user cuts using scissors or the like; for example, it may be a single straight line along the above boundary, or may be a dotted line, a dot, or a solid color. , a pattern other than scissors may be used.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), as the label tape TP is conveyed, the print head 25 prints the first label image in the print area L1a. As shown in FIG. 11(c), when the label tape TP is continuously conveyed and printing of the first label image is completed, and the print head 25 reaches the rear end position of the first label L1, the print head 25 A cut mark Mb is printed. The cut mark Mb becomes the boundary between the first label L1 currently being created and the first label L1 that will be created subsequently. As shown in FIG. 11(d), a position where the rear cut mark Mb, which is the upstream side in the conveyance direction of the first label L1, is downstream of the cutter 29a by a predetermined distance in the conveyance direction, for example, the rear cut mark Mb The label tape TP is conveyed until it reaches a position where it is exposed to the outside from the housing of the label generating device 2, and then stopped. Thereby, the first label L1 is created by the user cutting the label tape TP along the two cut marks Mb on the front side and the rear side using scissors or the like.

In addition, also in the production process shown in FIG. 11, when the first labels L1 are produced one by one, a blank area L1b will be generated in each label. On the other hand, when multiple first labels L1 are created in succession, the first label has a margin area L1b, but the second and subsequent labels have a margin area L1b. do not have.

<Length of first label and second label>
FIG. 12 shows the lengths in the transport direction of the first label L1 and second label L2 created by the above-described creation process. The lengths of the first label L1 and the second label L2 in the transport direction are determined by the transport amount of the label tape TP when creating the first label L1 and the transport amount of the label tape TP when creating the second label L2, respectively. Equivalent to.

As shown in FIG. 12, the second label L2 includes a front margin area L2b, a print area L2a, and a rear margin area L2c. The lengths of the second label L2, front margin area L2b, print area L2a, and rear margin area L2c in the conveyance direction are D2, db, da, and dc, respectively. D2 is equal to the sum of db, da, and dc. db and dc are approximately equal. When a plurality of second labels L2 are created in succession, the order of each area is as shown in FIG. 12: front margin area L2b, print area L2a, back margin area L2c, front margin area L2b, print area L2a. , rear margin area L2c, and so on. The same arrangement occurs when the second labels L2 are created one by one.

The first label L1 includes a print area L1a. The length of the first label L1 in the transport direction, that is, the length of the print area L1a in the transport direction is D1. D1 is approximately equal to the length da of the print area L2a of the second label L2. When a plurality of first labels L1 are created in succession, the arrangement of the respective regions is as shown in FIG. 12: margin region L1b, print region L1a, print region L1a, . . . . When the first label L1 is created one by one, there are a margin area L1b, a print area L1a, a margin area L1b, a print area L1a, and so on. The length of the margin area L1b in the conveyance direction is db, which is approximately equal to the length db of the front margin area L2b of the second label L2.

From the above, the second transport amount, which is the transport amount of the label tape TP by the feed roller drive shaft 23b when creating the second label L2, is D2. The first transport amount, which is the transport amount of the label tape TP by the feed roller drive shaft 23b when creating the first label L1, is D1 or D1+db. Therefore, the second transport amount D2 is larger than the first transport amount D1, D1+db.

The second transport amount D2 is the first transport amount D1+db, which is the transport amount when creating the first labels L1 one by one, or the first label when creating a plurality of first labels L1 in succession. The first transport amount D1+db, which is the transport amount, is larger by the length dc of the rear margin area L2c. Further, the second conveyance amount D2 is longer than the first conveyance amount D1, which is the conveyance amount of the second and subsequent labels when a plurality of first labels L1 are continuously created, by the length db of the front margin area L2b. and the length dc of the rear margin area L2c.

<Control procedure>
An example of a control procedure executed by the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 and the CPU 21a of the label generation device 2 in order to realize label creation and the like in this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14.

In step S1, the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 accepts a user's operation to edit the first label image printed on the first label L1 and the second label image printed on the second label L2.

In step S3, the CPU 31 accepts a print setting operation by the user. The contents of the print settings include, for example, enabling or disabling the handle function that adds a margin for the handle to the second label L2, enabling or disabling the auto cut function, enabling or disabling the half cut function, the number of print sheets, etc. is included.

In step S5, the CPU 31 transmits print data to the label generation device 2 based on the contents received in steps S1 and S3. The print data includes a first label image to be printed on the first label L1, a second label image to be printed on the second label L2, a layer identification symbol indicating the stacking position of each label image, and a layer identification symbol used for printing each label image. The information includes information on the medium used indicating the type of cartridge 5 to be used, the contents of the print settings, and the like. The layer identification symbol is information indicating, for example, that the first label image is the lower layer and the second label image is the upper layer.

In step S7, the CPU 21a of the label generating device 2 receives the print data transmitted from the information terminals 3 and 4. The print data includes the layer identification symbol. The above-mentioned step S7 is an example of an information acquisition process for acquiring overlapping pasting information indicating that the second label is a label for overlapping and is pasted on an upper layer than the first label.

In step S9, the CPU 21a determines whether the cartridge 5 attached to the cartridge holder 22a corresponds to the first label L1 based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 22b. When the CPU 21a determines that the installed cartridge 5 corresponds to the first label L1 (step S9: Yes), the process proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the CPU 21a determines whether the autocut function is enabled based on the contents of the received print settings. If the CPU 21a determines that the autocut function is valid (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the CPU 21a starts transporting the label tape TP, and prints the leading portion of the first label image using the print head 25. The "leading portion" is the portion of the first label image that is printed by the print head 25 until the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the margin area L1b. The step S13 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 10(b).

In step S15, the CPU 21a stops transporting the label tape TP, and cuts the label tape TP with the cutter 29a. As a result, the margin area L1b is removed. The step S15 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 10(c).

In step S17, the CPU 21a resumes conveyance of the label tape TP, and prints the remainder of the first label image using the print head 25. The "remaining portion" is a portion of the first label image other than the above-mentioned "leading portion". The step S17 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 10(d).

In step S19, the CPU 21a determines, based on the content of the received print settings, whether or not there is next label data, in other words, whether or not the first labels L1 are to be continuously created. When the CPU 21a determines that there is next label data (step S19: Yes), the process returns to step S13. As a result, steps S13 to S17 are repeated while there is next label data. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that there is no next label data (step S19: No), the process proceeds to step S21.

In step S21, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The "predetermined distance" is the conveyance distance until the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the printing area L1a. The step S21 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 10(e).

In step S23, the CPU 21a stops transporting the label tape TP, and cuts the label tape TP with the cutter 29a. As a result, the first label L1 is created. The step S23 corresponds to FIG. 10(f) described above. Thereafter, the process moves to step S35, which will be described later.

Note that in step S11, if the CPU 21a determines that the autocut function is disabled (step S11: No), the process proceeds to step S25.

In step S25, the CPU 21a starts transporting the label tape TP, and prints a cut mark Mb using the print head 25 at approximately the same timing as the start of transport. The step S25 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 11(a).

In step S27, the CPU 21a prints the first label image using the print head 25 while transporting the label tape TP. The step S27 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 11(b).

In step S29, the CPU 21a determines, based on the content of the received print settings, whether or not there is next label data, in other words, whether or not the first labels L1 are to be continuously created. When the CPU 21a determines that there is next label data (step S29: Yes), the process returns to step S25. As a result, steps S25 to S27 are repeated while there is next label data. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that there is no next label data (step S29: No), the process proceeds to step S31.

In step S31, the CPU 21a prints a cut mark Mb at the rear end position of the first label L1 using the print head 25 while transporting the label tape TP. The step S31 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 11(c).

In step S33, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The “predetermined distance” is, for example, the conveyance distance until the rear cut mark Mb reaches a position where it is exposed to the outside from the casing of the label generating device 2. The step S33 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 11(d).

The above steps S13 to S23 or steps S25 to S33 are an example of the first printing process.

In step S35, the CPU 21a determines whether printing of both the first label L1 and the second label L2 has been completed. If the CPU 21a determines that printing of both labels has not been completed (step S35: No), the process proceeds to step S37.

In step S37, the CPU 21a transmits to the information terminals 3 and 4 status information indicating which labels have been printed and which labels have not been printed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S9.

On the other hand, in step S35, if the CPU 21a determines that printing of both labels has been completed (step S35: Yes), the process proceeds to step S39.

In step S39, the CPU 21a transmits status information indicating that printing of both the first label L1 and the second label L2 has been completed to the information terminals 3 and 4. After that, the CPU 21a ends this flowchart.

On the other hand, in step S41, the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 selects the cartridge 5 currently installed in the cartridge holder 22a for printing the next label based on the status information transmitted from the label generating device 2 in step S37. For example, a cartridge replacement instruction to replace the cartridge 5 with a compatible cartridge 5 is displayed on the display unit 34 or the touch panel 37.

In step S43, the CPU 31 displays a print completion display indicating that printing of both the first label L1 and the second label L2 has been completed, based on the status information transmitted from the label generation device 2 in step S39. , for example, is displayed on the display unit 34 or the touch panel 37. After that, the CPU 31 ends this flowchart.

Note that in step S9, if the CPU 21a determines that the mounted cartridge 5 does not correspond to the first label L1 (step S9: No), the process proceeds to step S45 in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, in step S45, the CPU 21a determines whether the handle function is enabled based on the content of the received print settings. When the CPU 21a determines that the handle function is invalid (step S45: No), the process proceeds to step S47.

In step S47, the CPU 21a sets the print mode to normal print mode. In the normal print mode, the CPU 21a does not perform the process of adding a margin for the handle when creating the second label L2. In other words, the CPU 21a does not make the second transport amount of the label tape TP larger than the first transport amount. The normal print mode is an example of the second mode setting. After that, the process moves to step S11 in FIG. As a result, the second label L2, which does not have a handle margin, is printed in the same procedure as the first label L1 in steps S11 to S33 described above.

On the other hand, in step S45, if the CPU 21a determines that the handle function is valid (step S45: Yes), the process proceeds to step S49.

In step S49, the CPU 21a sets the print mode to the handle print mode. In the handle printing mode, the CPU 21a executes a process of adding a margin for the handle when creating the second label L2. In other words, the CPU 21a makes the second transport amount of the label tape TP larger than the first transport amount. The handle printing mode is an example of the first mode setting.

In step S51, the CPU 21a determines whether the half-cut function is enabled based on the content of the received print settings. When the CPU 21a determines that the half-cut function is valid (step S51: Yes), the process proceeds to step S53.

In step S53, the CPU 21a starts transporting the label tape TP, and causes the print head 25 to print the first part of the second label image. The "leading portion" is a portion of the second label image that is printed by the print head 25 until the half cutter 29b reaches the rear end position of the front margin area L2b. The step S53 corresponds to FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 9(c) described above.

In step S55, the CPU 21a stops transporting the label tape TP, and performs a half cut to cut only the label body 6 portion of the label tape TP using the half cutter 29b. As a result, a half-cut line CL is formed at the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a. The step S55 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 9(c).

In step S57, the CPU 21a resumes conveyance of the label tape TP, and prints the remaining portion of the second label image using the print head 25. The "remaining portion" is a portion of the second label image other than the above-mentioned "leading portion". The step S57 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 9(d).

In step S59, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The "predetermined distance" is the conveyance distance until the half cutter 29b reaches the rear end position of the printing area L2a. The step S59 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 9(e).

In step S61, the CPU 21a stops transporting the label tape TP, and performs a half cut using the half cutter 29b. As a result, a half-cut line CL is formed at the boundary between the print area L2a and the rear margin area L2c. The step S61 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 9(e). Thereafter, the process moves to step S71, which will be described later.

Note that in step S51, if the CPU 21a determines that the half-cut function is disabled (step S51: No), the process proceeds to step S63.

In step S63, the CPU 21a starts transporting the label tape TP, and prints a cut mark Ma using the print head 25 at approximately the same timing as the start of transport. The step S63 corresponds to the above-mentioned FIG. 8(a). The step S63 is an example of the third printing process.

In step S65, the CPU 21a prints the second label image on the print area L2a using the print head 25 while transporting the label tape TP. The step S65 corresponds to FIG. 8(b) and FIG. 8(c) described above.

In step S67, the CPU 21a prints a cut mark Ma at the rear end position of the print area L2a using the print head 25 while transporting the label tape TP. The step S67 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 8(d). The step S67 is an example of the third printing process.

In step S69, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The "predetermined distance" is, for example, the transport distance until the print head 25 reaches the rear end position of the rear margin area L2c.

In step S71, the CPU 21a determines, based on the contents of the received print settings, whether or not there is next label data, in other words, whether or not the second label L2 is to be continuously created. If the CPU 21a determines that there is no next label data (step S71: No), the process proceeds to step S73.

In step S73, the CPU 21a determines whether the autocut function is enabled based on the content of the received print settings. When the CPU 21a determines that the autocut function is valid (step S73: Yes), the process proceeds to step S75.

In step S75, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The "predetermined distance" is the conveyance distance until the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the rear margin area L2c. The step S75 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 8(f).

In step S77, the CPU 21a stops transporting the label tape TP, and cuts the label tape TP with the cutter 29a. As a result, the second label L2 with a margin for the handle is created. The step S77 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 8(g). Thereafter, the process moves to step S83, which will be described later.

Note that in step S73, if the CPU 21a determines that the autocut function is disabled (step S73: No), the process proceeds to step S79.

In step S79, the CPU 21a uses the print head 25 to print a cut mark Mb at the rear end position of the rear margin area L2c.

In step S81, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The “predetermined distance” is, for example, the conveyance distance until the cut mark Mb reaches a position where it is exposed to the outside from the casing of the label generating device 2.

Steps S53 to S61 and S75 to S77, Steps S53 to S61 and S79 to S81, Steps S63 to S69 and S75 to S77, or Steps S63 to S69 and S79 ~Step S81 is an example of the second printing process.

In step S83, the CPU 21a determines whether printing of both the first label L1 and the second label L2 has been completed. If the CPU 21a determines that printing of both labels is not completed (step S83: No), the process moves to step S37 in FIG. 13. On the other hand, if the CPU 21a determines that printing of both labels has been completed (step S83: Yes), the process proceeds to step S39 in FIG. 13.

In addition, in the said step S71, if CPU21a determines that the next label data exists (step S71: Yes), it will transfer to step S85.

In step S85, the CPU 21a determines whether the autocut function is enabled based on the content of the received print settings. If the CPU 21a determines that the autocut function is valid (step S85: Yes), the process proceeds to step S87.

In step S87, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The "predetermined distance" is the conveyance distance until the cutter 29a reaches the rear end position of the rear margin area L2c. The step S87 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 8(f).

In step S89, the CPU 21a stops transporting the label tape TP, and cuts the label tape TP with the cutter 29a. As a result, the second label L2 with a margin for the handle is created. The step S89 corresponds to the above-described FIG. 8(g). Thereafter, the process returns to step S51.

Note that in step S85, if the CPU 21a determines that the autocut function is disabled (step S85: No), the process proceeds to step S91.

In step S91, the CPU 21a uses the print head 25 to print a cut mark Mb at the rear end position of the rear margin area L2c.

In step S93, the CPU 21a transports the label tape TP a predetermined distance. The “predetermined distance” is, for example, the conveyance distance until the cut mark Mb reaches a position where it is exposed to the outside from the casing of the label generating device 2. Thereafter, the process returns to step S51.

<Effects of the first embodiment>
As explained above, in this embodiment, the user creates the overlapping label L3, which is the first label L1 and the second label L2 pasted together in the thickness direction. During production, the adhesive surface 6b of the second label L2 is bonded to the non-adhesive surface 6a of the first label L1. At this time, for example, with the first label L1 placed horizontally, the user grips the left end of the second label L2 with his left hand and the right end with his right hand to position the second label L2 with respect to the placed first label L1. At the same time, paste the parts together.

In this embodiment, the CPU 21a of the label generation device 2 performs a first printing process for generating the first label L1 and a second printing process for generating the second label L2. The first printing process is, for example, steps S13 to S23 or steps S25 to S33. The second printing process is performed, for example, in steps S53 to S61 and S75 to S77, S53 to S61 and S79 to S81, S63 to S69 and S75 to S77, or S63 to S69. and steps S79 to S81. In the first printing process, the label tape TP is transported by the feed roller drive shaft 23b, and the first label image is printed by the print head 25 on the transported label tape TP, thereby generating the first label L1. be done. In the second printing process, the label tape TP is transported by the feed roller drive shaft 23b, and a second label image is printed by the print head 25 on the transported label tape TP, thereby generating the second label L2. be done.

During the first printing process and the second printing process, the CPU 21a makes the second transport amount of the label tape TP larger than the first transport amount of the label tape TP in order to improve user convenience. Thereby, the generated second label L2 can be made longer than the generated first label L1. As a result, when the user grips both ends of the second label L2 and performs pasting while positioning it relative to the first label L1, the longer length of the second label L2 is used for gripping the second label L2. It can be used as a dedicated space. Thereby, the second label L2 can be easily pasted onto the first label L1, and convenience for the user can be improved.

Further, in this embodiment, in particular, the CPU 21a executes step S7 of receiving print data transmitted from the information terminals 3 and 4. The print data includes a layer identification symbol for each label. Thereby, the CPU 21a can recognize that the second label L2 is an upper layer label whose conveyance distance should be increased based on the acquired layer identification symbol.

Further, in this embodiment, in particular, due to the structure of the label generating device 2 and the relative positional relationship between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a, a blank space may inevitably occur on the downstream side of the printing area L2a in the conveyance direction. In the present embodiment, this naturally occurring margin is set as a front margin area L2b, and a rear margin area L2c is generated by the second printing process, and the front and rear margin areas L2b and L2c are used for gripping the second label L2. It can be used as a dedicated space for

Further, in this embodiment, in particular, the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a and the boundary between the print area L2a and the rear margin area L2c are cut to a partial depth in the thickness direction. A so-called half cut is performed. By half-cutting, the label body 6 of the second label L2 can be divided into three parts: a front margin area L2b part, a print area L2a part, and a rear margin area L2c part. Therefore, positioning can be easily performed with respect to the first label L1, which has approximately the same size as the outer shape of the printing area L2a portion, and as a result, bonding can be performed smoothly.

Further, in this embodiment, especially when the half cut function by the half cutter 29b is disabled in the label generation device 2, or when the label generation device 2 does not include the half cutter 29b, the front margin area L2b/print area Cut marks Ma are printed on two areas: the boundary area between L2a and the boundary area between print area L2a and rear margin area L2c. Cut mark Ma is used as a positioning mark. Since the two cut marks Ma can represent the approximate position of the outer contour of the printing area L2a portion of the label body 6 of the second label L2, Positioning can be easily performed and bonding can be performed smoothly. Furthermore, using the above two cut marks Ma, the user can manually cut between the front margin area L2b part and the print area L2a part, and between the print area L2a part and the rear margin area L2c part, respectively. By cutting it, it is possible to create a stacked label L3, which is the final purpose.

In addition, in this embodiment, in particular, depending on the user's needs and preferences, there is a handle print mode that can create a dedicated space for holding the second label during pasting, and a normal print mode that does not do this. can be used properly.

<Second embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment in which a process for adding a handle margin to a label is executed on the information terminal side.

The overall configuration of the printing system 1, the configurations of the information terminals 3 and 4 and the label generation device 2, the creation process of each label L1 and L2, etc. in this embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment described above, so the explanation will be omitted. .

<Control procedure>
An example of a control procedure executed by the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 and the CPU 21a of the label generation device 2 in order to realize label creation etc. in this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, in step S105, the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 allows the user to edit the first label image printed on the first label L1 and the second label image printed on the second label L2. Accept operations. The step S105 is an example of a reception process for accepting a creation instruction to create a stacked label.

In step S110, the CPU 31 accepts a print setting operation by the user. The contents of the print settings include, for example, whether a handle function that adds a handle margin to the second label L2 is enabled or disabled, the number of print sheets, and the like.

In step S115, the CPU 31 resets the value of N representing the number of processed labels to 1.

In step S120, the CPU 31 determines whether the processing target is the upper layer label, in other words, whether the processing target is the second label L2. Note that the "upper layer label" here refers to a label that is not the bottom layer label; for example, in the case of a label with three or more layered layers, if the target to be processed is not the bottom layer label, the "upper layer label" is used. Determine as. If the CPU 31 determines that the processing target is not an upper layer label (step S120: No), the process proceeds to step S135, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the processing target is an upper layer label (step S120: Yes), the process proceeds to step S125.

In step S125, the CPU 31 determines whether the handle function is enabled based on the content of the print settings received in step S110. If the CPU 31 determines that the handle function is invalid (step S125: No), the process proceeds to step S135, which will be described later. On the other hand, if the CPU 31 determines that the handle function is valid (step S125: Yes), the process proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the CPU 31 adds a front margin area L2b and a rear margin area L2c to the print area L2a of the second label L2, and also adds a boundary area between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a, and a boundary area between the print area L2a and the rear margin area. A cut mark Ma is added to the boundary area with L2c. In other words, the CPU 31 adds the first image corresponding to the front margin area L2b toward the downstream side in the conveying direction from one end of the second label image to be printed in the printing area L2a of the second label L2, and A third label image is generated by adding a second image corresponding to the trailing blank area L2c from the other end opposite to one end of the label image toward the upstream side in the conveyance direction. The first image and the second image may be blank, or may include some characters, designs, etc. The downstream side in the conveyance direction is an example of the first direction, and the upstream side in the conveyance direction is an example of the second direction opposite to the first direction. The step S130 is an example of the generation process.

In step S135, the CPU 31 determines whether the number N of labels to be processed matches the number of layers of the stacked label L3 to be created. In this embodiment, in which the first label L1 and the second label L2 are pasted together in the thickness direction to create the stacked label L3, the number of layers is two. If the CPU 21a determines that the number of processes N does not match the number of layers (step S135: No), the process proceeds to step S140.

In step S140, the CPU 31 adds 1 to the value of the number of processes N. After that, the process returns to step S120.

On the other hand, in step S135, if the CPU 31 determines that the number of processes N matches the number of layers (step S135: Yes), the process proceeds to step S145. In step S145, the CPU 31 prints the first label image to be printed on the first label L1, the third label image to be printed on the second label L2, print setting contents, and cartridge information corresponding to the first label image and the third label image, respectively. etc. are packaged as print data.

In step S150, the CPU 31 transmits the print data packaged in step S145 to the label generation device 2. The step S150 is an example of a print instruction sending process that sends a print instruction for the first label image and the third label image to a label generation device having a printing unit.

In step S155, the CPU 21a of the label generation device 2 receives the print data transmitted from the information terminals 3 and 4. The step S155 is an example of the first print instruction acquisition process and the second print instruction acquisition process.

In step S160, the CPU 21a reads print data corresponding to the type of cartridge 5 attached to the cartridge holder 22a from among the print data received from the information terminals 3 and 4 based on the detection result by the cartridge sensor 22b. For example, when the cartridge 5 corresponding to the first label L1 is installed in the cartridge holder 22a, the CPU 21a reads the print data corresponding to the first label L1, and loads the cartridge 5 corresponding to the second label L2 into the cartridge holder 22a. If the second label L2 is attached, print data corresponding to the second label L2 is read.

In step S165, the CPU 21a executes a print process to print the print data read in step S160.

In step S170, the CPU 21a determines whether printing of both the first label L1 and the second label L2 has been completed. If the CPU 21a determines that printing of both labels has not been completed (step S170: No), the process proceeds to step S175.

In step S175, the CPU 21a transmits to the information terminals 3 and 4 status information indicating which labels have been printed and which labels have not been printed. Thereafter, the process returns to step S160.

On the other hand, in step S170, if the CPU 21a determines that printing of both labels has been completed (step S170: Yes), the process proceeds to step S180.

In step S180, the CPU 21a transmits status information indicating that printing of both the first label L1 and the second label L2 has been completed to the information terminals 3 and 4. After that, the CPU 31 ends this flowchart.

On the other hand, in step S185, the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 selects the cartridge 5 currently installed in the cartridge holder 22a for printing the next label based on the status information transmitted from the label generation device 2 in step S175. For example, a cartridge replacement instruction to replace the cartridge 5 with a compatible cartridge 5 is displayed on the display unit 34 or the touch panel 37.

In step S190, the CPU 31 displays a print completion display indicating that printing of both the first label L1 and the second label L2 has been completed, based on the status information transmitted from the label generation device 2 in step S180. , for example, is displayed on the display unit 34 or the touch panel 37. After that, the CPU 31 ends this flowchart.

<Effects of the second embodiment>
As explained above, in this embodiment, the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 adds images for generating margins to both ends of the second label image to generate the third label image. Thereby, the second label L2 generated by printing the third label image on the label tape TP in the label generation device 2, and the second label L2 generated by printing the first label image on the label tape TP. It can be made longer than one label L1. Therefore, the length longer than the first label L1 can be used as a dedicated space for holding the second label L2, and the second label L2 can be easily attached to the first label L1. I can do it. Therefore, convenience for the user can be improved.

<Modified example>
Note that the present invention is not limited to the first and second embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea thereof.

For example, in order to eliminate the blank space caused by the relative positional relationship between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a, the label generating device 2 moves the label tape TP a predetermined distance upstream in the transport direction before starting printing. In some cases, a reverse conveyance function is provided to convey only the same amount. When the label generation device 2 has such a reverse conveyance function, after performing the reverse conveyance, the front margin area L2b may be formed by conveying the same distance again toward the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

Further, in the above description, a case has been described in which the blank space generated due to the relative positional relationship between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a is utilized as the front blank area L2b with the same dimensions, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, depending on the model of the label generation device 2, the distance between the print head 25 and the cutter 29a may be short, and in such a case, if the front margin area L2b is formed with the same dimensions, the handle may not be large enough. It may happen. In this embodiment, in such a case, the size of the front margin area L2b may be ensured by adding and conveying the label tape TP by a predetermined distance.

Further, in the above description, the length db of the front margin area L2b of the second label L2 in the conveyance direction and the length dc of the rear margin area L2c in the conveyance direction are formed to be equal, but the present invention is not limited to this. From the viewpoint that the user holds the front margin area L2b portion with the left hand and the rear margin area L2c portion with the right hand, it is preferable that the front margin area L2b and the rear margin area L2c have the same length. The length of each margin may be different.

Further, in the above description, a case has been described in which half-cutting is performed by cutting only the label body 6 without cutting the release material 7 on the label tape TP, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, half-cutting is performed by cutting only the release material 7 without cutting the label body 6 at the boundary between the front margin area L2b and the print area L2a and the boundary between the print area L2a and the rear margin area L2c. Good too. In this case, the user can perform the bonding work by peeling off the release material 7 from the printing area L2a portion and grasping the release material 7 remaining from the front margin region L2b portion and the rear margin region L2c portion. . In this case, after pasting, the margin portion of the second label L2 may be cut out using scissors or the like.

Further, in the second embodiment, the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 instructs the label generation device to print the first label image and the third label image obtained by adding the first image and the second image to the second label image. However, the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 is not limited to this, and the CPU 31 of the information terminals 3 and 4 sends a print instruction to the label generation device, for example, including an instruction to convey a predetermined amount of label tape TP after printing the second label image. It may be sent to 2. In this case, the first print instruction acquired by the label generation device 2 through the first print instruction acquisition process is a print instruction to print the first label image, and the second print instruction acquired through the second print instruction acquisition process is In addition to the print instruction to print the second label image, the information may also include information specifying a transport amount for transporting the label tape TP by a predetermined amount after printing the second label image.

In addition, in the above description, when "perpendicular", "parallel", "plane", etc. are described, the descriptions do not have strict meanings. In other words, the terms "perpendicular," "parallel," and "plane" mean "substantially perpendicular," "substantially parallel," and "substantially plane," allowing for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors. .

Furthermore, in the above description, when external dimensions and sizes are described as "same", "equal", "different", etc., the descriptions do not have a strict meaning. In other words, the terms "same," "equal," and "different" mean "substantially the same," "substantially equal," and "substantially different," allowing for design and manufacturing tolerances and errors. .

Furthermore, in the above, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15 do not limit the present invention to the steps shown in the above flows, and additions and deletions of steps may be made within the scope of the gist and technical idea of the invention. Alternatively, the order may be changed.

Further, in addition to the methods described above, the methods according to the above embodiments and each modification may be used in combination as appropriate.

Although not illustrated in detail, the present invention can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the invention.

1 Printing system 2 Label generation device 3 Information terminal 4 Information terminal 6a Non-adhesive surface 6b Adhesive surface 21a CPU (an example of a control unit)
23b Feed roller drive shaft (example of conveyance section)
25 Print head (an example of the printing section)
29b Half cutter (example of cutting part)
31 CPU (an example of arithmetic unit)
L1 First label L2 Second label L2a Print area L2b Front margin area L2c Back margin area L3 Overlap label Ma Cut mark (an example of a mark)
TP label tape (an example of the first medium and second medium)

Claims (9)

The first label and the second label are used to create a stacked label in which the non-adhesive surface of the first label printed on the first medium and the adhesive surface of the second label printed on the second medium are pasted together in the thickness direction. A label generation device that generates a label,
printing department and
A transport section;
a control unit;
has
The control unit includes:
a first printing process of causing the first medium to be conveyed to the conveyance unit and causing the printing unit to print a first label image to generate the first label;
a second printing process of causing the second medium to be conveyed to the conveyance unit and causing the printing unit to print a second label image to generate the second label;
Run
A second transport amount of the second medium by the transport unit in the second printing process is larger than a first transport amount of the first medium by the transport unit in the first print process.
Label generator. The control unit further includes:
an information acquisition process that acquires overlapping information indicating that the second label is a label for overlapping and is pasted on a layer above the first label;
The label generation device according to claim 1, which performs the following. The control unit further includes:
a first print instruction acquisition process that acquires a first print instruction to convey the first medium by a first conveyance amount and print the first label image in the first print process;
a second print instruction acquisition process that acquires a second print instruction to print the second label image by conveying the second medium by a second conveyance amount that is larger than the first conveyance amount in the second print process; ,
The label generation device according to claim 1, which performs the following. The second label printed on the second medium is
a printing area in which the second label image is formed;
a front margin area located downstream of the printing area in the transport direction;
a trailing margin area located upstream of the printing area in the transport direction;
has
The second transport amount by the transport unit in the second printing process is larger by the rear margin area than the first transport amount by the transport unit in the first print process.
The label generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The second label printed on the second medium is
a printing area in which the second label image is formed;
a front margin area located downstream of the printing area in the transport direction;
a trailing margin area located upstream of the printing area in the transport direction;
has
The second transport amount by the transport unit in the second printing process is larger than the first transport amount by the transport unit in the first print process by the sum of the front margin area and the rear margin area.
The label generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Equipped with a cutting section,
The control unit further includes:
Half-cut processing is performed in which a boundary between the front margin area and the print area and a boundary between the print area and the rear margin area of the second medium are partially cut in the thickness direction by the cutting section. ,
The label generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5. The control unit further includes:
A third printing process is performed in which the printing unit prints a mark in a boundary area between the front margin area and the print area and a boundary area between the print area and the rear margin area on the second medium. ,
The label generating device according to claim 4 or claim 5. The control unit includes:
a first mode setting in which a second transport amount of the second medium is made larger than a first transport amount of the first medium during the first print process and the second print process;
a second mode setting in which the second transport amount of the second medium is not made larger than the first transport amount of the first medium during the first printing process and the second printing process;
The label generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the label generating device is switchable. For the calculation unit included in the information terminal,
The non-adhesive surface of the first label generated by printing the first label image on the first medium and the adhesive surface of the second label generated by printing the second label image on the second medium are pasted together in the thickness direction. , a reception process for receiving a creation instruction to create a stacked label;
Adding a first image in a first direction from one end of the second label image, and adding a second image in a second direction opposite to the first direction from the other end opposite to the one end of the second label image. a generation process for generating a third label image;
a print instruction sending process of sending a print instruction for the first label image and the third label image to a label generation device;
A label generation program to run.