JP2024030080A - Label printer and information processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

To enable an operator of a label printer to easily specify recycling characters.SOLUTION: A label printer includes storage means, detection means, generation means and print means. The storage means stores symbol string data composed of enumeration of a plurality of symbol codes each indicating symbols. The detection means detects a symbol code of a symbol predetermined as a modified symbol from symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means. The generation means generates a print image in which as for the symbol indicated the symbol code excluding the symbol code detected by the detection means among the symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means, a symbol indicated by the symbol code sandwiched between the symbol codes detected by the detection means is applied with decoration according to the symbol code detected by the detection means. The print means prints the print image generated by the generation means on a label sheet.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a label printer and an information processing program.

2. Description of the Related Art Label printers that issue labels to be attached to products sold at retail stores are already known.
A label issued by a label printer may include a recycling indication regarding the packaging material of the product to which the label is attached. The recycling display includes a recycling mark representing the classification for separate collection of the packaging material and recycling characters representing the material of the packaging material. For example, in the case of a packaging container made of a composite material made by laminating polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate, there is a recycle mark indicating that the classification is "plastic" and a "PP" recycling symbol indicating that the material is polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate. , PET' are included in the recycling display. In the case of composite materials, the letters representing the main material must be underlined. That is, for example, if polypropylene is the main material, only "PP" among the recycled characters needs to be underlined. Therefore, there are many recycled characters depending on the combination of materials and which of those materials is the main material.
In a situation where such a large number of recycled characters exist, it has been desired that an operator of a label printer be able to easily specify the recycled characters to be printed on a label.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-7628

An object of the present invention is to provide a label printer and an information processing program that allow a label printer operator to easily specify recycled characters to be printed on a label.

The label printer of the embodiment includes a storage means, a detection means, a generation means, and a printing means. The storage means stores symbol string data consisting of an enumeration of a plurality of symbol codes each representing a symbol. The detection means detects a symbol code of a symbol predetermined as a modifier symbol from among the symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means. The generating means is configured to sandwich symbols represented by symbol codes other than the symbol code detected by the detection means among the symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means between the symbol codes detected by the detection means. The symbol represented by the symbol code detected by the detecting means is modified in accordance with the symbol code detected by the detection means to generate a printed image. The printing means prints the print image generated by the generation means on label paper.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main circuit configuration of a label printer according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of one piece of setting data regarding a format. 5 is a flowchart of a processing routine for format selection and editing. 5 is a flowchart of a processing routine for format selection and editing. The figure which shows the selection screen as an example. The figure which shows the edit screen as an example. The figure which shows the list screen as an example. The figure which shows the input screen as an example. Flowchart of a processing routine for label printing. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a label image developed in an image memory.

Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main circuit configuration of a label printer 1 according to this embodiment.
Label printer 1 includes a processor 11, a memory unit 12, a hardware clock 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, a print unit 16, an interface unit 17, and a transmission line 18.

The processor 11 is capable of communicating with a memory unit 12, a hardware clock 13, a display unit 14, an input unit 15, a print unit 16, and an interface unit 17 via a transmission path 18. By connecting the processor 11 and the memory unit 12 via the transmission line 18, a computer for controlling the label printer 1 is configured.

The processor 11 corresponds to the central part of the computer. The processor 11 executes information processing to realize various functions of the label printer 1 according to information processing programs such as an operating system, firmware, and application programs. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (central processing unit).

The memory unit 12 corresponds to the main memory portion and auxiliary memory portion of the computer. Memory unit 12 includes a read-only memory area and a rewritable memory area. The memory unit 12 stores the above information processing program in a read-only memory area. The memory unit 12 may store data necessary for the processor 11 to perform information processing in a read-only memory area or a rewritable memory area. The memory unit 12 uses a rewritable memory area as a work area in which data is appropriately rewritten by the processor 11. The read-only memory area includes, for example, a ROM (read only memory) and an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory) storage area. The rewritable memory area is, for example, a RAM (random access memory) storage area. The read-only memory area may be, for example, a storage area such as an HDD (hard disc drive) or an SSD (solid state drive).
One of the information processing programs stored in the memory unit 12 is a control program PR. The control program PR is an information processing program that describes information processing for controlling the operation of the label printer 1, including control processing to be described later.

The hardware clock 13 constantly performs timekeeping operations and outputs date information. The date information indicates at least the month and day. In this embodiment, the date information indicates the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second, respectively. That is, in this embodiment, the date information indicates the date and time. Hardware clock 13 may be replaced by a software clock, such as a system clock managed by an operating system.

The display unit 14 performs various display operations to notify the operator of various information. As the display unit 14, well-known display devices such as a screen display device such as a liquid crystal display and a light emitting device such as an LED lamp can be used alone or in combination. The display device included in the display unit 14 is, for example, a display device included in a touch panel.

The input unit 15 inputs various instructions from the operator. As the input unit 15, well-known input devices such as a touch sensor, a key switch, and a keyboard can be used alone or in combination. The input device included in the input unit 15 is, for example, a touch sensor included in the above-mentioned touch panel.

The printing unit 16 prints a label image representing characters or the like on a label sheet pasted on one side of the mount while conveying the long and narrow mount. The mount and label paper are typically made of paper, but may be made of other materials such as resin. Furthermore, the materials of the mount and the label paper may be different from each other. The printing unit may employ any of various known printing methods such as a thermal type, a thermal transfer type, a dot impact type, or an inkjet type.

The interface unit 17 performs communication processing for exchanging data with an external information terminal device or the like. As the interface unit 17, a well-known communication device conforming to, for example, the LAN (local area network) standard or the USB (universal serial bus) standard can be used.
The transmission line 18 includes an address bus, a data bus, a control signal line, etc., and transmits data and control signals exchanged between the connected parts.

The data stored in the memory unit 12 includes a setting data group DA. The setting data group DA is a set of setting data regarding various settings related to the operation of the label printer 1. One of the setting data represents the format of the label image to be printed on the label. The configuration data group DA may include a plurality of configuration data relating to different formats.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of one of the format-related setting data DAA.
Configuration data DAA is associated with one format. The format defines a plurality of print areas within the range of the label image as areas for printing information regarding different items. The setting data DAA includes fields FAA, FAB, FAC, FAD, and so on. A format number as an identifier of the associated format is set in the field FAA. A format name as an identification name of an associated format is set in the field FAB. After the field FAC, area data regarding each of the print areas defined in the associated format is set. The number of print areas is arbitrary for each format. Therefore, the number of fields after field FAC included in the setting data DAA changes depending on how many print areas are set in the format with which the setting data DAA is associated.

One area data is associated with one print area and includes fields FBA, FBB, and FBC. An area number as an identifier of the associated print area is set in the field FBA. An item number as an identifier of the item related to the associated print area is set in the field FBB. Setting values regarding the associated print area are set in the field FBC. Field FBC may include multiple setting values. What setting values are included in the field FBC varies depending on which item the associated print area relates to.

The setting data group DA also includes recycled character data in which a symbol string that defines a registered recycled character (hereinafter referred to as a definition symbol string) is associated with a recycled character number as an identifier of the defined symbol string. It will be done. Note that the symbols that make up the definition symbol string also include characters that make up recycled characters. The definition symbol string is actually included in the setting data group DA as symbol string data consisting of a list of a plurality of symbol codes representing various symbols including characters. As the symbol code, a code compliant with a well-known standard such as Shift_JIS code can be used. A symbol code is also called a character code. The memory unit 12 that stores the setting data group DA thus corresponds to storage means that stores symbol string data.

Next, the operation of the label printer 1 configured as above will be explained. Note that the contents of the processes described below are merely examples, and the order of some processes may be changed, some processes may be omitted, or other processes may be added as appropriate.
The label printer 1 is used, for example, to issue labels to be attached to products displayed and sold at a store.

The processor 11 executes a processing routine for format selection and editing in accordance with the control program PR in response to an operator's declaration that a format is to be selected through a predetermined operation on the input unit 15, for example.
3 and 4 are flowcharts of a processing routine for format selection and editing.

As ACT11, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a selection screen. The selection screen is a screen for allowing the operator to select one of the formats represented by the setting data included in the setting data group DA.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example selection screen SCA. Note that in illustrations of the selection screen SCA and various screens to be described later, the outline of each screen is shown, and illustrations of some display elements may be omitted.
The selection screen SCA represents a key group KAA and a plurality of soft keys such as soft keys KAB that are not included in the key group KAA.

The key group KAA includes a plurality of soft keys for the operator to specify any one of the formats represented by the setting data included in the setting data group DA. In the example of FIG. 5, the topmost soft key is an operation key for specifying a format whose format number is "1" and format name is "AAA", and "1" is displayed in the area. and the letters "AAA".

Other soft keys such as soft key KAB are associated with each of a plurality of functions that the processor 11 receives designation on the selection screen SCA, and are operation keys for designating that function as a function to be executed. Note that the soft key KAB is an operation key for specifying format editing as a function to be executed.
These soft keys are GUI (graphical user interface) elements through which the processor 11 receives operations from the operator on the selection screen. Other display elements on the selection screen SCA may also be GUI elements.

In ACT12 in FIG. 3, the processor 11 checks whether one of the formats has been designated. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT13.
In ACT13, the processor 11 checks whether a function to be executed has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and returns to ACT12.
In this way, the processor 11 waits for the format or function to be specified as ACT12 and ACT13.

The operator specifies one of the formats by a predetermined operation such as tapping a soft key associated with a desired format from the key group KAA on the selection screen SCA. If such an operation is input through the input unit 15, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT12, and proceeds to ACT14.
In ACT14, the processor 11 sets the specified format as a valid format. The processor 11 then returns to the standby state for ACT12 and ACT13. Note that the processor 11 highlights soft keys associated with formats set as valid formats in a predetermined manner. In the selection screen SCA shown in FIG. 5, the processor 11 performs highlight display by displaying a thick line frame surrounding the topmost soft key. In other words, the selection screen SCA shown in FIG. 5 represents a situation where the format whose format name is "AAA" is set as the valid format.

When the operator finishes selecting a format and proceeds to some kind of treatment, the operator performs a predetermined operation such as tapping a soft key associated with a function for that treatment. If such an operation is input through the input unit 15, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT13, and proceeds to ACT15.
In ACT 15, the processor 11 checks whether the specified function is format editing. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 makes a negative determination and proceeds to a process for realizing the specified function, but a description of that case will be omitted.

If the operator wishes to edit the valid format, the operator performs a predetermined operation such as tapping the soft key KAB in FIG. 5, for example. If the processor 11 proceeds to ACT15 in response to such an operation being input by the input unit 15, it determines YES in ACT15 and proceeds to ACT16.
In ACT16, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display an editing screen. The editing screen is a screen for accepting various specifications related to editing the valid format.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the editing screen SCB.
The editing screen SCB represents a GUI element for specifying one item regarding each of the print areas included in the valid format. The GUI elements include display areas ABA, ABB and soft keys KBA, KBB. The processor 11 displays an item number and an item name regarding one item in display areas ABA and ABB, respectively. Soft keys KBA and KBB are operation keys for instructing forward and reverse forwarding of the items represented in display areas ABA and ABB, respectively.

Further, the editing screen SCB shows a plurality of soft keys including soft key KBC in addition to soft keys KBA and KBB. These soft keys are operation keys for specifying the functions associated with each as a function to be executed. Note that the soft key KBC is an operation key used by the operator to specify editing of an item set as a target item as described later as a function to be executed.

As ACT17, the processor 11 checks whether one of the items has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT18.
In ACT18, the processor 11 checks whether a function to be executed has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and returns to ACT17.
In this manner, the processor 11 waits for an item or function to be specified in ACT17 and ACT18.

The operator specifies one of the items by a predetermined operation such as tapping soft keys KBA and KBB. If such an operation is input through the input unit 15, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT17, and proceeds to ACT19.
In ACT 19, the processor 11 sets the specified item as an item to be edited. For example, each time one of the soft keys KBA and KBB is tapped, the processor 11 changes the item representing the item number and item name in the display areas ABA and ABB, and sets the item as the target item. Thereafter, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT17 and ACT18.

When the operator finishes selecting an item and proceeds to some kind of treatment, the operator performs a predetermined operation such as tapping any soft key other than the soft keys KBA and KBB. Note that at this time, if the operator wishes to edit the target item, he or she performs a predetermined operation such as tapping the soft key KBC in FIG. 6, for example. If such an operation is input through the input unit 15, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT18, and proceeds to ACT20.

In ACT 20, the processor 11 checks whether the specified function is editing of an item. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the event, the processor 11 makes a negative determination and proceeds to a process for realizing the designated function, but a description of this case will be omitted.

The processor 11 determines YES in ACT 20 if the operation that triggered the proceeding to ACT 20 is an operation for specifying editing of an item as a function to be executed, such as tapping the soft key KBC, Proceed to ACT21.
In ACT 21, the processor 11 checks whether the target item is a "recycle character". If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 makes a negative determination and proceeds to processing for editing the target item, but a description of the processing in this case will be omitted.

On the other hand, if the target item is a "recycle character", the processor 11 determines YES in ACT21, and proceeds to ACT31 in FIG.
In ACT 31, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display a list screen. The list screen is a screen that allows the operator to confirm the definition symbol strings that have already been registered.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a list screen SCC as an example.
List screen SCC represents list LCA, display areas ACA and ACB, and soft keys KCA and KCB. The list screen SCC also displays a plurality of soft keys including soft keys KCC, KCD, and KCE in addition to soft keys KCA and KCB.

The processor 11 represents registered definition symbol strings in the list LCA based on the recycled character data included in the setting data group DA. The processor 11 displays the number of registered recycled characters in the display area ACA. The processor 11 displays the total number of pages in the list and the page number being displayed in the display area ACB. Thus, in the example of FIG. 7, three recycled characters have been registered, and the list LCA represents the first page out of a total of one page. In the example of FIG. 7, "PP", "PET", and "PE" are each registered as definition symbol strings. Soft keys KCA and KCB are operation keys for instructing forward and backward forwarding of displayed pages, respectively, when the total number of pages in list LCA is two or more pages. The soft key KCC is an operation key for instructing to return to the editing screen SCB after specifying the definition symbol string. The soft key KCD is an operation key for instructing to start editing registered recycle characters. The soft key KCE is an operation key for instructing the start of registration of a new recycled character.

In ACT32, the processor 11 checks whether one of the registered definition symbol strings has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT33.
In ACT 33, the processor 11 checks whether any instruction other than one of the definition symbol strings has been specified. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and returns to ACT32.
In this manner, the processor 11 waits for a definition symbol string to be designated or for other instructions to be given in ACT32 and ACT33.

The operator specifies one of the definition symbol strings by a predetermined operation such as, for example, tapping a column in which a desired definition symbol string is represented in the list LCA in the list screen SCC. If such an operation is input through the input unit 15, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT32, and proceeds to ACT34.
In ACT 34, the processor 11 sets the recycled character defined by the specified definition symbol string as the recycled character (hereinafter referred to as applied character) to be applied to the label print. The processor 11 then returns to the standby state for ACT32 and ACT33.
In other words, for example, if the operator taps the column labeled "PE" on the list screen SCC shown in FIG. Set as applicable character.

If the operator wishes to edit the recycled characters set as applicable characters, the operator instructs the editing by a predetermined operation such as tapping the soft key KCD on the list screen SCC. In addition, if the operator wishes to register a new definition character string that has not been registered as a definition character string, the operator can perform a predetermined operation such as tapping the soft key KCE on the list screen SCC to register a new definition character string. Instruct editing. If the processor 11 confirms that an instruction other than the specification of a definition symbol string, such as the above instruction, has been given, it makes a YES determination in ACT33 and proceeds to ACT35.
In ACT 35, the processor 11 checks whether editing has been instructed. If the processor 11 confirms that editing has been specified as described above, it determines YES and proceeds to ACT36.
As ACT 36, the processor 11 causes the display unit 14 to display an input screen. The input screen is a screen for receiving input of definition symbol strings by the operator.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example input screen SCD.
The input screen SCD represents a display area ADA and a key group KDA. Furthermore, the input screen SCD represents a plurality of soft keys including soft keys KDB in addition to the soft keys included in the key group KDA.

The processor 11 displays the definition symbol string being edited in the display area ADA. Note that the processor 11 displays, for example, a definition symbol string related to the applicable characters in the display area ADA of the input screen SCD that is displayed in response to tapping of the soft key KCD on the list screen SCC. Further, the processor 11 leaves the display area ADA of the input screen SCD, which is displayed in response to tapping of the soft key KCE on the list screen SCC, for example, blank. The key group KDA includes a plurality of soft keys that are various operation keys for editing the definition symbol string represented in the display area ADA. The soft key KDB is an operation key for instructing to return to the list screen SCC after editing the definition symbol string.

In ACT 37, the processor 11 checks whether an operation for editing the definition symbol string has been performed. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT38.
In ACT 38, the processor 11 checks whether any instruction other than an editing operation has been given. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and returns to ACT37.
Thus, in ACT37 and ACT38, the processor 11 waits for an editing operation or other instruction to be performed.

For example, the operator changes the registered definition symbol string displayed in the display area ADA by adding or deleting symbols by operating the key group KDA. Alternatively, the operator inputs a new definition symbol string into the blank display area ADA by operating the key group KDA. When such an editing operation is performed, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT37, and proceeds to ACT39.
As ACT 39, the processor 11 updates the definition symbol string according to the operation. For example, the processor 11 stores text data representing a definition symbol string to be edited in a work area of the memory unit 12, and updates this text data in response to an editing operation. Thereafter, the processor 11 returns to the standby state of ACT37 and ACT38.

The operator instructs to return by a predetermined operation such as tapping the soft key KDB while the definition symbol string to be registered is displayed in the display area ADA. If an operation for any instruction including such an operation is input through the input unit 15, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT38, and proceeds to ACT40.
In ACT 40, the processor 11 checks whether it is a return instruction. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 makes a negative determination and proceeds to processing according to the instruction given, but a description of that case will be omitted.

If the return instruction has been given as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT40 and proceeds to ACT41.
In ACT41, the processor 11 updates the recycled character data included in the setting data group DA so that it includes the definition symbol string currently displayed in the display area ADA. At this time, if the process proceeds to ACT35 in response to tapping of the soft key KCD on the list screen SCC, the processor 11 displays the definition symbol string set as the applicable character in the display area ADA. Replace it with the defined symbol string. Further, if the process proceeds to ACT35 in response to tapping of the soft key KCE on the list screen SCC, the processor 11 sets the definition symbol string represented in the display area ADA as a new definition symbol string. to add. Specifically, the operator taps the soft key KCE on the list screen SCC in the state shown in FIG. 7, and then inputs the character string "//PP//,PET" as shown in FIG. Assume that the user performs the operation and then taps the soft key KDB. In this case, the processor 11 updates the recycle character data so that the definition symbol string "//PP//,PET" is expressed in association with the recycle character number "4", for example. In this way, when the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PR, the computer having the processor 11 as its central part can add symbol string data representing the definition symbol string when adding a definition symbol string as described above. It functions as a generating means that generates symbol string data and stores the generated symbol string data in the memory unit 12 as a storage means. Furthermore, when updating the definition symbol string as described above, the computer having the processor 11 as its core functions as an updating means for updating the symbol string data stored in the memory unit 12 as a storage means.

Thereafter, the processor 11 repeats ACT31 and subsequent steps in the same manner as described above. At this time, the definition symbol string edited or added as described above will be displayed on the list screen SCC displayed when the processor 11 executes ACT31 again. In other words, recycled characters defined by definition symbol strings edited or added as described above are also designated as applicable characters.

The operator instructs to return by a predetermined operation such as tapping the soft key KCC on the list screen SCC while the desired recycle character is set as the applicable character.
When the processor 11 displays the list screen SCC and is in a standby state for ACT32 and ACT33, the input unit 15 performs an operation for specifying a definition symbol string or for some instruction other than an editing instruction. If the input is made, YES is determined in ACT33, and NO is determined in ACT35, and the process proceeds to ACT42.
In ACT 42, the processor 11 checks whether it is a return instruction. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 makes a negative determination and proceeds to processing according to the instruction given, but a description of that case will be omitted.

If the return instruction has been given as described above, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT42 and proceeds to ACT43.
In ACT 43, the processor 11 updates the area data. That is, the processor 11 selects, for example, setting data DAA regarding the valid format from the setting data group DA. The processor 11 also selects area data related to the target item from among the area data included in the selected setting data DAA. Then, the processor 11 updates the setting value set in the field FBC of the corresponding area data to a recycle character number that identifies the applied character. The processor 11 then returns to ACT16 in FIG. 3 and repeats the subsequent processing in the same manner as described above.

On the other hand, if the operator needs to print a label in the format set as the valid format as described above, the operator instructs printing of the label by, for example, a predetermined operation on the input unit 15. In response to this instruction, processor 11 executes a processing routine for label printing according to control program PR.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a processing routine for label printing.
In ACT 51, the processor 11 determines one of the print areas defined in the valid format as the target area.

In ACT52, the processor 11 checks whether the item related to the target area is a recycled character. If the processor 11 cannot confirm the corresponding event, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT53.
As ACT 53, the processor 11 develops characters, images, etc. to be placed in the target area in the image memory set in the memory unit 12.

On the other hand, if the item related to the target area is a recycle character, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT52 and proceeds to ACT54.
As ACT 54, the processor 11 reads out a definition symbol string of recycle characters regarding the target area. That is, the processor 11 selects, for example, setting data DAA regarding the valid format from the setting data group DA. The processor 11 also selects area data related to the target area from among the area data included in the selected setting data DAA. Then, the processor 11 reads out the definition symbol string identified by the recycling character number set as a setting value in the field FBC of the corresponding area data from the setting data group DA.

In ACT 55, the processor 11 checks whether the definition symbol string read above includes a modifier symbol. Then, if the definition symbol string does not include a predetermined symbol as a modifier symbol, the processor 11 determines NO and proceeds to ACT56. For example, the definition symbol string "PE" does not include any modifier symbols. Therefore, if the processor 11 is reading out the definition symbol string "PE", for example, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT56.

In ACT 56, the processor 11 develops a character string consisting of all the characters included in the definition symbol string into the image memory to be placed in the target area as recycled characters. That is, when the processor 11 is reading a definition symbol string "PE", for example, it expands "PE" into the target area.

In this embodiment, "//" is one of the modifier symbols. Thus, for example, when the processor 11 is reading out a definition symbol string "//PP//,PET", it determines that a modifier symbol is included. If a modifier symbol is included in this manner, the processor 11 determines YES in ACT55, and proceeds to ACT57. As the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PR, the computer having the processor 11 as its core functions as a detection means.

In ACT 57, the processor 11 determines a character to be modified (hereinafter referred to as a target character). In the present embodiment, a character sandwiched between modifier symbols is a character to be modified that is predetermined according to the modifier symbols that sandwich the character. In other words, when the processor 11 is reading out the definition symbol string "//PP//,PET", for example, the processor 11 determines "PP" as the target character.

In ACT 58, the processor 11 determines the modification method. In this embodiment, the modification method for the modification symbol "//" is underlining. That is, when the processor 11 is reading out a definition symbol string "//PP//,PET", for example, the processor 11 determines that underlining is the modification method.
In ACT 59, the processor 11 excludes the modifier symbol from the definition symbol string being read. In other words, when the processor 11 is reading out the definition symbol string "//PP//,PET", for example, the processor 11 removes "//" and obtains the character string "PP,PET".

As ACT60, the processor 11 expands the character string obtained in ACT59 into the image memory so as to place it within the target area while applying the modification method determined in ACT58 to the target character determined in ACT57. . That is, the processor 11 develops, for example, a character string "PP,PET" into the image memory while underlining "PP". As the processor 11 executes information processing based on the control program PR, the computer having the processor 11 as a core functions as a generating means.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the label image IMA developed in the image memory.
FIG. 10 is an example in which a recycle character based on the definition symbol string "//PP//,PET" is expanded as described above.

After expanding in either ACT53, ACT56 or ACT60, the processor 11 proceeds to ACT61 in any case.
In ACT 61, the processor 11 checks whether there is an area that has not been selected as a target area among the print areas defined by the valid format. Then, the processor 11 determines YES if the corresponding area exists, and repeats the processing from ACT51 onward in the same manner as described above. However, when proceeding from ACT61 to ACT51, the processor 11 determines as the target area in ACT51 a different area from the area determined as the target area when executing ACT51 up to now. As a result, the processor 11 repeats the processing from ACT52 onwards, sequentially selecting each of the print areas defined by the effective format as the target area.

If the processor 11 proceeds to ACT61 with all print areas defined in the valid format selected as target areas, it determines NO as there are no unselected areas, and proceeds to ACT62.
As ACT 62, the processor 11 operates the print unit 16 to print the label image represented by the image data developed in the image memory onto the label paper. Here, the processor 11 may print the label image on only one sheet of label paper, or may print the same label image repeatedly on a predetermined number of sheets of level paper. In this way, by the processor 11 executing information processing based on the control program PR, the computer with the processor 11 as a central part functions as a control means, and by this function as a control means and cooperation with the printing unit 16, it can function as a printing means. Function is realized. When the processor 11 finishes the printing, the processing routine shown in FIG. 9 ends.

As described above, in the definition symbol string, the label printer 1 can underline only some of the characters that make up the recycled characters by sandwiching them between modifier symbols. . Thereby, the operator of the label printer 1 can easily specify the recycling characters to be printed on the label regarding the packaging container made of composite material.

This embodiment can be modified in various ways as follows.
The definition symbol string itself may be set as a setting value in the field FBC of the area data regarding the print area for recycled characters.

Any symbol other than "//" may be assigned as a modifier symbol for underlining. Other modifications than underlining, such as reversing black and white, adding a rectangular frame, and adding a strikethrough line, can also be performed in the same way by defining a modification symbol for the purpose. In this case, in addition to "//" which is a modifier symbol for underlining, "!!" and "##" are defined as modifier symbols for reversing black and white and adding a square frame, respectively. By doing so, it may be possible to use these modifications as appropriate.

Each function realized by the processor 11 through information processing can be partially or entirely realized by hardware that executes information processing not based on a program, such as a logic circuit. Further, each of the above functions can also be realized by combining software control with hardware such as the above logic circuit.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Label printer, 11...Processor, 12...Memory unit, 13...Hardware clock, 14...Display unit, 15...Input unit, 16...Print unit, 17...Interface unit, 18...Transmission line.

Claims (6)

a storage means for storing symbol string data consisting of an enumeration of a plurality of symbol codes each representing a symbol;
Detection means for detecting a symbol code of a symbol predetermined as a modifier symbol from among the symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means;
Among the symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means, symbols represented by symbol codes other than the symbol code detected by the detection means are sandwiched between the symbol codes detected by the detection means. generating means for generating a printed image in which the symbol represented by the symbol code detected by the detecting means is modified according to the symbol code detected by the detecting means;
printing means for printing the print image generated by the generation means on label paper;
A label printer equipped with generating means for generating symbol string data in response to instructions from an operator and storing the generated symbol string data in the storage means;
The label printer according to claim 1, further comprising: updating means for updating the symbol string data stored in the storage means in accordance with an instruction from an operator;
The label printer according to claim 1, further comprising: The generating means adds an underline as a modification,
The label printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The storage means stores symbol string data consisting of symbol codes of a plurality of symbols constituting a character string representing the material of the packaging material.
The label printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. a storage means for storing symbol string data consisting of an enumeration of a plurality of symbol codes each representing a symbol;
A print unit that prints the print image on label paper,
A computer that controls a label printer equipped with
Detection means for detecting a symbol code of a symbol predetermined as a modifier symbol from among the symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means;
Among the symbol codes included in the symbol string data stored by the storage means, symbols represented by symbol codes other than the symbol code detected by the detection means are sandwiched between the symbol codes detected by the detection means. generating means for generating a printed image in which the symbol represented by the symbol code detected by the detecting means is modified according to the symbol code detected by the detecting means;
control means for controlling the print unit to print the print image generated by the generation means;
An information processing program that makes it work.