JP4341326B2 - Printing method, printing apparatus, printer driver, merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and POS system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing method for acquiring print data generated by a host computer on the basis of input information relating to merchandise sales, and printing a print on a receipt with a background image superimposed on receipt print information represented by the print data, mark The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printer driver, a merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and a POS system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a POS system (point-of-sale information management system) used in a retail business such as a supermarket or a convenience store is provided with a printing device for printing on receipt paper. As this type of printing apparatus, a so-called monochrome (monochrome) text-based printing apparatus that issues a receipt printed with receipt printing information as shown in FIG. 13 is widely used (for example, JP-A-2001-2001). In recent years, as color printers have become smaller and faster, it is desired to apply color printers to POS systems.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when actually trying to introduce a color printer, the POS system application is generally a monochrome / text-based application that assumes a monochrome printer, so print receipts in color or insert pictures. In order to do this, the application must be changed to a color / graphic base. However, the change of the application requires a large amount of investment, and there is a problem that the introduction of a color printer cannot be expected.
[0004]
In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a printing method capable of issuing a color / graphic-based receipt without changing a monochrome / text-based application, mark An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printer driver, a merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and a POS system.
[0006]
Also, the printing method of the present invention obtains payment processing print data generated by an application execution unit on a host computer based on input information relating to merchandise sales, and prints a receipt obtained by superimposing a background image on the print data. A printing method for printing data on a receipt using a printing apparatus, a background image data storage step for storing background image data representing a background image, a print data acquisition step for acquiring print data from an application execution unit, On the receipt, a character string detecting step for detecting a start character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is started and an end character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is ended from the payment processing print data, , Overlay the receipt print information, and specify the end character string from the position specified by the start character string. A printing step of printing a background image in a region up to a position, and further comprising a.
[0007]
A printing apparatus according to the present invention is an apparatus that prints print data on a print medium together with a background image, a first unit that stores background image data representing the background image, and a first unit that acquires print data based on input information. A second means for detecting a start character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is started, an end character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is ended, and the start character string. And a fourth means for printing the background image and the print data on the print medium in an area designated by the end character string.
[0008]
The printing apparatus of the present invention is a printing apparatus that acquires payment processing print data generated by a host computer based on input information related to merchandise sales, and prints the image data on a receipt by superimposing background image data on the print data. A background image data storage means for storing background image data representing the background image, a start character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is started, and an end character string indicating the position where the addition of the background image is ended Character string storage means, print data acquisition means for obtaining print data from the host computer, character string detection means for detecting the start character string and end character string from the print data, and receipt printing on the receipt Overlaid on the information, the area from the line specified by the start string to the position specified by the end string is Characterized by comprising a printing unit for printing an image.
[0009]
According to these configurations, when the background image data representing the background image is stored (in the printing apparatus) and the print data representing the receipt print information generated by the host computer is acquired, the background image and the receipt print are printed. Because the information is printed on the receipt, the host computer can issue a color / graphics-based receipt (by the printing device) without changing the application, even if the host computer is a monochrome / text-based application, for example. it can. In addition, the print area of the background image is set within the area included between the positions where the start character string and the end character string detected from the print data are printed, thereby easily specifying the print area. And a good-looking receipt can be created. In particular, the start character string and the end character string are character strings that are always printed on the receipt (for example, “receipt”, “total amount”, etc.), so that the background image is displayed in an appropriate area according to the receipt length. Printed receipts can be issued.
[0011]
In this case, it is preferable to further include a fifth means for designating a start character string and / or an end character string.
[0012]
According to these configurations, by specifying the start character string and / or the end character string, the print area of the background image can be specified according to the user's preference.
[0014]
In these cases, the fourth means is capable of color printing with the primary color and at least one secondary color other than the primary color, prints the receipt print information in the primary color, and outputs the background image as the secondary color. It is preferable to print by color.
[0015]
According to these configurations, since the receipt print information is printed in the primary color and the background image is printed in the sub color, the background image can be added without impairing the visibility of the receipt print information. Moreover, since color printing is possible, the visibility of a receipt can be improved.
[0017]
In this case, the fifth means is preferably stored in a sixth means for storing a predetermined character string in accordance with the setting command transmitted from the host computer.
[0018]
According to these configurations, since the character string can be designated according to the setting command transmitted from the host computer, the user can designate the character string without directly operating the printing apparatus.
[0019]
In this case, the setting command preferably includes a parameter for specifying the print color of the background image.
[0020]
According to this configuration, the user can designate the print color of the background image without directly operating the printing apparatus.
[0022]
In these cases, the first means stores a plurality of background image data, and the setting command includes a parameter for selecting one background image data to be printed from the plurality of background image data. It is preferably included.
[0023]
According to these configurations, since a plurality of background image data is stored, various background images can be printed. Further, the user can select background image data without directly operating the printing apparatus.
[0024]
In these cases, the setting command is preferably generated by a printer driver incorporated in the host computer.
[0025]
According to this configuration, since the setting command is generated by the printer driver, the background image data can be set from the host computer without changing the application of the host computer.
[0030]
The printer driver of the present invention is embedded in a host computer, and adds background image data representing a background image to print data generated by an application in the host computer based on input information related to product sales. A printer driver that generates print data and transmits the print data to a printing apparatus, a background image data storage unit that stores background image data representing a background image, a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data from an application, and printing From the data, a start character string for starting addition of background image data, a character string detecting means for detecting an end character string for ending addition of background image data, and an end character string from a line including the start character string In the area up to the line that contains By adding the data, characterized by comprising a normally generated with the background image printing data to generate a with background image printing data, and transmitting means for transmitting to the printing device the print data with the background image.
[0031]
According to this configuration, printing with a background image is performed by adding background image data representing a background image to print data incorporated in a host computer and generated by an application in the host computer based on input information related to product sales. In order to generate data and send it to the printing device, even if the host computer is a monochrome / text-based application, for example, a color / graphics-based receipt can be issued by the printing device without changing the application. it can. In addition, by printing the background image in the area included between the lines specified by the start character string and the end character string detected from the print data, the print area can be easily specified. Can create a good looking receipt. In particular, the start character string and the end character string are character strings that are always printed on the receipt (for example, “receipt”, “total amount”, etc.), so that the background image is displayed in an appropriate area according to the receipt length. Printed receipts can be issued.
[0032]
A merchandise sales data processing apparatus according to the present invention includes the printing apparatus described above and a host computer.
[0033]
According to this configuration, even if the host computer is, for example, a monochrome / text-based application, the merchandise sales data processing can issue a color / graphic-based receipt without changing the host computer application or printer driver. An apparatus can be provided.
[0034]
Another merchandise sales data processing apparatus of the present invention includes the printer driver described above, and includes a host computer and a printing apparatus.
[0035]
According to this configuration, even if the host computer is, for example, a monochrome / text-based application, a merchandise sales data processing apparatus capable of issuing a color / graphic-based receipt without changing the application of the host computer is provided. can do.
[0036]
The POS system of the present invention includes a POS terminal that is the above-described merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and a POS server that is connected to the POS terminal via the network and manages the POS terminal. And
[0037]
According to this configuration, even if the host computer is a monochrome / text-based application, for example, it is possible to provide a POS system that can issue a color / graphic-based receipt without changing the application of the host computer. it can.
[0039]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, mark The printing apparatus, printer driver, merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and POS system will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present invention, when background image data representing a background image is stored in a printing apparatus, and print data representing receipt print information (see FIG. 13) generated by a host computer is acquired, the background image and receipt printing are performed. The information is printed on the receipt in a superimposed manner. With this configuration, even if the host computer is a monochrome / text-based application, for example, a color / graphic-based receipt can be issued without changing the application. In addition, since the start character string and the end character string are detected from the print data, and the area designated by each character string is used as the print area of the background image, the print area can be easily specified. It has the effect of being able to create a receipt that looks good.
[0040]
In view of this, a POS system that issues a receipt (print object) based on input information related to product sales input by an operator and used in a store such as a supermarket or a convenience store will be described below as an example.
[0041]
As shown in FIG. 1, the POS system 10 of the present invention is a POS system that is a plurality of merchandise sales data processing devices that acquire input information by an operator (user) reading a bar code attached to a merchandise. A terminal 20 (only one is shown) and a POS server 30 that are connected to the POS terminal 20 via a network and manage input information input to the POS terminal 20 are configured.
[0042]
The POS server 30 has a memory such as a ROM 32 and a RAM 33 in addition to a control device (CPU 31), and processes information stored in the buffer 39 and the like in the RAM 33 according to a control program stored in the ROM 32. In particular, the RAM 33 has a product master composed of a product code block 35, a product name block 36, a price block 37, an inventory block 38, etc., and the CPU 31 is based on the input information transmitted from the POS terminal 20. Information on a product code, a product name, and a price is extracted from the product master, and product data used for printing on the receipt 61 and displaying on the display 42 of the POS terminal 20 is generated. The “product data” is data that is the basis of print data generated by the PC 40, and includes product information such as a product name printed on the receipt 61 and its price.
[0043]
The POS terminal 20 refers to the product data of the POS server 30 based on the input information, and includes receipt print information (information such as store name, telephone number, date, message to the customer, etc. in addition to the product information) on the receipt 61. A personal computer (PC) 40 having an application execution unit 41a that performs a cash registration process such as generating print data for printing (see FIG. 13) or registering input data in the POS server 30; A printing apparatus 50 (receipt printer) that performs printing on the receipt 61 based on this is connected to each other via connectors 46 and 53. The PC 40 acquires input information such as information related to a product (product information) and information related to a customer 60 (customer information) by inputting using the keyboard 43 or reading a barcode using the barcode reader 44. In addition, the credit card or member card of the customer 60 is read by the card reader 45, and information relating to membership such as information relating to credit clearing or a membership number is acquired. Furthermore, it has a display 42 for displaying product information generated based on product data transmitted from the POS server 30, and presents the amount of purchased product to the customer 60.
[0044]
The PC 40 is controlled by a printer driver OLE for Retail POS (hereinafter referred to as OPOS) that runs on an OS such as Windows (registered trademark). The OPOS provides a POS application 41a running on the OS with a model-independent interface with peripheral devices such as the printing apparatus 50 and the barcode reader 44, and corresponds to each device category. A control object (CO) 41b and a service object (SO) 41c corresponding to each device model are configured.
[0045]
The POS application 41a generates print data for printing on the receipt 61 based on the product data and input information transmitted from the POS server 30, and this print data is delivered to the CO 41b for the printing apparatus. It is delivered from the CO 41b to the SO 41c corresponding to the printer model. The SO 41c processes this print data, generates a print command according to the command specification of the printing apparatus, and transmits it to the printing apparatus 50 via the OS 41d. The OPOS described above is provided to the user as the printer driver 109 in a form in which SO41c and CO41b are combined.
[0046]
In addition, a background image data setting program 108 for setting background image data is installed in SO41c. Although a specific description will be given later, the background image data setting program 108 displays a predetermined setting screen (see FIGS. 6 and 7) on the display 42, thereby allowing the user to provide an interface for setting the background image data. It is to provide. Thus, since the background image data setting program 108 is provided by the printer driver 109, the background image data can be set from the PC 40 without changing the POS application 41a of the PC 40.
[0047]
On the other hand, the printing apparatus 50 is an ink jet printer that performs printing by an ink jet method, and includes a printing unit 100 having six ink jet heads, that is, a first print head 55a to a sixth print head 55f. Each of these inkjet heads 55 ejects ink of M (magenta), C (cyan), Y (yellow), LM (light magenta), LC (light cyan), and K (black), thereby printing in full color. It is configured to be able to. The configuration of the print head 55 is not limited to this, and the print head 55 may be configured to increase the number of heads so that multicolor printing can be performed. Alternatively, the number of heads can be reduced to print only one or two colors. It is good also as a structure to perform.
[0048]
In addition, the printing apparatus 50 sets either a monochrome print mode in which printing is performed using only the sixth print head 55f or a color print mode in which printing is performed using all the print heads by using a dip switch or a soft dip switch (not shown). It is possible. Then, the PC 40 can acquire information related to the mode setting and determine whether or not to include color information in the generated print data. Accordingly, when the color print mode is set and color information is included in the print data, it is possible to perform two-color or multicolor printing on the receipt 61 based on this. In the following description, the printing apparatus 50 is set to the color printing mode, the receipt print information is printed in the primary color “K (black)”, and the background image is designated as a sub color other than the primary color. Shall be printed.
[0049]
Next, the device configuration of the POS terminal 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the operation side by the operator, and FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the POS terminal 20 as viewed from the customer side. As shown in both figures, the POS terminal 20 includes a PC 40 that forms a main part of a box-shaped main body case 48 and a printing device 50 that is arranged on the left side of the rear portion of the main body case 48. Since the printing apparatus 50 is connected to the main body case 48 by a cable, the printing apparatus 50 is not limited to this arrangement, and can be arranged at an arbitrary place as long as the cable length allows.
[0050]
The PC 40 has a keyboard 43 on which the operator inputs information such as product information and customer information on the upper surface of the front part of the main body case 48, and an operator display 42a on which the operator confirms the input information on the right side of the rear part. A cash drawer 49 is accommodated in 48. Further, a bar code reader 44 for reading a bar code attached to or printed on a product is provided on the right side surface of the main body case 48, and a printing device side interface 47 for connecting to the printing device 50 is provided on the left side surface. A card reader slot 45 for reading a credit card presented by the customer 60 is formed on the right side. Further, a customer display 42 b for the customer 60 to confirm product information and the like is disposed on the back side of the main body case 48. The setting screen for setting the background image data (see FIGS. 6 and 7) is displayed on the operator-side display 42a, and the operator performs the setting operation while confirming this.
[0051]
On the other hand, the operation display lamp 65 and the PC-side interface 51 are arranged on the front side of the printing apparatus 50. The PC-side interface 51 and the printing apparatus-side interface 47 provided in the PC 40 include a cable 63 and a connector. 46 and 53 are connected. In addition, a receipt discharge port 64 through which a printed receipt 61 is discharged is formed on the upper surface of the printing apparatus 50.
[0052]
Next, the control configuration of the printing apparatus 50 will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. As shown in the figure, the control unit 140 of the printing apparatus 50 receives various data such as normal print data, print commands, and background image setting commands for receipt printing for the purpose of normal payment settlement processing from the terminal apparatus 40. Obtained via the interface 51 and stored in the reception buffer 71. The command analysis unit 72 analyzes the data stored in the reception buffer 71 and executes data processing according to the command data included therein. The command analysis unit 72 transfers a normal print data print command (including print data) that does not include a background image to the normal print data processing unit 73, and if it is a background image setting command, the background image data processing. If it is a print command for print data with background image, it is transferred to the print data generation unit with background image 76. The background image data processing unit 74 generates a predetermined background image, which will be described later, and stores it in the background image data storage unit 75. The normal print data processing unit 73 generates and stores print data in the normal print data storage unit 78.
[0053]
The print data generating unit with background image 76 includes a parameter for adding a background image to the print command, so the content specified by this parameter (the content of the parameter for adding the background image will be described in detail later). The data stored in the normal print data storage unit 78 and the predetermined background image data selected from the data stored in the background image data storage unit 75 are combined to generate print data with a background image. It is generated and transferred to the print processing unit 80. If the print command does not include a parameter for adding a background image, the print processing unit 80 transfers the data in the normal print data storage unit 78 to the printing unit 100 as it is, and the printing unit 100 performs ten printing. The As described above, the print processing unit 80 acquires data according to the type of the print command and transfers the data to the printing unit 100. These operations are mainly configured by a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (details will be described later). In this way, when background image-added printing is supported from the terminal device 40 described above, background-image-added print data is generated and printing can be performed by the printing unit 100.
[0054]
FIG. 4 shows a control block diagram of the printing apparatus 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 50 has an interface 51 and inputs a background image setting command and print data from the PC 40. A data input unit 110 and six inkjet heads 55, each of which has a printing unit 100 that performs color printing by ejecting different colors of ink, and a head driver 131 that drives the inkjet head 55. And a control unit 140 that controls the entire printing apparatus 50.
[0055]
The control unit 140 includes a CPU 141, a ROM 142, a CG-ROM 143, and a RAM 144, which are connected to each other via an internal bus 145. The ROM 142 has a control data block 142b for storing control data including various tables in addition to a control program block 142a for storing a control program to be processed by the CPU 141. The CG-ROM 143 stores font data of characters to be printed, and outputs corresponding font data when a code for specifying the characters is given.
[0056]
The RAM 144 includes various work area blocks 151 used as flags and the like, a print data block 152 that stores print data transmitted from the PC 40, a background image data block 153 that stores a background image data file, and a start character string. A setting condition information block 155 for storing information on an end character string, a file name of the background image, a condition (setting condition) for adding the background image, and a background image generated by adding the background image data to the print data A background image-attached print data block 157 for storing attached print data, and is used as a work area for control processing. The RAM 144 is always backed up so as to retain the stored data even when the power is turned off. The internal bus 145 is also connected to the data input unit 110 and the drive unit 130, and takes in input data (background image setting command, print data, etc.) from the interface 51 (see FIG. 3) and outputs output from the CPU 151 and the like. Data (such as print data with a background image) and control signals are output to the drive unit 130 (head driver 131).
[0057]
The CPU 141 receives various signals and data from each unit in the printing apparatus 50 based on the control program in the ROM 142 and processes various data in the RAM 144 and various signals in each unit. -Set the background image data by outputting data, etc., generate the print data with the background image by adding the background image data to the print data according to the setting contents, and print based on this The entire printing apparatus 50 is controlled.
[0058]
The interface 47 and the interface 47 provided in the PC 40 are serial data transfer such as RS-232C standard, parallel data transfer such as Centronics standard, network connection such as 10Base-T of Ethernet (registered trademark), or USB. The one corresponding to the data transfer standard can be adopted.
[0059]
Next, background image-added print data generation processing in the printing apparatus 50 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the printing apparatus 50 acquires input data, it determines whether or not this is a background image setting command (S11). If the input data is a background image setting command (S11: Yes), the background image data is set (S12). At this time, the background image setting command is composed of a command code generally called an ESC sequence and various parameters. As an example, “ESC *” is used for bit image data transfer. Image data can be transferred by the notation “mnL nH dl... dk”. Based on such a configuration, a dedicated command for background image transfer can be set so that data such as file name, size, and color can be transmitted simultaneously as parameters together with image data. In this embodiment, a command having such a configuration is used. Thus, the received printing apparatus can manage data by the file name.
[0060]
The background image data is set by executing a background image data setting program 108 (see FIG. 1) in the PC 40. Specifically, when the background image data setting program 108 is started, a setting screen as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is displayed on the operator side display 42a, and the setting is performed by the operator inputting various information. However, this will be described in detail later.
[0061]
When the setting of the background image data is completed (S12), information regarding the setting contents is stored in the background image setting data block 156 (see FIG. 4) (S13), and then the set background image is set for the transmitted print data. Data addition processing is performed. That is, if the input data is not a background image setting command (S11: No) but is print data (S14: Yes), it is determined whether additional setting of the background image data has been made (S15). If the image data has been set (S15: Yes), background image data set in advance is added to the print data (S16), and print data with background image is generated (S18). If no additional setting is made (S15: No), background data is not added (S17), and the print data transmitted from the PC 40 is used as final print data. At this time, a print data transfer command is used, and generally a command for transferring text data is mainly used. In this command, by defining the parameters for setting the background image addition “necessary”, “unnecessary”, and the file name to be added, the previously transferred background image data is combined with the payment processing print data. In addition, it is possible to easily execute the process of superimposing (superposing) on the paper for printing.
[0062]
On the other hand, when the input data is not a background image setting command (S11: No) and is not print data (S14: No; for example, when information for registering background image data is input), the instruction is accepted. The process is performed (S19).
[0063]
Next, background image data setting processing executed by the background image data setting program 108 will be described with reference to setting screens (D11, D12) shown in FIGS. When the background image data setting program 108 is started by the operator, a command for reading background image data setting information is transmitted to the printing apparatus 50, and in response to this command, the background image data setting information is displayed on the setting screen. Is displayed. The operator newly sets background image data by setting an information portion different from the setting information.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 6, in the setting screen, various information for setting the background image can be divided into a plurality of screens, and the operator (user) opens the desired setting screen and performs the setting. To go. When the setting screen for the first tab “Basic” is opened, the width size of the receipt 61, the print density of the background image, the print quality, and the like can be set, and the contents are almost the same as those of the normal print setting utility. The description is omitted here.
[0065]
The screen shown in FIG. 6 is a screen (D11) for setting information about “background image data”. First, when an operator selects one file from the registered file list 201, a background image and Are specified and input to the file specification field 202. The operator can also specify a file by selecting a registered ID in the ID column 203. Here, as “background image”, as shown in FIG. 8, three image files are registered, and one background image can be selected from these, and in this setting operation, “flame” is selected. It is assumed that “pattern (ID: U2)” is selected.
[0066]
Next, in the character string designation fields 204 and 205, a start character string and an end character string for specifying an area for printing a background image can be set. For example, when the start character string is “receipt”, the background image is printed below the line including the character string “receipt”. For example, when the end character string is “purchase”, the background image is printed above the line including the character string “purchase”. That is, as shown in <Print Example 1> in FIG. 9, the area determined by the line including the start character string and the line including the end character string is the print area of the background image. The start character string and the end character string are used for designating the start line and the end line of the superpose of the background image, and the above example describes the case where the characters are included. The use of this character string is not limited to this. For example, the start character string can be used to specify a line including the character string, the end character string can be used to specify the line immediately before the character string, and further, The reverse usage is also possible. It is also possible to put the contents specifying the definition in the command parameter. Furthermore, instead of using both the start and end character strings, for example, only the start character string is designated, and the end position of the image is matched with the end position of the payment processing information.
[0067]
In the setting screen D11, information about “color printing” can also be set. First, whether or not to perform color printing is set. If the operator checks “Yes” for color printing, the background color setting field 211 sets the print color for printing the background image.
[0068]
Here, since the print data representing the receipt print information is set in advance so as to be performed in the main color “K (black)”, the background image has a print color other than “K (black)”. (Sub color) can be set. Therefore, for example, in a printing apparatus that performs two-color printing with only “K (black)” and “R (red)”, if the print data is printed with the main color “K (black)”, the background image data is inevitably necessary. In this way, the print data is printed in the primary color and the background image data is printed in the secondary color. A background image can be added without impairing the visibility of printed characters, etc. It is assumed that the background color “Red (red)” is selected in this setting operation.
[0069]
When the setting of the above contents is completed, an “OK” button 207 is clicked by the operator, and information set for “background image data” is stored in a memory such as a RAM in the PC 40.
[0070]
Next, FIG. 7 shows a screen (D12) for setting information about “details”. First, whether or not to add a background image is set. Here, when the background image is not added by the operator, the background image data is not added regardless of the setting contents described above, and only the receipt print information is printed on the receipt 61 (FIG. 13). reference). In addition, in the background image registration field 211, when an “add” button 212 and a “delete” button 213 are clicked, background image data is additionally registered and deleted. In the character string registration field 214, a character string to be registered as a start character string or an end character string is input. Therefore, in the character string setting fields 204 and 205 (see FIG. 6), a start character string and an end character string can be selected from the character strings input here. When the setting of the above contents is completed, an “OK” button 215 is clicked by the operator, and information set for “details” is stored in a memory such as a RAM in the PC 40.
[0071]
When the setting of all the information shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is completed and the “setting completion button” of background image data (not shown) is clicked by the operator, the set information (in a memory such as a RAM in the PC 40). The stored information) is transmitted as “background image setting command” from the PC 40 to the printing apparatus 50. As described above, the printing apparatus 50 sets the background image data in accordance with the “background image setting command”, stores the setting contents in the background image setting data block 156 (see FIG. 4), and is transmitted from the PC 40. Print data with background image is generated by adding the set background image data to the print data. Further, information regarding the background image and the character string registered on the “detail” setting screen (D12) is stored in the printing apparatus 50 together with the “background image setting command” when the “setting completion button” of the background image data is clicked. It is transmitted and stored in the background image data block 153 and the character string block 154 (see FIG. 4), respectively.
[0072]
<Printing example 1> in FIG. 9 is a print of the set background image superimposed on the receipt print information by the above setting operation. That is, according to the above setting content, the background image of “flame pattern” is printed from the line including the start character string “receipt” to the line including the end character string “purchase”, and the print color is It is “red”. Further, as shown here, the background image “flame pattern” is repeatedly printed according to the length from the line including the start character string “to the line including the end character string.
[0073]
Here, some examples of background image printing will be described with some examples. In <Print Example 2> in FIG. 10, “halftone dot pattern” is selected as the background image, the background color is set to “yellow”, and the start character string is “? Year? Month? Day” (wild card). Use), the case where the end character string is set to “total” is shown. In <Print Example 3> in FIG. 11, “flower pattern” is selected as the background image, the background color is set to “yellow”, the start character string “Thank You”, and the end character string “ It shows the case where it is set to “Receipt”. Therefore, the background image of “flower pattern” is printed in the area from the line including the start character string “Thank You” to the lower side and the line including the end character string “receipt”. In addition, although illustration is omitted, by making the start character string and the end character string the same character string, it is also possible to print the background image only on the line including the character string.
[0074]
Since the print area can be specified by specifying the start character string and the end character string in this way, the start position of the background image looks different for each receipt, especially when a large pattern is used as the background image. Will not get worse. Also, as shown in <Print Example 1> to <Print Example 3>, the start character string and the end character string are always printed on the receipt, so that the appropriate character area can be obtained regardless of the receipt length. A receipt on which a background image is printed can be issued.
[0075]
As described above, according to the printing method of the present invention, by storing a plurality of background images, start character strings, and end character strings, the operator (user) can easily select a favorite one from among them. You can set the background image. Further, by combining these, even if only several types of background image data are registered, the background image can be printed in various modes.
[0076]
In particular, when the printing apparatus 50 of the present invention is used in the POS system 10 as in the present embodiment, the store logo is printed in a specific area by storing the store logo or the like as a background image. A receipt 61 can be issued. That is, the printing apparatus 50 used as a receipt printer can be provided with a highly visible receipt only by providing a small memory for storing a background image (logo), and strongly enhances the store image to the customer. Impress and enhance advertising effectiveness.
[0077]
In addition, since the control unit 140 in the printing apparatus 50 generates the print data with the background image, for example, even if the POS application 41a of the PC 40 is a monochrome / text base, the color / graphic base is not changed. Print data (print data with background image data) can be generated.
[0078]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the above embodiment, the print data with background image is generated by the control unit 140 in the printing apparatus 50. However, in the present embodiment, this is realized by the printer driver 452 incorporated in the PC 40. is there. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.
[0079]
As shown in FIG. 12, the terminal device 500 of the present embodiment displays a purchased product name and its amount at the time of money processing, and a display 442 for displaying the setting screen at the time of setting the background image data, and a product code And a keyboard 443 for inputting information for setting background image data, a barcode reader 444 for reading a barcode affixed or printed on a product at the time of money processing, and a customer 60 at the same time for money processing. A card reader 445 that reads a credit card or a membership card, a POS server side interface 448 that inputs / outputs information to / from the POS server 30, a printing device side interface 447 that inputs / outputs information to / from the printing device 50, and a product A monetary processing unit 420 that performs monetary processing such as registration and settlement; A data generation unit 430 for generating a printing data, other CPU, a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a central control unit 410 for controlling the entire terminal device 500 is constituted by.
[0080]
The data generation unit 430 generates a print data based on the information processed by the money processing unit 420 and the information transmitted from the POS server 30, and performs various settings of the background image data. By adding background image data to the print data generated by the “background image data setting unit 432” and the “print data generation unit 431” according to the setting contents of the “background image data setting unit 432”, The “print data generation unit with background image data 433” that generates print data is configured. Among these, the “print data generation unit 431” is realized by the POS application 451, and the “background image data setting unit 432” and “print data generation with background image data 433” are realized by the printer driver 452. The “background image data setting unit 432” also includes a setting program for setting background image data (corresponding to the background image data setting program 108 of the first embodiment; see FIG. 1).
[0081]
The printer driver 452 can transmit print data (background image-added print data) and receive a control signal from the printing apparatus 50 via the printing apparatus side interface 447. Further, the “background image data setting unit 432” and the “print data generation unit with background image data 433” in the printer driver 452 perform the processing executed by the control unit 140 in the printing apparatus 50 in the first embodiment. Since the same processing is performed, description is omitted.
[0082]
Thus, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, for example, even if the POS application 451 of the terminal device 500 is monochromatic / text-based, the printer driver 452 does not change the color / graphic-based printing. Data (print data with background image data) can be generated.
[0083]
In the first and second embodiments, the generation of the print data with background image is realized by the control unit 140 in the printing apparatus 50 or the printer driver 452 incorporated in the terminal apparatus 500. However, this may be stored in a recording medium so that the generation program can be used by another printing apparatus. As the storage medium, a hard disk, flash ROM, memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), compact disk, magneto-optical disk, digital versatile disk, flexible disk, and the like can be used.
[0084]
As described above, the printing method of the present invention, mark According to the printing apparatus, printer driver, merchandise sales data processing apparatus, and POS system, background image data representing a background image is stored in the printing apparatus 50, and print data representing receipt printing information generated by the PC 40 is stored. When acquired, the background image and the receipt print information are printed on the receipt, so that even if the PC 40 is a monochrome / text-based application, for example, the color / graphic base is changed by the printing device 50 without changing the application. A receipt can be issued.
[0085]
In addition, the print area of the background image is set within the area included between the lines where the start character string and the end character string detected from the print data are printed, thereby easily specifying the print area. And a good-looking receipt can be created.
[0086]
Further, according to this configuration, since the printing data with background image is generated on the printing apparatus 50 side, the data transmission time from the PC 40 to the printing apparatus 50 even when a low-speed interface is used as the interface between the PC 40 and the printing apparatus 50. Will not be a problem. Furthermore, since there is no need to change the printer driver, it is possible to issue the color / graphics-based receipt 61 with a minimum investment.
[0087]
Further, by generating a setting command for setting the print data with background image by the printer drivers 109 and 452, even if the PC 40 and the terminal device 500 are monochromatic / text-based applications, the applications are not changed. In addition, the background image data can be set from the PC 40 without directly operating the printing apparatus 50.
[0088]
In addition, the printer driver 452 incorporated in the terminal device 500 generates print data with a background image (second embodiment), so that printing can be performed without changing the monochrome / text-based application 451 of the terminal device 500. The device 50 can issue a color graphic based receipt.
[0089]
In the above example, the receipt print information is preset to be performed in the primary color “K (black)”, and the background image has a print color (sub color) other than “K (black)”. Although it can be set, it may be configured so that “K (black)” can be set as the background image. However, in this case (when the print data and the background image are set to be printed in the same color), the background image is preferably set to be automatically printed at a lower print density. According to this configuration, a background image can be added without impairing the visibility of the receipt print information.
[0090]
Further, not only the background image but also the print color of the receipt print information may be set. However, in this case as well, if the background image is configured so that only a print color other than the set color of the receipt print information can be set, or if the receipt print information and the background image are set to be printed in the same color, the background image The image is preferably set so that it is automatically printed at a lower print density.
[0091]
In the above example, both the start character string and the end character string are set. However, if these settings are not set, the print area of the background image may be specified according to the default value. . For example, if the start character string is not specified, printing of the background image is started from a line having a predetermined length X from the front end of the receipt 61. If the end character string is not specified, the predetermined length Y is specified from the rear end of the receipt 61. The printing of the background image may be completed up to the line. If the start character string is not specified, printing of the background image is started from the line on which a predetermined character string (for example, “TEL:”) included in the print data is printed, and the end character string is not specified. The printing of the background image may be completed up to the line where another predetermined character string (for example, “Thank you for your purchase”) included in the print data is printed. According to these configurations, setting work can be saved when the user is not concerned with the print area.
[0092]
The setting of the background image data is not limited to the setting contents shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but the background image is enlarged / reduced, the rotation angle is set, two or more background images are specified, and their print colors are set. You may comprise so that it can perform. According to this configuration, more various background image data can be generated.
[0093]
In the above example, an ink jet type printer is used as the printing apparatus 50. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a thermal head type or wire dot type printing apparatus may be used.
[0094]
In addition, the system configuration and the device configuration, such as a stand-alone type ECR that is not connected to a server and a cash register, can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, regardless of the above-described POS system example. .
[0095]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the printing method of the present invention, mark According to the printing device, printer driver, merchandise sales data processing device, and POS system, a color / graphics-based receipt can be issued by the printing device without changing the monochrome / text-based application of the host computer, etc. There is an effect.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a POS system according to the present invention.
2A and 2B are external perspective views of a POS terminal constituting a POS system of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a printing apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the printing apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print data generation processing with background image according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting background image data according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen for setting background image data according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a background image.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating <Print Example 1> which is an example of a receipt created by the printing method of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating <Print Example 2> which is an example of a receipt created by the printing method of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating <Print Example 3> which is an example of a receipt created by the printing method of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of a terminal device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of creating a receipt in the conventional example of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 POS system
20 POS terminal
30 POS server
40 PC
41a POS application execution unit
41b Control object
41c Service object
41d OS
47 Printer interface
50 Printing device
51 PC side interface
61 Receipt
91 Image data storage unit
92 Character string storage
93 Setting data storage
94 Print data storage
108 Background image data setting program
109 Printer driver
100 printing section
110 Data input / output section
111 POS server side interface
120 Input section
130 Display
140 Drive unit
150 Control unit
151 CPU
152 ROM
153 RAM
154 Internal bus
400 terminal device
410 Central control unit
420 Money processing department
430 Data generation unit
431 Print data generation unit
432 Background image data setting unit
433 Background image data generation unit
434 Print data generation unit with background image data
451 POS application
452 Printer driver

Claims (13)

Acquire payment processing print data generated by an application execution unit on the host computer based on input information related to merchandise sales, and use the printing device to obtain receipt print data obtained by superimposing background image data on the print data. A printing method for printing on top,
A background image data storage step for storing background image data representing the background image;
A print data acquisition step of acquiring the print data from the application execution unit;
A character string detection step for detecting a start character string indicating a position at which addition of the background image data is started and an end character string indicating a position at which addition of the background image data is ended, from the payment processing print data;
On the receipt, a printing step of printing the background image in an area designated by the start character string and the end character string, superimposed on the payment processing print data;
A printing method characterized by comprising: An apparatus for printing print data on a print medium together with a background image,
First means for storing background image data representing a background image;
A second means for acquiring print data based on input information;
A third means for detecting a start character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is started and an end character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is ended;
A fourth means for printing the background image and the print data on the print medium in an area designated by the start character string and the end character string;
A printing apparatus comprising: A printing apparatus that acquires payment processing print data generated by a host computer based on input information related to product sales, and prints the background image data on the print data on a receipt,
Background image data storage means for storing background image data representing the background image;
A character string storage means for storing a start character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is started, and an end character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is ended;
Print data acquisition means for acquiring the print data from the host computer;
From the print data, a character string detection means for detecting a start character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is started and an end character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is ended;
Printing means for printing the background image in an area from the line specified by the start character string to the line specified by the end character string on the receipt on the payment processing print data.
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising fifth means for designating the start character string and / or the end character string. The fourth means is capable of color printing with a primary color and at least one sub-color other than the primary color,
The printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the receipt print information is printed with the primary color, and the background image is printed with the at least one sub-color. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the fifth means stores a predetermined character string in a sixth means for storing the character string in accordance with a setting command transmitted from the host computer. The printing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the setting command includes a parameter for designating a printing color of the background image, and the background image is printed with a designated color in accordance with the parameter. The first means stores a plurality of files of the background image data,
The setting command, from among the plurality of background image data comprises a parameter for selecting one of the background image data to be printed, according to claim 7, characterized in that printing the background image selected in accordance with the parameters A printing apparatus according to 1. The printing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the setting command is generated by a printer driver incorporated in the host computer. Receipt print data with a background image by adding background image data representing a background image to payment processing print data incorporated in a host computer and generated by an application execution unit in the host computer based on input information relating to product sales A printer driver that generates and sends it to the printing device,
Background image data storage means for storing a file of background image data representing the background image;
Print data acquisition means for acquiring the payment processing print data from the application execution unit;
From the print data, a character string detection means for detecting a start character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is started and an end character string indicating a position where the addition of the background image data is ended;
In a region designated by the start character string and the end character string, by adding the background image data to the print data, a background image-added print data generating unit that generates background image-added print data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the print data with background image to the printing apparatus;
A printer driver characterized by comprising: A product sales data processing apparatus comprising the printing apparatus according to claim 2 and the host computer. A merchandise sales data processing apparatus comprising: the printer driver according to claim 10; and a terminal device that functions as the host computer; and the printing device. A merchandise sales data processing device according to claim 11 ;
A POS system comprising: a POS server connected to the merchandise sales data processing apparatus via a network and managing the merchandise sales data processing apparatus.

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