JP6186706B2 - Printer and control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a printer and a control program.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228688 discloses a label printer that aims to improve error handling when print data does not completely enter the label print area.

JP-A-10-324320

  By the way, when inputting print data such as product names to the label printer, the operator inputs the print data to the label printer by operating the control device while viewing the screen on which the print data being input is displayed. There is.

  However, for example, when print data and other data are mixed and displayed on the screen, the size of the display field for displaying the print data is limited. There is a problem that the operator cannot confirm whether or not it is actually printed. Also, even when the print data to be printed is decorated, there is a problem that the control device cannot let the operator confirm whether the print data is correct or not after actually printing it. is there.

The present invention has been made in view of the various points of the, predetermined data displayed in print format, the printer and a control program capable of confirming to the operator by a simple operation without actually printing The purpose is to provide.

One aspect of the present invention includes control means for causing a display means to display a first display field for displaying predetermined data in a first format and a second display field for displaying the predetermined data in a second format. It is the control device characterized.
With this configuration, the control means causes the display means to display the first display field for displaying the predetermined data in the first format and the second display field for displaying the predetermined data in the second format. Thereby, the control device can make the operator confirm the predetermined data displayed in the print format by a simple operation without actually printing.

In one aspect of the present invention, the control means displays the predetermined data up to a first character number in the first display field, and displays the predetermined data up to a second character number larger than the first character number in the second display. It is a control device characterized by being displayed in a column.
Thereby, even when the size of the display column is limited, the control device can make the operator confirm the contents of the predetermined data having a large number of characters.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an operation unit that accepts an operation input is provided in the first display field, and the control unit displays the second display field when the operation unit accepts the operation input. It is the control device characterized.
As a result, the control device has an operation means for displaying the second display field in the first display field, so that the second display field is displayed again after switching from the first display field to another display. The operator does not have to perform the operation, and the second display column can be displayed while improving the operability. In addition, since the control device can display the second display field only for the item provided with the operation means for displaying the second display field, the operator can display all the print data. In comparison, it is possible to quickly confirm only the item to be confirmed without the trouble of searching for the item to be confirmed from a plurality of items.

One embodiment of the present invention is a control device in which the control unit displays an icon image as the operation unit in the first display field.
Thereby, the control apparatus can display the icon image as the said operation means on the screen of the limited area. Further, since the operation means is displayed as an icon image, the operator can easily grasp where to operate to display the second display field.

One embodiment of the present invention is a printer including a control device and a printing unit that prints the predetermined data on a medium in the second format.
With this configuration, the control means causes the display means to display the first display field for displaying the predetermined data in the first format and the second display field for displaying the predetermined data in the second format. The printing means prints the predetermined data on the medium in the second format.
As a result, the printer can allow the operator to confirm the predetermined data displayed in the print format with a simple operation without actually printing. The printer can print the confirmed predetermined data on a medium in the confirmed printing format.

  According to the present invention, the control means causes the display means to display the first display field for displaying the predetermined data in the first format and the second display field for displaying the predetermined data in the second format. As a result, the control device and the printer can make the operator confirm the predetermined data displayed in the print format with a simple operation without actually printing.

It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the label printer in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the example of a goods file in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a table | surface which shows the example of a format file in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a pricing screen in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the preview column in one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the example of an operation | movement procedure of a label printer in one Embodiment of this invention.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. A control device that controls a printer (for example, a label printer) includes a first display field that displays print data (for example, a product name) in a display format, and a second display field (preview field) that displays the print data in a print format. ) And are displayed on the display. As a result, even when the size of the display column is limited, the control device and the printer can make the operator confirm the print data displayed in the preview column in the print format before printing.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a label printer. The label printer 1 includes a control device 100, a scale 2, a printing mechanism unit 3, and an operation unit 5.
The scale 2 has a load cell 2a. The load cell 2a measures the weight of the product and outputs a signal indicating the weight of the product to the control device 100.
The printing mechanism unit 3 prints the print data on a label (medium) in a printing format based on the control by the control device 100 and issues the printed label.

Operation unit 5 includes a key operation unit 7, and a touch panel 9 a. The key operation unit 7 receives an operation input by the operator and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation input via the key operation unit 7 to the control device 100. The touch panel 9 a is operated by the operator input (e.g., operation of pressing the icon image) accepts, a signal corresponding to an operation input through the touch panel 9 a, and outputs to the controller 100.

The operation unit 5 includes a liquid crystal display 9b (display means). The liquid crystal display device 9b is provided in the touch panel 9 a integral, on the basis of the control of the controller 100, displays an image. The resolution of the liquid crystal display 9b is, for example, 640 × 480 [dots]. The display means is not limited to a liquid crystal display, but may be a display using an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), for example.

  The control device 100 controls each part of the label printer 1. The control device 100 includes a CPU 20 (Central Processing Unit), a load cell control unit 21, a print control unit 22, an operation control unit 24, a display control unit 25, a RAM 30 (Random Access Memory), and a ROM 40 (Read Only Memory). ).

  The ROM 40 stores a control program in advance. The ROM 40 expands the control program in the RAM 30 when the control device 100 is powered on and supplied with power.

A signal indicating the weight of the product is input to the load cell control unit 21 from the load cell 2 a of the scale 2. The load cell control unit 21 transfers a signal indicating the weight of the product to the CPU 20.
The print control unit 22 executes image processing (for example, bitmap processing) based on control by the CPU 20 and controls the print mechanism unit 3. For example, the print control unit 22 controls the print mechanism unit 3 so as to print the print data on the label in a predetermined print format (described later with reference to FIG. 3). Note that a signal indicating a printing result may be input from the printing mechanism unit 3 to the printing control unit 22.

  The display control unit 25 executes image processing based on control by the CPU 20. Further, the display control unit 25 controls the liquid crystal display 9b so as to display various screens subjected to image processing (described later with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5).

  A signal corresponding to an operation input via the key operation unit 7 is input to the operation control unit 24 from the key operation unit 7 of the operation unit 5. For example, when a signal indicating a price is input from the key operation unit 7, the operation control unit 24 transfers a signal indicating the price to the CPU 20. A signal corresponding to an operation input via the touch panel 9 a is input to the operation control unit 24 from the touch panel 9 a of the operation unit 5. For example, when a preview instruction signal instructing execution of a preview is input from the touch panel 9a, the operation control unit 24 transfers the preview instruction signal to the CPU 20.

  The RAM 30 temporarily stores various data. For example, the RAM 30 temporarily stores a control program developed from the ROM 40. For example, the RAM 30 temporarily stores a product file and a format file.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of a product file in a table. The item of the product file includes, for example, a product number, a product name, a price, and a format number. These items are associated with each other.

  In the product file, the product number indicates the product identification number. The product name indicates the product name of the product. Here, the product name may include a line feed code. The price indicates the price of the product. The format number indicates the number of a print format used when print data (product name in FIG. 2) is printed.

  In FIG. 2, as an example, the product name “Kagoshima Prefecture (new line) roast steak” is associated with the format number “1”. Here, the product name “Kagoshima prefecture (new line) roast steak” is divided into a first line “Kagoshima prefecture” and a second line “loose steak” by line feed code (new line). Note that the line feed code itself is not displayed or printed.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of a format file (printing format) as a table. The format file items include, for example, a format number, print data, print position (X coordinate), print position (Y coordinate), print orientation (vertical / horizontal), and typeface. These items are associated with each other.

  In the format file (printing format), the format number indicates the format number in the product file (see FIG. 2). The print data indicates the product name for each line printed on the label (medium). Note that the print data is not limited to the product name, and may be, for example, the processing date of the product or the expiration date of the product. The print position (X coordinate) indicates the X coordinate of the position of the print data printed on the label. The print position (Y coordinate) indicates the Y coordinate of the position of the print data printed on the label. The print direction indicates the direction (vertical or horizontal) of the print data printed on the label. The typeface indicates a print typeface (for example, gothic type, color reversal gothic type) used for print data printed on a label.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the format number “1”, the type name (first line) is associated with the typeface “color inversion gothic”, and the type name (second line) is associated with the typeface “Gothic type”. Yes. In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the format number “2”, the typeface “Gothic” is associated with the product name (first line), and the typeface “Gothic” is associated with the product name (second line). Yes. Here, the typeface and font may be determined for each line, each character, or each word.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the description of the configuration example of the control device 100 will be continued. The CPU 20 is connected to each unit of the control device 100 via a bus. The CPU 20 controls each unit of the control device 100 based on the control program developed in the RAM 30. In addition, the CPU 20 stores various data in the RAM 30.

  FIG. 4 shows a display example of the pricing screen. The pricing screen is an operation screen for the operator to register the price of the product in the product file. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the pricing screen displays a mixture of a product name display field 200 (first display field) for displaying product names and a price display field 500 (third display field) for displaying prices. Has been.

  The CPU 20 displays the product name as an example of the print data in the product name display column 200 up to a first number of characters (for example, 5 characters) as a predetermined display format. Here, the CPU 20 displays the product name in the product name display column 200 in a typeface (for example, Gothic) as a predetermined display format. That is, the display format is a format for displaying a character string within a certain number of characters with a certain typeface, unlike the printing format.

  A signal corresponding to the operation input is input from the operation control unit 24 to the CPU 20. Examples of the signal corresponding to the operation input include a preview instruction signal and a signal indicating the price of the product. For the product indicated by the product name displayed in the product name display field 200, the CPU 20 registers the price of the product in the product file (see FIG. 2) in association with the product name or product number.

  The CPU 20 displays the icon image 300 in the product name display field 200. The icon image 300 can be operated by an operator. When the icon image 300 is operated, a preview instruction signal is input from the operation control unit 24 to the CPU 20. When the preview instruction signal is input, the CPU 20 outputs an instruction signal for displaying the preview field to the display control unit 25 (see FIG. 1).

  FIG. 5 shows a display example of the preview column. The CPU 20 displays the product name as an example of the print data in the preview field 400 (second display field) up to a second character number (for example, 256 characters) larger than the first character number. Here, the CPU 20 selects the format number “1” associated with the product number “000100” and the product name “Kagoshima Prefecture (new line) roast steak” in the product file (see FIG. 2).

  The CPU 20 displays the product name “Kagoshima prefecture (new line) roast steak” in the preview column 400 based on each item in which the selected format number “1” is associated in the format file (see FIG. 3). . More specifically, the CPU 20 uses “Kagoshima Prefecture” in the first line of the product name in the second typeface (color-reversal gothic in FIG. 5), and “Loose steak” in the second line of the product name in the first typeface. The bitmap-expanded data is displayed in the preview column 400 (in FIG. 5, Gothic). Here, the CPU 20 may cause the preview field to be displayed in a pull-down manner in the vicinity of the product name display field 200 (for example, directly below). The CPU 20 may display the preview field 400 so as to cover other display fields (for example, the price display field 500). The preview field 400 may be translucent.

  The operator touches the icon image 300 in a state where the icon image 300 is displayed in the product name display field 200 (see FIG. 4), thereby displaying only the product name to be confirmed in a format that is actually printed. be able to. Thus, the operator can quickly confirm the item that he / she wants to confirm in a format that is actually printed, without requiring time and labor for searching among a plurality of displayed items.

  In this way, the print data that is actually printed is a preview of the typeface and number of characters that are actually printed when the user presses the icon image 300 (see FIG. 5) located in the product name display field 200. It is displayed in the column 400. Thereby, the operator can easily confirm the print data to be actually printed without the trouble of switching the page of the pricing screen or confirming the print data after putting the label printer 1 into another operation mode. be able to. In addition, since the icon image 300 is displayed in the vicinity of the product name display field 200, the user can easily compare the content actually printed with the content displayed in the product name display field 200. The label printer 1 can issue a label after confirming the content to be printed.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation procedure of the label printer.
(Step S <b> 1) The operation control unit 24 (see FIG. 1) of the control unit 100 receives an operation input for displaying the pricing mode screen via the operation unit 5. The operation control unit 24 outputs an instruction signal for displaying a pricing mode screen to the CPU 20. The CPU 20 displays the pricing mode screen on the liquid crystal display 9b based on the instruction signal for displaying the pricing mode screen.

(Step S <b> 2) The CPU 20 reads a product file (see FIG. 2) from the RAM 30.
(Step S3) The CPU 20 displays the product name in the display format in the product name display field 200 (see FIG. 5) of the pricing mode screen.
(Step S4) The CPU 20 determines whether or not a preview instruction signal has been received. When the preview instruction signal is received (step S4: Yes), the CPU 20 advances the process to step S5. On the other hand, when the preview instruction signal has not been received (step S4: No), the CPU 20 advances the process to step S7.

(Step S5) The CPU 20 reads the format file (see FIG. 3) from the RAM 30.
(Step S6) The CPU 20 displays the product name in the print format in the preview field 400 (see FIG. 5). Here, the preview field 400 may be displayed near (for example, directly below) the product name display field 200. The preview field 400 may be displayed so as to cover a display field (for example, a price display field) of other data.

  (Step S7) The CPU 20 determines whether or not an end instruction signal for ending the process has been received. When the end instruction signal is received (step S7: Yes), the CPU 20 ends the process. On the other hand, when the end instruction signal has not been received (step S7: No), the CPU 20 returns the process to step S2.

  As described above, the control device 100 displays on the liquid crystal display 9b the product name display field 200 for displaying print data (for example, product name) in the display format and the preview field 400 for displaying the print data in the print format. A CPU 20 and a display control unit 25 for displaying are provided.

With this configuration, the CPU 20 and the display control unit 25 cause the liquid crystal display 9b to display the product name display column 200 that displays the print data in the display format and the preview column 400 that displays the print data in the print format.
As a result, the control device 100 can allow the operator to check the print data displayed in the print format even when the size of the display field is limited. That is, the control device 100 displays all the print data in the preview field 400 even when the print data printed on the label extends over a plurality of lines, so that the operator can confirm the print data with a large number of characters. In addition, the control device 100 can cause the operator to check print data in which characters are modified (decorated) for printing.

  Further, the control device 100 displays the print data in the display format in the product name display column 200 even when the characters of the print data are resized or emphasized (color inversion, etc.) in the print format. The operator can confirm the print data displayed in.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs and the like that do not depart from the gist of the present invention.

For example, the label printer 1 may be provided in a packaging device that wraps a tray filled with meat, fish, or the like. The label issued from the label printer 1 may be attached to a package packaged by the packaging device.
Further, for example, the label printer 1 may be provided in an automatic label application device that attaches a label to an object (such as a tray packed with meat and fish) that is conveyed on a conveyor.

  For example, in the product name display field 200 and the preview field 400, not only the product name (product name) but also other items may be displayed. For example, an advertisement text about a product may be displayed in the product name display column 200 and the preview column 400. Here, the advertising text may be italicized or decorated so as to surround the characters so as to stand out. Thus, the operator can easily confirm only the advertisement text that is actually printed.

  In addition, for example, when data such as “origin” and “advertisement text” is set for the currently called product, the pricing screen (see FIG. 4) displays the identification information of each data. Display area. Further, the pricing screen may have a display area for displaying each data in a certain font or the like, and the icon image 300 of the above embodiment may be displayed in the display area. Then, when the operator presses the icon image 300, the “production area” and the “advertising text” are displayed in the print format as displayed in the preview field 400 in the above embodiment. Also good. That is, the items displayed in the preview column 400 are not limited to specific items. Also, the position and number of items displayed in the preview field 400 are not limited to a specific position and number.

  The following notes are disclosed regarding the control device and the printer shown in the above embodiment.

(Additional item 1)
A control device comprising: a control means for causing a display means to display a first display field for displaying predetermined data in a first format and a second display field for displaying the predetermined data in a second format.
With this configuration, the control means causes the display means to display the first display field for displaying the predetermined data in the first format and the second display field for displaying the predetermined data in the second format. Thereby, even when the size of the display column is limited, the control device can cause the operator to confirm the predetermined data displayed in the print format without actually printing.

(Appendix 2)
The control means displays the predetermined data in the first display column up to the first character number, and displays the predetermined data in the second display column up to a second character number larger than the first character number. The control device according to appendix 1.
Thereby, even when the size of the display column is limited, the control device can make the operator confirm the contents of the predetermined data having a large number of characters.

(Additional Item 3)
The control means causes the predetermined data to be displayed in the first display field in the first typeface, and causes the predetermined data to be displayed in the second display field in the second typeface. The control device described in 1.
Thereby, even when the size of the display column is limited, the control device can cause the operator to visually check the predetermined data displayed in the printing font.

(Appendix 4)
4. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit displays the second display field in the vicinity of the first display field.
Thereby, even when the size of the display column is restricted, the control device can make the predetermined data easy to see for the operator.

(Appendix 5)
The control device according to claim 4, wherein the control means displays the second display field immediately below the first display field.
Thereby, even when the size of the display column is restricted, the control device can make the predetermined data easy to see for the operator.

(Appendix 6)
The said control means displays the said 2nd display column so that a 1st display column may be covered, The control apparatus as described in any one of the additional terms 1 to 5 characterized by the above-mentioned.
As a result, the control device allows the operator to confirm the predetermined data in an easy-to-see manner even when the size of the display field is limited and the print data displayed in the second display field is significantly large. it can.

(Appendix 7)
With operating means to accept operation inputs,
The control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the control unit displays the second display field when the operation unit receives an operation input.
Thereby, the control device can display the second display field when the operation means is input. That is, when the operation means is not operated, the second display field can be prevented from being displayed, so that it is not necessary to take a large space on the display.

(Appendix 8)
The control device according to claim 6, wherein the control means causes an icon image as the operation means to be displayed in the first display field.
Thereby, since the control device can display an icon image as the operation means on a screen having a limited size, the icon image can be a small icon image, and by operating it, Since the second display field is displayed, it is not necessary to prepare a large image for displaying the second display field in advance, and the display space can be used effectively. Further, the operator can display only the product name to be confirmed in a format that is actually printed by touching the icon image 300 while the icon image 300 is displayed in the product name display field 200. Thus, the operator can quickly confirm the item that he / she wants to confirm in a format that is actually printed, without requiring time and labor for searching among a plurality of displayed items.

(Appendix 9)
The control device according to any one of supplementary items 1 to 8, and
Printing means for printing the predetermined data on a medium in the second format;
It is characterized by comprising a printer.
Thereby, even when the size of the display column is limited, the printer can make the operator confirm the predetermined data displayed in the print format without actually performing it. The printer can print the confirmed predetermined data on a medium in the confirmed printing format.

  The program for realizing the control device and printer described above is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium is read into the computer system and executed, thereby executing the execution process. May be performed. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

  Further, the “computer system” includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) if a WWW system is used. The “computer-readable recording medium” means a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a writable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, a portable medium such as a CD-ROM, a hard disk built in a computer system, etc. This is a storage device.

Further, the “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (for example, DRAM (Dynamic) in a computer system serving as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Random Access Memory)) that holds a program for a certain period of time is also included.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” for transmitting the program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
The program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above.
Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Label printer 2 ... Scale 2a ... Load cell 3 ... Printing mechanism part 5 ... Operation part 7 ... Key operation part 9a ... Touch panel 9b ... Liquid crystal display (display means) 20 ... CPU (control means) 21 ... Load cell control part 22 ... Print control unit 30 ... RAM 24 ... Operation control unit 25 ... Display control unit 40 ... ROM 100 ... Control device 200 ... Product name display column 300 ... Icon image 400 ... Preview column 500 ... Price display column

Claims (5)

Control means for causing a display means to display a first display field for displaying predetermined data in a first format and a second display field for displaying the predetermined data in a second format;
The first format is a format for displaying the predetermined data within a certain number of characters in a certain typeface,
The second format is a format used when the predetermined data is printed,
Wherein, in the first table示欄to the predetermined data indication signal the visibility and at the said predetermined data the second format to the left is displayed in the first format in Table 2示欄The printer is controlled so as to be switchable, and when the second display field is displayed, control is performed so that the second display field is superposed on the display means other than the first display field. . Wherein, the printer according to claim 1, characterized in that to display the names of items in the first table示欄.   The printer according to claim 2, wherein the second display field is translucent.   The control means displays the predetermined data in the first display column up to the first character number, and displays the predetermined data in the second display column up to a second character number larger than the first character number. The printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3. On the computer,
A control procedure for causing the display means to display a first display field for displaying the predetermined data in the first format and a second display field for displaying the predetermined data in the second format ;
The first format is a format for displaying the predetermined data within a certain number of characters in a certain typeface,
The second format is a format used when the predetermined data is printed,
In the control procedure, the predetermined data is displayed in the second display column while the predetermined data is displayed in the first format in accordance with an instruction signal. A control program for controlling to be switchable so that when the second display field is displayed, the second display field is overlaid on the display means other than the first display field .

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