JP6598075B2 - Print processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print processing program for setting the size of paper to be printed by a printer.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying the size of a sheet so that an operator can select and operate on a display screen on an operation terminal that displays and edits contents to be printed by a printer.

JP 2015-18512 A

  In general, one type of printer can print on a plurality of paper sizes. In recent years, the number of types of paper sizes that can be printed on one model has increased with the generalization of printers that can be used for many purposes. is doing. However, on the other hand, the type of paper size used by a specific operator tends to converge within a certain limit range.

  In the above prior art, when selecting the paper size on the screen for displaying and editing the print contents, all types of paper sizes that can be printed by the printer of the model to be used are displayed in a list, and the operator can select any of them. Select the paper size. As described above, since the types of paper sizes that can be printed by one type of printer are increasing, when all the types of paper sizes are displayed in a list, the paper size that is unlikely to be used by the operator is displayed. Will be displayed including the type of. For this reason, since the list display of the paper size becomes longer and options increase, the selection operation by the operator becomes complicated.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a print processing program that makes it easy for an operator to select a sheet to be used by himself / herself and can improve the feeling of use.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is connected to a printing apparatus that prints on paper, and is connected to the computing unit of a terminal having a display unit, a storage unit, an operating unit, and a computing unit via the operating unit. , Corresponding to the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit among the model acceptance procedure for accepting the selection of the model of the printing apparatus and all the paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model acceptance procedure. While not displaying at least one first size outside the predetermined limit range based on the size information or the size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus, the at least one second size within the limit range is not displayed. A size display procedure for displaying a list on the display unit, and a selection of one paper size included in the second size displayed in the list in the size display procedure is received via the operation unit. For executing size and acceptance procedure that, a, a print processing program, to said arithmetic unit, further, stored in said storage unit, to execute a print information acquisition procedure for acquiring the created prints information In the size display procedure, a plurality of second sizes corresponding to the created printed matter information acquired in the printed matter information acquisition procedure among all paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model reception procedure. lists the size on the display unit, in the size acceptance procedure, characterized Rukoto receives a selection of the one of the paper size included in the display with said plurality of second size list in the size display procedure.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is connected to a printing apparatus that performs printing on paper, and the operation unit is connected to the calculation unit of a terminal having a display unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, and a calculation unit. A model acceptance procedure for accepting the selection of the model of the printing apparatus, and the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit among all the paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model acceptance procedure. At least one first size outside the predetermined limit range based on the size information to be performed or the size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus is hidden, and at least one second size within the limit range is displayed. A size display procedure for displaying a list on the display unit and a selection of one paper size included in the second size displayed in the size display procedure via the operation unit are received. A size reception procedure for causing the calculation unit to further execute a print history acquisition procedure for acquiring a print history stored in the printing apparatus, and the size display procedure. Then, if there is a size not included in the second size among the paper sizes corresponding to the print history acquired in the print history acquisition procedure, the size is added and displayed in a list on the display unit. It is characterized by that.
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is connected to a printing apparatus that performs printing on paper, and the operation unit is connected to the calculation unit of a terminal having a display unit, a storage unit, an operation unit, and a calculation unit. A model acceptance procedure for accepting the selection of the model of the printing apparatus, and the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit among all the paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model acceptance procedure. At least one first size outside the predetermined limit range based on the size information to be performed or the size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus is hidden, and at least one second size within the limit range is displayed. A size display procedure for displaying a list on the display unit and a selection of one paper size included in the second size displayed in the size display procedure via the operation unit are received. And a size receiving procedure for executing a print processing program for displaying a list of paper sizes around the second size in addition to the second size in the size display procedure. And

  In the present invention, when the model of the printing apparatus is received in the reception procedure executed by the calculation unit, not all paper sizes that can be printed with the selected model are displayed in the subsequent size display procedure. Only paper sizes (second size) within a certain limit range are displayed in a list. This makes it easier for the operator to select the paper to be used by himself / herself, compared to the case where all the paper sizes are displayed, and the usability can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is easy for an operator to select a sheet to be used by himself, and the usability can be improved.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a printing system that executes a printing processing program according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram showing each part detailed function of a printing system. It is a figure explaining the various information which an operation terminal and a label printer memorize | store. It is a figure showing the starting screen of the edit application in the display part of an operating terminal. It is a figure at the time of listing all the models of a label printer in the model selection window in the starting screen of an edit application. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of all paper sizes that can be printed in a paper size window on the editing screen of the editing application. It is a figure explaining the production | generation method of the display size list | wrist displayed as a list. It is a figure showing the data content of a template file. It is a figure which represents typically the recording content of a printing log. It is a figure showing a specific example which produces | generates a display size list | wrist. FIG. 10 is a diagram when a display size list is displayed in a list in a paper size window on an editing screen of an editing application. It is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure which CPU of an operating terminal performs when starting an edit application. It is a figure explaining the method of producing | generating the display size list | wrist in the case of also displaying the paper size of the periphery of a refinement | purification extraction result. It is a figure explaining the method of producing | generating the display size list | wrist in the case of setting a condition element or an extraction element by a model group. It is a figure explaining the method of producing | generating the display size list | wrist in the case of adding a use application as a condition element. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of all paper sizes that can be printed in a paper size window on the editing screen when a die-cut tape is used. It is a figure explaining the method of producing | generating the display size list | wrist in the case of using a die-cut tape.

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

<System outline configuration>
The configuration of the entire printing system that executes the printing processing program of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In FIG. 1, a printing system 1 includes a plurality of operation terminals 2 configured by, for example, general-purpose personal computers, and a plurality of label printers 3 (printing apparatuses) connected to the operation terminals 2 via a communication network NW such as a LAN. And have. Each operation terminal 2 is connected to each label printer 3 through the communication network NW so as to be able to send and receive information to and from each other.

  Each label printer 3 sends and receives various types of information and instruction signals to and from each operation terminal 2, and prints a label with a desired character or graphic print based on the operation of the operator at the operation terminal 2. create. At this time, the label printer 3 uses a print-receiving tape (described later) of a predetermined width wound around a tape roll (described later) mounted on the label printer 3 to have a print label (not shown) having an arbitrary length. Can be created. The label printer 3 can attach and detach a plurality of types of tape rolls or cartridges corresponding to the type of print-receiving tape. That is, the operator can arbitrarily select a print-receiving tape having a predetermined type of width size (paper size). In this embodiment, a plurality of types of label printers 3 are connected to the communication network NW, and each operation terminal 2 selectively selects one of the plurality of types of label printers 3 via the network NW. It is possible to operate. In the following description, the label printers 3 and 3 ′ are collectively referred to simply as “label printer 3 etc.” as appropriate, except when the plural types of label printers 3 and 3 ′ are intentionally distinguished.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation terminal 2 (terminal) includes a CPU 12 (arithmetic unit), a memory 13 such as a RAM or a ROM, an operation unit 14 for inputting instructions and information from an operator, A display unit 17 for displaying information and messages, a communication control unit 15 for controlling transmission / reception of information signals with the label printer 3 and the like, and a mass storage device 16 (storage unit) for storing various programs and information. I have. Various programs and information stored in the mass storage device 16 will be described later.

  The CPU 12 transmits and receives various instruction signals and information signals to and from the various processes and the label printer 3 according to a program stored in advance in the ROM or the large-capacity storage device 16 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, the label printer 3 or the like has a tape roll 204 around which a print-receiving tape (= paper, which is originally spiral but simplified and shown as a concentric circle) 203 is wound. A tape roll holder portion 210 that can be attached and detached (or a cartridge equipped with the tape roll 204 can be attached and detached), and mounting tape information (described later) regarding the tape roll 204 (or cartridge) attached to the tape roll holder portion 210. A tape sensor 211 that detects the target or electromagnetically and transmits it to the control device 202; a print head 205 that performs desired printing on the tape to be printed 203 fed from the tape roll 204; A cutter 207 cut into a length and used as a print label and a print head 205 are provided facing the control circuit 2. It is controlled by 2 having a conveying device 209 for conveying the tape 203 from the tape roll 204, a. The control circuit 202 is connected to the communication control unit 15 of the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 208 and the communication network NW. As a result, the label printer 3 and the like can exchange information with the operation terminal 2. The control circuit 202 includes a memory 202A, and a print log and mounting tape information described later are stored in the memory 202A (described later).

<Various types of information related to this embodiment>
Next, various information stored in the operation terminal 2 and the label printer 3 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, the operation terminal 2 stores a plurality of drivers 301 corresponding to each model such as the label printer 3 and a plurality of template files 302 which are template data of print contents in the large-capacity storage device 16. ing. The driver 301 is a software library that is incorporated in the basic OS of the operation terminal 2 and controls the operation of the label printer 3 or the like of the corresponding model. List information (hereinafter referred to as a printable size list 303; see FIG. 7 described later) is included in advance. The template file 302 (prepared printed matter information) is a data file stored in a specific folder (My Labels folder 304 in the illustrated example), and is referred to when editing the print contents of the print label by an editing application described later. The model data is included (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 8).

  The label printer 3 and the like store the print log 401 and the mounted tape information 402 in the memory 202A. The print log 401 (print history) is information relating to the print label creation history by the label printer 3 and the like up to that point, and includes information on the paper size of the print label created in the past (details will be described later). Explained in FIG. 9). The mounted tape information 402 is information detected by the tape sensor 211 with respect to the tape roll 204 mounted on the label printer 3 or the like at that time, and includes information on the paper size of the tape roll 204. The mounting tape information 402 may be detected by the tape sensor 211 at an arbitrary timing when a predetermined command is received, or detected when the label printer 3 or the like is turned on or the tape roll 204 is mounted. Also good. Further, the paper size information of the tape roll 204 included in the mounting tape information 402 corresponds to the size information of the paper mounted on the printing apparatus described in each claim.

<About editing applications>
In the printing system 1 of the present embodiment, the operator can edit the print contents of the print label and perform the print operation by an operation via an editing application (print processing program) operated on the operation terminal 2. When the operator activates the editing application on the operation terminal 2, for example, an activation screen 501 as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 17. In the illustrated start screen 501, a printer model selection window 503 is displayed together with operation icons 502 displayed according to various uses of the target print label with the newly created menu selected.

  By operating the model selection window 503, as shown in FIG. 5, a list of models such as the label printer 3 that can be operated on the operation terminal 2, that is, the corresponding driver 301 installed is displayed in the form of a so-called pull-down menu. Then, the operator can select an arbitrary use model (A-5000 in the illustrated example) from among them. When the editing screen 601 shown in FIG. 6 is displayed through a predetermined operation, the operator can edit and set the print contents of print labels and various parameters to be created.

  At this time, as described above, the paper size (= width size) of the print-receiving tape 203 is a parameter that is fixedly set according to the type of the tape roll 204 mounted on the label printer 3 or the like. The operation of selecting this paper size is essential before editing the print contents. In the illustrated example, by operating a paper size selection window 602 ("tape width" in the figure) displayed on the editing screen 601, a list of paper sizes that can be printed by the label printer 3 or the like of the selected model is displayed. Then, the operator selects an arbitrary paper size from among them. Normally, this list of paper sizes displays all the contents of the printable size list 303 included in the driver 301 corresponding to the label printer 3 of the selected model (A-5000 in the illustrated example) as it is.

<Features of this embodiment>
In recent years, the number of types of paper sizes that can be printed by one model has increased with the generalization of the label printer 3 and the like that can be used for many purposes. However, on the other hand, the type of paper size used by a specific operator tends to converge within a certain limit range. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 6 above, when all the contents of the printable size list 303 of the selected model are displayed at the time of the paper size selection operation, the types of paper sizes that are less likely to be used by the operator are also displayed. In other words, the list display becomes long, and the number of options increases, which makes the operator's selection operation complicated.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, when a model such as the label printer 3 is selected, not all paper sizes that can be printed with the selected model are displayed in the subsequent paper size selection window 602, but a certain fixed size. Only paper sizes that fall within the limits are listed. This makes it easier for the operator to select the paper to be used by himself / herself, compared to the case where all the paper sizes are displayed, and the usability can be improved.

<How to limit the paper size to be displayed>
In the example of this embodiment, a method for limiting the sheet size to be displayed in a list will be described with reference to FIG. First, as described above, each driver 301 stored in the operation terminal 2 includes a corresponding printable size list 303. By arbitrarily selecting the model of the label printer 3 or the like used by the operator, user condition setting is performed using the used model as a condition element, and the driver 301 corresponding to the used model (A-5000 in the illustrated example). The printable size list 303 is referred to.

  The editing application maximizes all types of paper sizes included in the referenced printable size list 303 (eight types of 3.5 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, 36 mm, and 48 mm in the illustrated example). A list information of paper size types (four types of 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm in the illustrated example) that are narrowed and extracted based on a specific extraction element is generated as a display size list 305. This is finally listed. In the example of the present embodiment, various data such as the template file 302, the print log 401, and the mounted tape information 402 are used as the above-described extraction elements, and the use possibility by the operator of the operation terminal 2 based on these extraction elements. The above paper size is automatically narrowed and extracted based on the extraction standard of the height of the paper.

  Note that among all the paper size types included in the printable size list 303, at least one of the paper size types not included in the display size list 305 is out of the predetermined limit range described in each claim. It corresponds to one size, and the type of paper size included in the display size list 305 corresponds to at least one second size that falls within the limit range described in each claim.

<About template files>
Here, the template file 302 will be described with reference to FIG. The template file 302 is a data file including template data that is referred to when editing the print contents of the print label as described above. The template file 302 is created by the operator of the operation terminal 2 or obtained from the manufacturer (in the cloud or the like) or from another person via the communication network NW or a recording medium. A plurality of items are recorded in the My Labels folder 304 in the middle. The operator reads the template file 302 arbitrarily selected from the template file on the editing application, displays the template data included in the template file 302, and edits the content of the target print label. You can create print contents.

  The template file 302 includes various information such as a file name, layout, paper size, paper length, applicable model, creator, and the like. The file name in the example shown in the figure is composed of model data (“A-5000”), paper size (“(18 mm)”), and text data with an extension “.lbx”. The layout is composed of various graphic data and text data as template data. As described above, the template file 302 includes information on the model of the label printer 3 to be applied and the paper size to be applied, and can be easily obtained. It is assumed that the operator of the operation terminal 2 in which such a template file 302 is stored is highly likely to use a sheet having a sheet size to which the template file 302 is applied. Note that the paper size information included in the template file 302 corresponds to the size information corresponding to the created printed matter information described in each claim.

<About print logs>
Next, the print log 401 will be described with reference to FIG. The print log 401 is database information recorded in the memory 202A of the label printer 3 or the like as described above, and includes information related to print label creation history by the label printer 3 or the like up to that point. The print log 401 records all past creation histories according to instructions from an unspecified number of operation terminals 2 connected to the communication network NW. If viewed from an operator of a predetermined operation terminal 2, the other operation terminals 2 are recorded. It also includes information created by the operator. When the label printer 3 or the like is newly purchased and installed, the print log 401 is not recorded (there is no past creation history).

  In the print log 401, various information relating to creation of a print label such as a management number (“No.” in the figure), a user ID (ID of the operation terminal 2, etc.), a paper size, and the number of sheets are time-sequentially for each creation process. It is recorded in. As described above, the print log 401 includes information on the paper size used in the past by the model of the label printer 3 or the like that stores the print log 401, and can be easily obtained. The type of paper size recorded in the print log 401 is any operation connected to the label printer 3 or the like even if the paper sizes used by a plurality of operators are mixed. It is assumed that the operator of the terminal 2 is likely to use it.

<Example of display size list generation>
A specific example of generating the display size list 305 by executing the above paper size restriction method will be described with reference to FIG. In this example shown in the figure, the selected model is a label printer 3 of A-5000, and a tape roll 204 (cartridge) having a paper size of 12 mm is attached to the label printer 3 at that time. Assume that a print label is created and a print log 401 is recorded.

  First, when the operator selects the A-5000 model using the editing application on the operation terminal 2, the printable size list 303 is acquired from the driver 301 corresponding to the model. Next, all the template files 302 stored in the My Labels folder 304 are searched, and among them, those applicable to the selected model (A-5000 in this example) are selected and their paper sizes are selected. Get information. That is, the paper size information is obtained by classification and extraction for each model of the label printer 3 or the like. If the print log 401 is recorded in the label printer 3 or the like of the selected model, the paper size information is acquired with reference to the print log 401. On the other hand, if the print log 401 is not recorded in the label printer 3 or the like of the selected model, information on the paper size of the tape roll 204 mounted at that time is obtained instead of the mounting tape information 402. To do.

  The display size list 305 is generated based on the various paper size information acquired as described above. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, all the paper size types included in the printable size list 303 acquired from the driver 301 are set as the maximum parameter, and the template file 302, the print log 401, Alternatively, the display size list 305 is generated by narrowing down extraction based on the paper size information acquired from each of the mounted tape information 402.

  In the illustrated example, the print log 401 is recorded in the label printer 3 or the like of the selected model, so the paper size acquired from the template file 302 (four types of 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm in the illustrated example) and printing are displayed. Types of paper sizes (9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm in the example shown) that overlap with each of the paper sizes (four types of 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm in the example shown) acquired from the log 401 in the set sum (OR). 4)) and a set product of paper size types included in the printable size list 303 (in the example shown, eight types of 3.5 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, 36 mm, and 48 mm). Paper size extracted by (AND) (in the example shown, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm 4 kinds) display size list 305 is generated (double border see arrows in the drawing). If the print log 401 is not recorded, the set size (OR) of the paper size information of the template file 302 and the mounted tape information 402 is compared with the paper size information of the printable size list 303. A display size list 305 narrowed and extracted by the set product (AND) is generated.

  FIG. 11 corresponding to FIG. 6 shows an example in which a list of paper sizes in the paper size selection window is displayed using the display size list 305 generated in this way. As a result, the list display is shortened by narrowing down to a sheet size that is highly likely to be used by the operator, so that the display on the operation screen is simplified and the operator can easily select the sheet to be used. As shown in the drawing, an item “display all sizes” is displayed at the end of the list of paper sizes, and when the operator arbitrarily selects this item, all the contents of the printable size list 303 are displayed. A list may be displayed.

<Control procedure>
FIG. 12 shows an example of a control procedure executed by the CPU 12 of the operation terminal 2 in order to realize the display size list process. When the editing application is activated on the operation terminal 2, the flow of FIG. 12 is started.

  First, in step S5, the CPU 12 displays a list of models compatible with all the drivers 301 installed in the operation terminal 2 in the model selection window 503 on the startup screen 501, and models from the operator through the operations there. Accept selection.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S10, and the CPU 12 acquires the printable size list 303 from the driver 301 corresponding to the model selected in step S5.

  In step S15, the CPU 12 searches all template files 302 stored in the My Labels folder 304, selects those applicable to the model selected in step S5 and selects them. Get the paper size information.

  In step S20, the CPU 12 determines whether the print log 401 is recorded in the label printer 3 of the model selected in step S5. If the print log 401 is recorded, the determination is satisfied (S20: YES), and the routine goes to Step S25.

  In step S25, the CPU 12 acquires and searches the print log 401 recorded in the label printer 3 or the like of the selected model, and further acquires information on the paper size included therein. Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

  On the other hand, if the print log 401 is not recorded in the label printer 3 or the like of the selected model in the determination in step S20, the determination is not satisfied (S20: NO), and the process proceeds to step S30.

  In step S30, the CPU 12 acquires information on the paper size included in the mounting tape information 402 recorded (or detected at that time) in the memory 202A such as the label printer 3 of the selected model. Then, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the CPU 12 generates a display size list 305 based on the paper size information acquired in steps S10, S15, and S25 (or S30). As a specific generation method in this example, the set sum of the template file 302 and the print log 401 or the attachment with the template file 302 is attached to the printable size list 303 which is the maximum parameter as described in FIG. It is generated by narrowing extraction with a set product with one of the set sums with the tape information 402.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S40, and the CPU 12 waits in a loop until the selection operation of the paper size selection window 602 is performed on the editing screen 601. If another operation is performed during this standby, a corresponding process (not shown) is executed. If the selection operation is performed in the paper size selection window 602, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the CPU 12 displays a list of the display size list 305 generated in step S35 on the paper size selection window 602 (see FIG. 11 above).

  Next, the process proceeds to step S50, where the CPU 12 accepts the selection of the paper size from the operator via the operation in the paper size selection window 602. As shown in FIG. 11, when an item “display all sizes” is displayed at the end of the display size list 305 and this item is selected, the display size list 305 is used instead. All the contents of the printable size list 303 are displayed as a list, and the selection of the paper size is accepted again from the list (see FIG. 6). Then, this flow ends.

  In the above, the control procedure of step S5 in the flow of FIG. 10 functions as the model reception procedure described in each claim, the control procedure of step S45 functions as the size display procedure described in each claim, and the control procedure of step S50. Functions as a size reception procedure described in each claim, the control procedure in step S15 functions as a printed matter information acquisition procedure described in each claim, and the control procedure in step S25 functions as a print history acquisition procedure described in each claim. The control procedure in step S20 functions as a print history determination procedure described in each claim, and the control procedure in step S30 functions as a size acquisition procedure described in each claim.

<Effect of this embodiment>
As described above, in the editing application of this embodiment, when a model such as the label printer 3 is received in the procedure of step S5 executed by the CPU 12 of the operation terminal 2, the selected model is processed in the procedure of subsequent step S45. All the paper sizes that can be printed with are not displayed, but only the paper sizes that fall within a certain limited range (paper sizes included in the display size list 305) are displayed in a list. This makes it easier for the operator to select the paper to be used by himself / herself, compared to the case where all the paper sizes are displayed, and the usability can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a list of paper sizes within a more limited range corresponding to the template file 302 (of the selected model) stored in the mass storage device 16 of the operation terminal 2 is displayed. . Thereby, it becomes easier for the operator to select the sheet, and the usability can be improved with certainty.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, in the procedure of step S15, a plurality of template files 302 stored in the My Labels folder 304 of the large-capacity storage device 16 are classified and extracted for each model such as the label printer 3 and acquired. In step S45, a list of paper sizes corresponding to the model selected in step S5 in the template file 302 for each model extracted in step S15 is displayed. As described above, the paper size included in the template file 302 stored in the operation terminal 2 and applicable to the selected model is likely to be used by the operator of the operation terminal 2. is assumed. By generating these paper sizes as the display size list 305 and displaying them in a list, it becomes easier for the operator to select the paper, and the usability can be improved with certainty.

  In the present embodiment, even when the paper size in the print log 401 of the label printer 3 or the like is not included in the display size list 305, the paper size is added to the display size list 305 and displayed as a list. . Accordingly, for example, even if the operator has not performed printing from the operation terminal 2, it is possible to display the paper size that has been printed by the other using the label printer 3 or the like, thereby further improving convenience. be able to.

  Further, in the present embodiment, even when there is no print log 401, the paper size currently mounted on the label printer 3 or the like can be displayed (as a selection candidate in the paper size selection reception procedure in step S50). it can. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved without fail (corresponding to the case where the print log 401 is not provided). )

  In the above embodiment, the set of either the set sum of the template file 302 and the print log 401 or the set sum of the template file 302 and the mounted tape information 402 is added to the printable size list 303 which is the maximum parameter. The display size list 305 is narrowed and extracted by product, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the display size list 305 may be narrowed down and extracted from the set product of the template file 302, the print log 401, and the mounting tape information 402 for the maximum parameter printable size list 303. In addition, the display size list 305 may be narrowed down and extracted from all set products of the template file 302, the print log 401, and the mounted tape information 402 with respect to the maximum parameter printable size list 303. Alternatively, the template file 302, which is the extraction element, the print log 401, and the mounting tape information 402 are taken in various combinations to obtain a set sum or set product, and the display size is set by a set product of this and the maximum parameter printable size list 303 The list 305 may be filtered and extracted. The extraction elements are not limited to the template file 302, the print log 401, and the mounting tape information 402, and one or two of these may be selected automatically or arbitrarily, Extraction elements may be added (not shown).

  In any of these cases, the printable size list 303 is set as the maximum parameter, and by taking the set product with the set by the set sum or the combination of set products between the extracted elements, the user condition is set. The display size list 305 can be generated by excluding paper sizes that cannot be printed depending on the selected model and displayed as a list. That is, even when the paper size to be displayed as a list on the display unit 17 is determined in advance as described above, if the paper size includes a paper size that cannot be printed with the selected model, the paper size Can be displayed (as selection candidates in the paper size selection acceptance procedure in step S50). As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved more reliably.

  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 described in order. In each modification, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the above embodiment, and the description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

(1) When the paper size around the extraction result is also displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, the paper size included in the display size list 305 of the extraction result (9 mm, 12 mm, A slightly smaller paper size (6 mm in the illustrated example) and a slightly larger paper size (36 mm in the illustrated example) are also desired to be used by the operator of the operation terminal 2 with respect to 18 types and 18 mm (four types). The possibility is fully assumed.

  Correspondingly, in the present modification, the paper sizes around the paper sizes included in the display size list 305 as a result of the first narrowing and extraction are also displayed in a list. That is, as shown in the drawing, a corrected display size list 305A in which the peripheral size is added and corrected with respect to the initially generated display size list 305 is finally displayed as a list. As a result, in this modification, when the display size list 305 to be displayed as a list on the display unit 17 is determined as described above, not only that, but also the periphery of the paper size included in the display size list 305 (display size list) A paper size of a size slightly larger than the maximum value of 305 or a size slightly smaller than the minimum value of display size list 305 may be displayed (as a selection candidate in the paper size selection reception procedure in step S50). it can. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved more reliably. When there is a large variation between the types of paper sizes included in the display size list 305, the peripheral paper sizes may be additionally corrected by interpolating between them.

(2) When setting the condition element or extraction element by model group Generally, there are various models for the label printer 3, etc., but among them, the type of print label to be created and the specifications of the paper to be used There is a distinction as a model group such as the label printer 3 (A series, B series, etc. in the example shown in the figure). The label printers 3 and the like of the same model group may use paper having a common specification, but the type of usable paper size (paper width) may be different.

  In the above embodiment, one model such as the label printer 3 that the operator intends to use directly at that time is set as a condition element for setting user conditions when acquiring the printable size list 303. The invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, as a condition element for user condition setting, a model group unit (A series in the illustrated example) may be selected and set. In the illustrated example, the set sum or set product of all printable size lists 303 corresponding to the selected model group is acquired as the model group size list 303A (the set product in the illustrated example) having the maximum parameter. The maximum parameter is displayed by narrowing down and extracting the template file 302 corresponding to the selected model group, the print log 401, and the set product of the set sum or set product between the extraction elements such as the mounted tape information 402. A size list 305 is generated and displayed as a list. This makes it possible to display a list of paper sizes in a wider limit range of model groups. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved more reliably.

  Although not specifically illustrated, even if one model such as the label printer 3 is set as a condition element for user condition setting and one corresponding printable size list 303 is acquired as the maximum parameter, the model group in the extraction element You may acquire a thing by the unit of. In other words, as for the template file 302, the print log 401, and the mounted tape information 402, which are extraction elements, those corresponding to each model group to which the selected model belongs may be acquired for at least one of them. In this case, the template file 302 is extracted and acquired separately for each model group such as the label printer 3. Conversely, even if one model is set, the printable size list 303 with the maximum parameter may be acquired in units of model groups to which the model belongs, and only the extraction elements corresponding to the model may be acquired. . As described above, various combinations of the units of the model and the model group can be considered.

(3) When a usage application is added as a condition element In general, even if the label printer 3 itself can print with a large number of paper sizes, the applicable paper size is limited depending on the usage of the print label to be created. There is a case. On the editing application startup screen 501 shown in FIG. 4, the user can select the model of the label printer 3 or the like to be used by the user by operating the model selection window 503 and use the print label to be created by operating the operation icon 502. Applications can also be selected. In this way, the usage of the print label arbitrarily selected by the user can be used as a condition element of the user condition setting similarly to the selected model of the label printer 3 and the like, and is used for the initial setting of the printable size list 303. it can.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the original printable size list 303 (3.5 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, 36 mm, and 48 mm) corresponding to the selected model (A-5000 in the illustrated example). The content of the printable size list 303 is limited by a set product with a use application size list (not shown in particular) prepared separately corresponding to the selected use (see FIG. 7 above). In the example, 4 types of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm and 18 mm). Then, by performing automatic narrowing extraction using the limited printable size list 303 as a maximum parameter, it is possible to generate a display size list 305 reflecting the usage of the print label as a condition element. As a result, it is possible to display a list of paper sizes extracted by narrowing down to those more likely to be used by the operator of the operation terminal 2. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved more reliably.

(4) When the paper size is defined two-dimensionally by the width and length In the example of the above embodiment, the tape roll 204 of the print-receiving tape 203 having a uniform width size is used as the paper, and an arbitrary length according to the printing contents. Since the print label was created, the operator had to select only the width size as the paper size one-dimensionally. On the other hand, a die mount tape (not shown) in which a label mount (so-called die cut label; not shown) previously separated in a predetermined size is continuously arranged on one surface of the release paper along the longitudinal direction is used as a sheet. There are models (model groups) of the label printer 3 and the like. When this model is selected, the paper size of the label mount is fixed not only in the width size but also in the length size depending on the type of die-cut tape. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 corresponding to FIG. In an application, it is necessary to select a paper size in both a width size and a length size two-dimensionally. In this case, the combination of the width size and the length size greatly increases the overall paper size.

  On the other hand, in the present modification, the sheet size to be displayed as a list is limited by the method shown in FIG. That is, the printable size list 303 that is the maximum parameter is acquired from the driver 301 corresponding to the selected model (C-9000 in the illustrated example) such as the label printer 3 that uses the die-cut tape. Then, the sum of width sizes and the sum of length sizes are taken between the extracted elements, and a set of paper sizes (length size × width size) by all combinations of the width sizes and length sizes included in them. The display size list 305 may be generated by performing a narrowing extraction with a set product of the printable size list 303 (length size × width size) of the maximum parameter. That is, extraction is performed by narrowing down with a combination of paper sizes included in the extraction element in either the width size or the length size.

  For example, in the illustrated example, the set sum of the length sizes of the paper sizes included in each of the plurality of extraction elements (template file 302, print log 401, and mounting tape information 402) is 57 mm, 76 mm, and 102 mm. The set sum of the width sizes of the paper sizes included in each of the extraction elements is 51 mm, 64 mm, and 76 mm. There are 3 × 3 = 9 types of paper sizes (not shown) composed of all combinations of the set sum of the length sizes and the set sum of the width sizes, but in the printable size list 303 which is the set and the maximum population. A display size list 305 can be generated with paper sizes that can actually be printed (six types in the example shown in the figure) by taking the collective product and performing extraction.

  This makes it possible to display a list of paper sizes limited by both the length size and the width size when using the die-cut tape. As a result, the convenience for the operator can be improved more reliably. It should be noted that the extraction may be performed by using only one of the length size and the width size.

(5) Others Furthermore, as described above, the print-receiving tape 203 is wound around the reel member to form the tape roll 204, or the tape roll 204 is arranged in the cartridge and the print-receiving tape 203 is fed out. Although the case has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet (including a tape or sheet formed by feeding the tape wound around the tape roll 204 and then cutting it to an appropriate length) is stacked in a predetermined storage section. (For example, by stacking them in a tray), the cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder on the side of the label printer 3, etc., and transported and transported from the storage section for printing and writing. You may make it create.

  Furthermore, a configuration in which a long flat paper-like or strip-like tape or sheet is transported one by one from the outside of the label printer 3 by a predetermined feeder mechanism and supplied into the label printer 3 can be considered. The tape roll 204 may be provided as a so-called installation type or an integral type that is not detachable on the apparatus main body side but is detachable on the apparatus main body side. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  Note that “vertical” in the above description is not vertical in a strict sense. In other words, “vertical” means that “tolerance and error in manufacturing are allowed in design and“ substantially vertical ”.

  Note that “parallel” in the above description is not parallel in a strict sense. That is, “parallel” means that “tolerance and error in manufacturing are allowed in design and“ substantially parallel ”.

  Note that “equal” in the above description does not have a strict meaning. In other words, “equal” means that “tolerance and error in manufacturing are allowed by design and is“ substantially equal ”.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in each figure of FIG.1, FIG.2, etc. shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 12 and the like does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-described flow, and the procedure is added / deleted or the order is changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. Also good.

  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 Printing system 2 Operation terminal (terminal)
3 Label printer (printing device)
12 CPU
13 Memory 14 Operation Unit 15 Communication Control Unit 16 Mass Storage Device (Storage Unit)
17 Display Unit 202 Control Device 202A Memory 203 Printed Tape (Paper)
204 Tape Roll 301 Driver 302 Template File (Created Print Information)
303 Printable Size List 305 Display Size List 401 Print Log (Print History)
402 Tape information NW communication network

Claims (13)

Connected to a printing apparatus that prints on paper, the calculation unit of the terminal provided with a display unit, storage unit, operation unit, calculation unit,
A model acceptance procedure for accepting selection of the model of the printing apparatus via the operation unit;
Of all the paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model reception procedure, the size information corresponding to the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit or the size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus A size display procedure for displaying a list of at least one second size within the limit range on the display unit while hiding at least one first size outside the predetermined limit range based on
A size acceptance procedure for accepting selection of one paper size included in the second size listed in the size display procedure via the operation unit;
A print processing program for executing
For the calculation unit,
The printed matter information acquisition procedure for acquiring the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit is executed,
In the size display procedure,
Among the all paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model acceptance procedure, a plurality of the second sizes corresponding to the created printed matter information acquired in the printed matter information acquisition procedure are listed on the display unit. Display
In the size reception procedure, selection of the one paper size included in the plurality of second sizes displayed in a list in the size display procedure is received.
A print processing program. The print processing program according to claim 1 ,
The printed matter information acquisition procedure includes:
The printed matter information extraction procedure for extracting and obtaining the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit by classifying the printing device for each model or model group,
In the size display procedure,
A list of paper sizes corresponding to the model selected in the model reception procedure is displayed in a list among the created printed matter information for each model or each model group extracted in the printed matter information acquisition procedure. Print processing program. In the print processing program according to claim 1 or 2 ,
For the arithmetic unit,
Further executing a print history acquisition procedure for acquiring a print history stored in the printing device;
In the size display procedure,
Among the paper sizes corresponding to the print history acquired in the print history acquisition procedure, if there is a size that is not included in the second size, the size is added and displayed on the display unit as a list. Characteristic print processing program. The print processing program according to claim 3 .
The calculation unit is further caused to execute a print history determination procedure for determining the presence or absence of a print history stored in the printing apparatus,
If it is determined that the print history is present in the print history determination procedure, the print history is acquired in the print history acquisition procedure,
If it is determined in the print history determination procedure that there is no print history,
Causing a size acquisition procedure to acquire size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus;
In the size display procedure,
A print processing program that displays a list of the second sizes corresponding to the size information acquired in the size acquisition procedure on the display unit. The print processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
In the size display procedure,
A print processing program that displays a list of paper sizes around the second size in addition to the second size. Connected to a printing apparatus that prints on paper, the calculation unit of the terminal provided with a display unit, storage unit, operation unit, calculation unit,
A model acceptance procedure for accepting selection of the model of the printing apparatus via the operation unit;
Of all the paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model reception procedure, the size information corresponding to the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit or the size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus A size display procedure for displaying a list of at least one second size within the limit range on the display unit while hiding at least one first size outside the predetermined limit range based on
A size acceptance procedure for accepting selection of one paper size included in the second size listed in the size display procedure via the operation unit;
A print processing program for executing
For the arithmetic unit,
Further executing a print history acquisition procedure for acquiring a print history stored in the printing device;
In the size display procedure,
If there is a size not included in the second size among the paper sizes corresponding to the print history acquired in the print history acquisition procedure, the size is added and displayed in a list on the display unit.
A print processing program. The print processing program according to claim 6.
For the calculation unit,
  The printed matter information acquisition procedure for acquiring the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit is executed,
The printed matter information acquisition procedure includes:
The printed matter information extraction procedure for extracting and obtaining the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit by classifying the printing device for each model or model group,
In the size display procedure,
A list of paper sizes corresponding to the model selected in the model reception procedure among the created printed matter information for each model or each model group extracted in the print information acquisition procedure is displayed.
A print processing program. The print processing program according to claim 6 or 7 ,
The calculation unit is further caused to execute a print history determination procedure for determining the presence or absence of a print history stored in the printing apparatus,
If it is determined that the print history is present in the print history determination procedure, the print history is acquired in the print history acquisition procedure,
If it is determined in the print history determination procedure that there is no print history,
Causing a size acquisition procedure to acquire size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus;
In the size display procedure,
List the second size corresponding to the size information acquired in the size acquisition procedure on the display unit
A print processing program. The print processing program according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
In the size display procedure,
In addition to the second size, a list of paper sizes around the second size is also displayed.
A print processing program. Connected to a printing apparatus that prints on paper, the calculation unit of the terminal provided with a display unit, storage unit, operation unit, calculation unit,
A model acceptance procedure for accepting selection of the model of the printing apparatus via the operation unit;
Of all the paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model reception procedure, the size information corresponding to the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit or the size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus A size display procedure for displaying a list of at least one second size within the limit range on the display unit while hiding at least one first size outside the predetermined limit range based on
A size acceptance procedure for accepting selection of one paper size included in the second size listed in the size display procedure via the operation unit;
A print processing program for executing
In the size display procedure,
In addition to the second size, a list of paper sizes around the second size is also displayed.
A print processing program. The print processing program according to claim 10.
For the calculation unit,
The printed matter information acquisition procedure for acquiring the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit is executed,
The printed matter information acquisition procedure includes:
The printed matter information extraction procedure for extracting and obtaining the created printed matter information stored in the storage unit by classifying the printing device for each model or model group,
In the size display procedure,
A list of paper sizes corresponding to the model selected in the model reception procedure among the created printed matter information for each model or each model group extracted in the print information acquisition procedure is displayed.
A print processing program. The print processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
The paper is
The label mount, which has been separated into a predetermined size in advance, is a die-cut tape continuously arranged on one side of the release paper along the longitudinal direction,
In the size display procedure,
Among all the paper sizes that can be printed by the model selected in the model reception procedure, the plurality of second information corresponding to the size information corresponding to the printed matter information or the size information of the paper loaded in the printing apparatus. List sizes on the display
A print processing program. The print processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
In the size display procedure,
Among the second sizes, a list is displayed excluding paper sizes that cannot be printed by the model selected in the model reception procedure.
A print processing program.

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