JP5641319B2 - Print label production device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print label producing apparatus for producing a print label by printing on a print-receiving tape.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a print label creating apparatus that prints on a print-receiving tape and creates a print label is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This conventional print label producing apparatus (tape printing apparatus) includes a printing means (thermal head), a platen roller, a feed roller, a memory (battery backup RAM), and the like. Then, the sentence data is created by adding break block data for instructing the break block between the sentence data to be inserted and the sentence data to be inserted, and the sentence data is converted into dot pattern data for printing and printed. Printing is performed on the print-receiving tape (printing tape) by means.

JP-A-6-15909

  In the print label producing apparatus having a memory as in the above prior art, a plurality of label image data is stored in the memory in advance, the label image data is acquired from the outside, and the acquired label image data is stored in the memory. There is a printable label production device that can be stored. However, when a printed label having a desired label image is created using such a printed label creating apparatus, the user generally selects a desired label from among a plurality of label image data stored in a memory. This is inconvenient because it is necessary to input a code or the like corresponding to the image label image data with reference to, for example, an instruction manual. In addition, when label image data acquired from the outside is sequentially stored in the memory, it is inconvenient because the storage capacity of the memory becomes full and cannot be stored any more.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a print label producing apparatus capable of easily producing a print label having a desired label image, erasing label image data stored in a memory, and improving user convenience. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention provides a cartridge holder in which a cartridge capable of supplying a print-receiving tape can be attached and detached, and a transfer for transferring the print-receiving tape supplied from the cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder. Means, printing means for printing on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means, memory for storing information, one label image data acquired from the outside, and one two corresponding to the label image data Storage processing means for storing the dimension code in the memory in association with one set, and a plurality of sets of the label image data and the two-dimensional code stored in the memory are selectively selected from the memory for each set. Erasable erasure processing means, a plurality of sets of the label image data and the two-dimensional code stored in the memory The basis, the said label image data and the two-dimensional code of each set so as to create respective one print label by printing on a print tape, have a, a print control means for controlling the printing means The erasing processing unit prints the set of the label image data and the two-dimensional code to be erased before erasing the set of the label image data and the two-dimensional code from the memory .

  In the first invention of the present application, it is possible to create a print label in which a desired label image and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the desired label image are formed. That is, one label image data acquired from the outside of the apparatus and one two-dimensional code corresponding to the label image data are stored and stored in the memory by the storage processing means. Then, under the control of the printing control unit, the printing unit prints the stored label image data and the two-dimensional code as a set on the print-receiving tape to create one printing label. The memory stores a plurality of sets of such label image data and two-dimensional code, and the printing means creates one print label using each set of label image data and two-dimensional code. be able to.

  A label image corresponding to the label image data and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the label image are formed on the print label thus created. As a result, after the print label is used and pasted, the label image data of the label image formed on the print label is acquired by simply reading the two-dimensional code of the print label with an appropriate device. be able to. As a result, it is possible to easily create a new print label having the same label image as the label image of the attached print label. When a plurality of printed labels are created by using the plurality of sets of label image data and the two-dimensional code for each set, the plurality of labels may be pasted on one sheet to form a list form. it can. In this case, the user selects one of the label images of a plurality of labels pasted as a list, and reads the two-dimensional code of the printed label as described above. Thus, it is possible to easily create a printed label on which the same label image is formed.

  The printed label producing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided with an erasing processing means. As described above, the label image data acquired from the outside and the two-dimensional code corresponding to the label image data are sequentially stored in the memory as a set. When the storage capacity of the memory is full, The erasing processing means can erase the label image data and the two-dimensional code for each set. In this case, for the label image data and the two-dimensional code to be erased, if the label image data and the two-dimensional code are printed prior to erasing to create a print label, the data is erased from the memory as data. Will not be lost.

  As described above, in the first invention of the present application, since a print label in which a label image and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the label image are formed can be created, user convenience can be improved.

  A second invention further includes a two-dimensional code generation means for generating the corresponding one of the two-dimensional codes by encoding the one label image data acquired from the outside in the first invention, The storage processing unit stores one label image data and the one two-dimensional code correspondingly generated by the two-dimensional code generation unit in association with each other in the memory, and The print control unit prints the label image data stored in the memory and the two-dimensional code generated by encoding the label image data as a set on the print-receiving tape, The printing means is controlled to produce one print label.

  In the second invention of the present application, the two-dimensional code generating means generates a corresponding two-dimensional code for the label image data acquired from the outside, and the storage processing means stores it in the memory. As a result, regardless of the type or form of label image data acquired from the outside, a printed label can be created by printing it in a two-dimensional code. That is, in the printed label producing apparatus of the second invention of the present application, any label image can be recorded on the printed label as a two-dimensional code that can be reliably reproduced.

  In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the two-dimensional code generation means encodes the optimal print resolution information for the one label image data together with the label image data, and the corresponding one of the two It is characterized by generating a dimensional code.

  As a result, when a two-dimensional code formed on a print label is read and the corresponding label image data is printed to form a label image, printing can be performed with an optimum resolution for printing the label image data. . That is, even when the normal resolution of the printing apparatus that performs the printing is a different value, the label image data can be printed by switching to the optimum resolution without fail. As a result, the desired size of the label image can be reliably formed because the desired size can be printed with the optimum resolution.

  In a fourth aspect based on any one of the first to third aspects, the memory further associates one text data and one two-dimensional code obtained by encoding the text data in a set. The print control means prints the print data on the print-receiving tape as a set of the text data and the two-dimensional code encoded from the text data stored in the memory. The printing means is controlled to produce one print label.

  As a result, not only the label image but also a print label formed with text and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the text can be created. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the two-dimensional code of the one print label created by the print unit based on the control of the print control unit is optically read. The printing control means prints label image data or text data corresponding to the two-dimensional code read by the reading means on the print-receiving tape based on the stored contents of the memory, and The printing means is controlled so as to produce a simple print label.

  The printed label producing apparatus of the fifth invention of the present application has a reading means capable of reading the two-dimensional code of the printed label produced by itself. As a result, simply by operating the reading means to read the two-dimensional code of the print label, the print label having the same label image as the label image formed on the print label can be easily reproduced. Can be created. Therefore, it is possible to create a print label of a desired label image very easily as compared with the conventional structure in which it is necessary to search the label image data stored in the memory one by one and specify it by the operating means.

  According to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the apparatus further includes an operation unit for starting a reading operation by the reading unit.

  Thereby, the reading of the two-dimensional code of the print label can be started at the timing desired by the user, and the print label of the corresponding label image can be created.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to easily create a print label having a desired label image, and it is possible to erase the label image data stored in the memory, thereby improving user convenience.

It is the front view and right view showing the printing label production apparatus of one embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram showing the detailed function of a printed label production apparatus. It is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure regarding the storage process performed by the control circuit of a print label production apparatus. It is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure regarding the erasure | elimination process performed by the control circuit of a printed label production apparatus. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit of a printing label production apparatus, when producing the printing label in which the label image and QR code were formed. It is a top view showing an example of the appearance of a printed label. It is explanatory drawing showing the paper on which the several printing label was affixed. A control procedure executed by the control circuit of the print label producing apparatus when producing the print label on which the text and the QR code are formed in the modified example of creating the print label on which the text and the QR code corresponding thereto are formed It is a flowchart showing. It is a top view showing an example of the appearance of a printed label. In a modification in which a QR code is read by a camera and a new print label is created, a control procedure executed by the control circuit of the print label creating apparatus when the QR code is read by the camera and a new print label is created is shown. It is a flowchart. It is a top view showing an example of the appearance of a printed label.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a print label producing apparatus of the present embodiment, FIG. 1 (a) is a front view showing the print label producing apparatus, and FIG. 1 (b) is shown in FIG. 1 (a). It is a right view of the printed label production apparatus seen from the arrow A direction.

  1 (a) and 1 (b), a print label producing apparatus 1 is a two-dimensional code on an apparatus main body 2 and one print label L (see FIG. 2 described later) produced in the apparatus main body 2. Camera 211 (reading means) capable of optically reading the QR code (registered trademark) Rq (see FIG. 6 described later).

  The apparatus main body 2 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display, and includes a display unit 212 that displays various information and various messages, an operation unit 210 that performs various operations by a user, and a cutter 207 (described later) disposed in the apparatus main body 2. A cut lever 213 for driving (see FIG. 2), and an interface 214 made of, for example, Universal Serial Bus (USB) and connectable to the outside.

  The operation unit 210 has various functions such as an input key for inputting characters, symbols, numbers, and the like, and a shutter key 210a (operation means) for starting the reading operation of the QR code Rq by the camera 211. Keys, etc. are included.

  In this example, the interface 214 is connected to a known external device 100 such as a personal computer (see FIG. 2 described later) via a cable 215. Alternatively, an external memory such as a USB memory may be connected.

  The camera 211 is provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 2 (upper part in FIGS. 1A and 1B), and is opposite to the surface of the apparatus main body 2 on which the display surface of the display unit 212 is provided, that is, the lower surface side. A lens 211A is provided on the back side of the paper surface in FIG. 1A and the right side in FIG. The camera 211 starts the reading operation of the QR code Rq when the user operates the shutter key 210a.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing detailed functions of the print label producing apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 2, the print label producing apparatus 1 includes a communication control unit 208, a control circuit 202, a memory 206 for storing various information, the operation unit 210, the camera 211, the display unit 212, and the cut. A lever 213, a cartridge holder 216, a conveying device 209 (conveying means), a print head 205 (printing means), and a cutter 207 are provided.

  The communication control unit 208 controls information communication performed with the external device 100 connected via the cable 215 and the interface 214.

  The control circuit 202 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown). The control circuit 202 executes various programs stored in advance in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM. As a result, the entire print label producing apparatus 1 is controlled. The control circuit 202 is connected to the external device 100 via the communication control unit 208 via the cable 215 and the interface 214, and can transmit and receive data to and from the external device 100.

  The external device 100 accesses, for example, a predetermined web server or an external memory, acquires one label image data representing one label image Ri (see FIG. 6 described later) formed on the print label L, and The acquired label image data can be input to the print label producing apparatus 1.

  The memory 206 is configured by a non-volatile memory such as an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) capable of adding and erasing stored contents. The memory 206 associates one label image data and one QR code (in detail, QR code data) obtained by coding (in this example, QR coding) the label image data, in one set, A plurality of sets of label image data and QR codes (specifically, QR code data) are stored. In the following description, “QR code” without any reference sign indicates “QR code data”, and “QR code Rq” indicates “QR code formed on the print label L”. ". The memory 206 can store one label image data acquired from the external device 100 and one QR code generated by encoding the label image data in association with each other. It has become. Further, a plurality of sets of label image data and QR codes stored in the memory 206 can be selectively deleted from the memory 206 for each set.

  The cartridge holder 216 is configured to be detachable from the cartridge 201 capable of supplying the tape 203 (printed tape). The cartridge 201 includes a tape roll 204 (which is originally spiral but simplified and shown as a concentric circle) around which a tape 203 is wound around a reel member (not shown).

  The transport device 209 is provided to face the print head 205. The transport device 209 is controlled by the control circuit 202 and transports the tape 203 supplied from the cartridge 201 attached to the cartridge holder 216, that is, fed from the tape roll 204 of the cartridge 201.

  The print head 205 is controlled by the control circuit 202 to perform desired printing on the tape 203 fed out from the tape roll 204 and conveyed by the conveying device 209.

  The cutter 207 cuts the tape 203, which has been printed by the print head 205, into a predetermined print label L by operating the cut lever 213 by the user.

  In the above basic configuration, the present embodiment is characterized in that one label image data acquired from the external device 100 and one QR code corresponding to the label image data are stored in the memory 206 in association with one set. A plurality of sets of label image data and QR codes stored in the memory 206 can be selectively deleted from the memory 206 for each set; and a plurality of sets of label image data and QR stored in the memory 206 Each label image data and QR code is printed on the tape 203 based on the code, thereby creating one print label L. Hereinafter, the details will be sequentially described.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure related to the storage process executed by the control circuit 202 of the print label producing apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 3, the process shown in this flow is started when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 210 (“START” position). First, in step S <b> 10, the control circuit 202 acquires, that is, inputs, one label image data output from the external device 100 through an appropriate operation by the user via the cable 215, the interface 214, and the communication control unit 208.

  Thereafter, in step S20, the control circuit 202 obtains one label image data input in step S10 and print resolution information (for example, “150 dpi”) indicating the optimum resolution for the label image data. One corresponding QR code is generated by encoding by a known appropriate method. That is, in the QR code generated in step S20, one label image data input in step S10 and print resolution information optimum for the label image data are encoded. In addition, the procedure of this step S20 functions as a two-dimensional code generation means described in each claim.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S30, and the control circuit 202 accesses the memory 206. Then, one label image data input in step S10 and one QR code generated in step S20 corresponding to the label image data are stored in the memory 206 in association with one set. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flow is terminated. The procedure of step S30 functions as storage processing means described in each claim.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure related to the erasing process executed by the control circuit 202 of the print label producing apparatus 1.

  In FIG. 4, the process shown in this flow is started when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 210 (“START” position). First, in step S110, the control circuit 202 generates at least one or more pieces of label image data selected by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 210 by the user, which are stored in the memory 206, and the label image data is encoded. The completed QR code is selected as an erasure target.

  Thereafter, the control circuit 202 accesses the memory 206 in step S120. Then, the label image data and QR code selected as the erasure target in step S110 among the plural sets of label image data and QR code stored in the memory 206 are erased from the memory 206. That is, in step S120, the control circuit 202 substantially erases a plurality of sets of label image data and QR codes stored in the memory 206 from the memory 206 for each set. Then, the process shown in this flow ends. The procedure of step S120 functions as an erasure processing unit described in each claim.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 of the print label producing apparatus 1 when producing the print label L on which the label image Ri and the QR code Rq are formed.

  In FIG. 5, the process shown in this flow is started when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 210 (“START” position). First, in step S <b> 210, the control circuit 202 stores one label image data selected by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 210 by the user stored in the memory 206, and 1 generated by encoding the label image data. Two QR codes are selected as print targets.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 220, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the transport device 209, and starts feeding out the tape 203 from the tape roll 204 of the cartridge 201 mounted on the cartridge holder 216, that is, starts transporting the tape 203.

  In step S230, the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the tape 203 has been conveyed by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is, for example, a transport distance (a so-called front margin transport amount) by which the leading end of a print area (not shown) of the tape 203 reaches a position almost opposite to the print head 205. The determination in step S230 is not satisfied until the predetermined amount is conveyed, and the loop waits. If the predetermined amount is conveyed, the determination in step S230 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S240.

  In step S240, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the print head 205, and the print area of the tape 203 conveyed by the conveying device 209 is selected as a print target in the step S210 stored in the memory 206. Printing of a set of label image data and a QR code is started. In other words, printing is started in the print area of the tape 203 conveyed by the conveying device 209 by combining the label image data and the QR code selected in step S210 stored in the memory 206 as a set. In addition, the print head 205 is controlled.

  Thereafter, in step S250, the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the label image data and the QR code are all printed on the print area of the tape 203 by the print head 205 started in step S240. The determination in step S250 is not satisfied until all the printing is completed, and the process waits in a loop. When all the printing is completed, the determination in step S250 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S260.

  In step S260, the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the tape 203 has been further transported by a predetermined amount (for example, a transport distance by which the entire print area exceeds the cutter 207 by a predetermined length, so-called trailing margin transport amount). To do. The determination in step S260 is not satisfied until the predetermined amount is conveyed, and the loop waits. If the predetermined amount is conveyed, the determination in step S260 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S270.

  In step S270, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the transport device 209, and stops feeding out the tape 203 from the tape roll 204 started in step S220, that is, transporting the tape 203.

  In step S280, the control circuit 202 outputs a display signal to the display unit 212 and operates the cut lever 213 to display that the tape 203 can be cut. Thereafter, the processing shown in this flow is terminated. When the user operates the cut lever 213 according to the above display, the cutter 207 is activated and the tape 203 is cut. By this cutting by the cutter 207, a portion where printing by the print head 205 has been performed is separated from the tape 203, and a single print label L is obtained.

  In step S240 and step S250, the control circuit 202 substantially combines the label image data and the QR code selected as the print target in step S210, stored in the memory 206, into a tape. The print head 205 is controlled so that printing is performed on 203 and one print label L is created. That is, based on a plurality of sets of label image data and QR codes stored in the memory 206, each set of label image data and QR code is printed on the tape 203, so that one print label L is created. The print head 205 is controlled. Therefore, the procedure of step S240 and step S250 functions as the print control means described in each claim.

  FIG. 6 is a top view illustrating an example of the appearance of the print label L created as described above.

  In FIG. 6, a label image Ri corresponding to the label image data and a QR code Rq corresponding to the QR code generated by encoding the label image data are formed on the print label L by printing. ing. In the QR code Rq formed on the print label L, the label image data of the label image Ri formed on the print label L together with the QR code Rq, and the print resolution information optimum for the label image data, It is coded.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, one label image data acquired from the external device 100 and one QR code corresponding to the label image data are stored in the memory 206 in association with one set. Is stored (see step S30 in FIG. 3). Then, under the control of the control circuit 202, the print head 205 creates a single print label L by printing the label image data and QR code stored in the memory 206 as a set on the print area of the tape 203. . The memory 206 stores a plurality of sets of such label image data and QR codes, and the print head 205 creates one print label L using each set of label image data and QR code. can do.

  The printed label L created in this way is formed with a label image Ri corresponding to the label image data and a QR code Rq corresponding to the label image Ri (see FIG. 6). Thus, after the print label L is used and pasted, the label image data of the label image Ri formed on the print label L can be simply read by the camera 211 with respect to the QR code Rq of the print label L. Can be obtained. As a result, a new print label L having the same label image Ri as the label image Ri of the attached print label L can be easily created. Further, when a plurality of print labels L are created by using the plurality of sets of label image data and QR codes for each set, as shown in FIG. It can also be pasted on the paper P to form a list. In this case, the user selects one of the label images Ri of the plurality of print labels L pasted as a list, and reads the QR code Rq of the print label L, thereby The print label L on which the same label image Ri is formed as described above can be easily created.

  Further, as described above, the label image data acquired from the external device 100 and the QR code corresponding to the label image data are sequentially stored in the memory 206 as a set. When there is a set of codes, or when the storage capacity of the memory 206 is full, the label image data and the QR code can be erased for each set. In this case, for the label image data and QR code of the set to be erased, if the print label L is created by printing the label image data and the QR code before erasure, the data is erased from the memory 206 as data. Will not be lost.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the desired label image Ri and the print label L on which the QR code Rq corresponding to the desired label image Ri is formed can be created, user convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, one label image data acquired from the external device 100 is encoded to generate one corresponding QR code (see step S20 in FIG. 3). Thereafter, one label image data and one QR code generated corresponding to the label image data are stored in the memory 206 in association with one set. Then, the label image data stored in the memory 206 and the QR code generated by encoding the label image data are printed as a set on the tape 203 to create one print label L. In addition, the print head 205 is controlled. As a result, regardless of what type or form of label image data is acquired from the external device 100, it is possible to create a print label L that is QR code-printed. That is, any label image Ri can be recorded on the print label L as a QR code that can be reliably reproduced.

  In the present embodiment, particularly, the optimum print resolution information for one label image data is encoded together with the label image data, and one corresponding QR code is generated. Thus, when the QR code formed on the print label L is read and the corresponding label image data is printed to form the label image Ri, printing can be performed with an optimum resolution for printing the label image data. it can. That is, even when the normal resolution of the printing apparatus that performs the printing is a different value, the label image data can be printed by switching to the optimum resolution without fail. As a result, it is possible to print at a desired size with an optimal resolution, so that a good-looking label image Ri can be reliably formed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be sequentially described.

(1) When creating a print label on which text and a QR code corresponding to the text are formed In other words, a text code and a QR code obtained by encoding the text code are printed as a set on the tape 203, and the text and You may make it produce the printing label L in which the corresponding QR code Rq was formed.

  In this modified example, the memory 206 further includes one text code (text data; text data) representing one text Rt (see FIG. 9 described later) formed on the print label L in addition to the stored contents in the above embodiment. For example, Epson Standard Code for Printer (ESC / P) format text code) and a single QR code obtained by coding the text code (in this example, QR coding) are associated with a set, and a plurality of sets of text A code and a QR code are stored.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 of the print label producing apparatus 1 when producing the print label L on which the text Rt and the QR code Rq are formed. FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG. 5 described above. The same steps as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  8 differs from FIG. 5 described above in that step S210 ′, step S240 ′, and step S250 ′ are provided in place of step S210, step S240, and step S250.

  The process shown in this flow is started, for example, when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 210 (“START” position). First, in step S210 ′ provided instead of step S210, the control circuit 202 encodes one text code stored in the memory 206 and selected by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 210 by the user, and the text code. The selected QR code is selected as a print target.

  The subsequent steps S220 and S230 are the same as those in FIG. 5 described above. In step S230, it is determined whether or not the tape 203 has been transported by a predetermined amount. Is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S240 ′ provided in place of Step S240.

  In step S240 ′, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the print head 205, and the print area of the tape 203 transported by the transport device 209 is stored in the memory 206 as the print target in step S210 ′. Printing of the selected set of text code and QR code is started. In other words, the text code and the QR code selected as the print target in step S210 ′ stored in the memory 206 are combined to start printing on the print area of the tape 203 conveyed by the conveying device 209. In addition, the print head 205 is controlled.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S250 ′ provided in place of step S250, and the control circuit 202 completes the printing of the text code and the QR code in the print area of the tape 203 by the print head 205 started in step S240 ′. Determine whether or not. The determination in step S250 ′ is not satisfied until all the printing is completed, and the loop waits. If all the printing is completed, the determination in step S250 ′ is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S260.

  Subsequent steps S260, S270, and S280 are the same as those in FIG.

  In step S240 ′ and step S250 ′, the control circuit 202 substantially sets the text code and the QR code selected as the print target in step S210 ′ stored in the memory 206 as a set. The print head 205 is controlled to print on the tape 203 and create one print label L. Therefore, the procedure of step S240 'and step S250' also functions as the print control means described in each claim.

  FIG. 9 is a top view illustrating an example of the appearance of the print label L created as described above.

  In FIG. 9, on the print label L, a text Rt (character “ABCD” in this example) corresponding to the text code and a QR code Rq corresponding to the QR code obtained by encoding the text code are printed. It is formed by. In the QR code Rq formed on the print label L, the text code of the text Rt formed on the print label L together with the QR code Rq is coded.

  In the modification described above, the memory 206 stores one text code and one QR code obtained by encoding the text code in association with each other. Then, the text code stored in the memory 206 and a QR code obtained by encoding the text code are printed on the tape 203 as a set, and the print head 205 is controlled so as to create one print label L. To do. Thereby, not only the label image Ri but also the print label L formed with the text Rt and the QR code Rq corresponding to the text Rt can be created. Therefore, user convenience can be further improved.

(2) When a QR code is read by the camera to create a new print label, that is, the QR code Rq on one print label L created in the apparatus body 2 is read by the camera 211, and the read QR code is read Label image data or text data corresponding to Rq may be printed on the tape 203 to create a new print label L.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure executed by the control circuit 202 of the print label producing apparatus 1 when the camera 211 reads the QR code Rq to create a new print label L. FIG. 10 corresponds to FIGS. 5 and 8 described above. The same steps as those in FIG. 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

  10 differs from FIG. 5 described above in that step S210 is omitted, step S240 ″ and step S250 ″ are provided in place of step S240 and step S250, and step S202, step S204, step S206, and step S208 are further provided. And Step S209 is newly provided.

  The process shown in this flow is started, for example, when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 210 (“START” position). First, in step S202 newly provided, the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the shutter key 210a is operated by the user. Until the shutter key 210a is operated, the determination in step S202 is not satisfied, and the loop waits. When the shutter key 210a is operated, the determination in step S202 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to newly provided step S204.

  In step S204, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the camera 211, and starts reading operation of the QR code Rq formed on one print label L.

  Thereafter, in step S206 newly provided, the control circuit 202 determines whether or not the camera 211 has successfully read the QR code Rq. Until the QR code Rq is successfully read, the determination in step S206 is not satisfied, and a loop is awaited. If the QR code Rq is successfully read, the determination in step S206 is satisfied, and the label image data or the text code corresponding to the QR code Rq read by the camera 211 is acquired and newly provided. The process moves to S208.

  In step S208, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the camera 211, and ends the QR code Rq reading operation started in step S204.

  Then, the process proceeds to newly provided step S209, and the control circuit 202 sets the label image data or the text code acquired in step S206 as a print target.

  The subsequent steps S220 and S230 are the same as those in FIG. 5 described above. In step S230, it is determined whether or not the tape 203 has been transported by a predetermined amount. Is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S240 ″ provided in place of step S240.

  In step S240 ″, the control circuit 202 outputs a control signal to the print head 205, and the label image data or text set as the print target in step S209 is printed on the print area of the tape 203 conveyed by the conveying device 209. In other words, the printing of the code is started, in other words, the label image data or text code set as the printing target in step S209 is applied to the printing area of the tape 203 conveyed by the conveying device 209 based on the storage contents of the memory 206. The print head 205 is controlled so as to start printing.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S250 ″ provided in place of step S250, and the control circuit 202 completes the printing of the label image data or the text code on the print region of the tape 203 by the print head 205 started in step S240 ″. Determine whether or not. Until all the printing is completed, the determination in step S250 ″ is not satisfied and the loop waits. When all the printing is completed, the determination in step S250 ″ is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S260.

  Subsequent steps S260, S270, and S280 are the same as those in FIG.

  In step S240 ″ and step S250 ″, the control circuit 202 substantially converts the label image data or text code corresponding to the QR code Rq read by the camera 211 based on the storage content of the memory 206 to the tape. The print head 205 is controlled so as to print on 203 and create a new print label L. Therefore, the procedure of step S240 ″ and step S250 ″ also functions as the print control means described in each claim.

  FIG. 11 is a top view illustrating an example of the appearance of the print label L created as described above. 11A corresponds to the case where the data encoded in the QR code Rq read by the camera 211 is label image data, and FIG. 11B is read by the camera 211. This corresponds to the case where the data encoded in the QR code Rq is a text code.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the print label L created when the data encoded in the QR code Rq read by the camera 211 is label image data corresponds to the label image data. The label image Ri thus formed is formed by printing.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 11B, the print label L created when the data encoded in the QR code Rq read by the camera 211 is a text code corresponds to the text code. The text Rt (character “ABCD” in this example) is formed by printing.

  In the present modification described above, the camera 211 that can read the QR code Rq of one print label L created by the print head 205 based on the control of the control circuit 202, that is, one print label L created by itself is provided. (See FIG. 1). Then, based on the stored contents of the memory 206, the print head 205 is printed so that label image data or text data corresponding to the QR code Rq read by the camera 211 is printed on the tape 203 and a new print label L is created. Control. As a result, the print label L having the same label image Ri as the label image Ri formed on the print label L can be obtained simply by operating the camera 211 to read the QR code Rq of the print label L. Can be easily recreated. Therefore, the print label L of the desired label image Ri can be created very easily compared to the conventional structure in which the label image data stored in the memory 206 must be searched and designated by the operating means. Since the camera 211 has a shutter key 210a for starting a reading operation, reading of the QR code Rq of the print label L is started at a timing desired by the user, and the print label L of the corresponding label image Ri is started. Can be created.

(3) Others In the above, one label image data acquired from the external device 100 and one QR code obtained by encoding the label image data are stored in the memory 206 in association with one set. However, it is not limited to this. That is, one label image data acquired from the external device 100 and one QR code previously associated with the label image data may be stored in the memory 206 in association with one set. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  In the above description, the case where the two-dimensional code corresponding to the label image data or the text code is a QR code has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the two-dimensional code corresponding to the label image data or the text code is used. For example, PDF417, Vericode, maxicode, etc. may be used.

  Further, in the above description, the case where printing is performed on the tape 203 as the print-receiving tape fed out from the tape roll 204 of the cartridge 201 and then cut to create the print label L is described as an example. It is good also as a system which prints on the cover film (printed tape) different from a base tape and the said base tape, and produces the printing label L using the tape which bonded together.

  Further, the above description has been given by taking as an example the case where the tape 203 is wound around the reel member to form the tape roll 204, and the tape roll 204 is disposed in the cartridge 201 and the tape 203 is fed out. Not limited to. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet (including one formed by cutting a tape wound around a roll and then cutting to an appropriate length) is stacked in a predetermined storage section. Create a print label L by making a cartridge (for example, by stacking flatly on a tray), mounting this cartridge on the cartridge holder on the print label producing apparatus 1 side, transporting it from the storage unit, carrying it, and printing it. You may make it do.

  Further, the roll is directly detachably attached to the print label producing apparatus 1 side, or a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet is fed one by one from the outside of the print label producing apparatus 1 by a predetermined feeder mechanism. It is also conceivable to have a configuration for transporting and supplying it into the print label producing apparatus 1, and it is not limited to one that can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body 2 such as the cartridge 201, but a so-called installation type that cannot be attached to and detached from the print label producing apparatus 1 side. Alternatively, a tape roll 204 may be provided as an integrated type. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a signal flow, and does not limit the signal flow direction.

  The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, etc. are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow, and the addition / deletion or order of the procedures within the scope of the gist and technical idea of the invention. May be changed.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Print label production device 100 External device (external)
201 cartridge 203 tape (printed tape)
202 Control circuit 205 Print head (printing means)
206 Memory 209 Conveying device (conveying means)
210a Shutter key (operation means)
211 Camera (reading means)
216 Cartridge holder L Print label Ri Label image Rq QR code (two-dimensional code)
Rt text

Claims (6)

A cartridge holder to which a cartridge capable of supplying a print-receiving tape can be attached and detached;
Conveying means for conveying the print-receiving tape supplied from the cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder;
Printing means for printing on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means;
A memory for storing information;
Storage processing means for associating one label image data acquired from the outside and one two-dimensional code corresponding to the label image data into the memory in association with one set;
A plurality of sets of the label image data and the two-dimensional code stored in the memory, erasing processing means capable of selectively erasing from the memory for each set;
Based on a plurality of sets of the label image data and the two-dimensional code stored in the memory, each label image data and the two-dimensional code is printed on the print-receiving tape to create one print label. Printing control means for controlling the printing means;
I have a,
The erase processing means prints the label image data and the two-dimensional code set to be erased before erasing the set of label image data and the two-dimensional code from the memory. Printing label making device. In the printed label production apparatus according to claim 1,
2D code generation means for encoding the one label image data acquired from the outside to generate one corresponding two-dimensional code;
The storage processing means includes
One label image data and one corresponding two-dimensional code generated by the two-dimensional code generating means are stored in the memory in association with one set,
The print control means includes
The label image data stored in the memory and the two-dimensional code generated by encoding the label image data are printed on the print-receiving tape as a set to create one print label. A printing label producing apparatus, wherein the printing means is controlled to do so. In the printed label production apparatus according to claim 2,
The two-dimensional code generation means includes
A print label producing apparatus characterized in that the optimum print resolution information for one label image data is encoded together with the label image data to generate one corresponding two-dimensional code. In the printed label production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The memory further includes
One text data and one two-dimensional code obtained by encoding the text data are stored in association with one set,
The print control means includes
The printing means for printing the text data and the two-dimensional code encoded with the text data stored in the memory as a set on the print-receiving tape and creating one print label A label production apparatus for controlling printing. In the printed label production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A reading means for optically reading the two-dimensional code of one of the print labels created by the printing means based on the control of the printing control means;
The print control means includes
The printing unit is configured to print label image data or text data corresponding to the two-dimensional code read by the reading unit on the print-receiving tape based on the storage contents of the memory, thereby creating a new print label. A label production apparatus for controlling printing. In the printed label production apparatus according to claim 5,
A print label producing apparatus, further comprising an operation unit for starting a reading operation by the reading unit.

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