JP7010461B2 - Programs used in product information output devices, product information output systems, and product information output devices - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a product information output device for generating and outputting product information output data used when printing POP advertisements, shelf labels, etc. used in mass retailers, supermarkets, etc., and a program used for the device.

A product information presenting device that displays product information of a product to be sold is known. (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-142413

Depending on the product, for example, the tax rate differs depending on whether you eat or drink in the store (eat-in) or take it home (take-out). In some cases.

In the product information presenting device as seen in Patent Document 1, the display of different product information for the same product has not been particularly considered.

The present invention is based on the above circumstances, and is a normal product so that it can be easily understood that a product having a plurality of tax rates is a product having a plurality of tax rates depending on the situation. By outputting different product information, the purpose is to convey appropriate product information to customers.

One embodiment of the present invention is a product information output device that outputs product information output data for outputting designated product information to a medium, and generates the product information output data based on the product information. The product information output data generation means includes a product information output data generation means and a product information output means for outputting to a medium based on the generated product information output data, and a single tax rate is set for the product information output data generation means. The first product and the second product for which a plurality of tax rates are set according to the purchase conditions generate product information output data in different output forms, and the product for the second product. In the case of generating information output data, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, it is a product information output device that generates product information output data that outputs a part of a plurality of tax rates .

According to the above embodiment, when printing or displaying product information such as a product having a plurality of tax rates, the product information can be displayed or printed in an output form different from that of a normal product. Appropriate information can be communicated to customers.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the printing system provided with the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the print data output apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the product information file in the print data output apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the card information file in the print data output apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the paper information file in the print data output apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow figure of the whole of the printing system including the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow diagram which shows the paper selection procedure of the printing system which includes the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow diagram which shows the procedure of the card change processing of the printing system including the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow diagram which shows the procedure of the combination card setting process of the printing system provided with the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flow diagram which shows the procedure of the alternative paper setting processing of the printing system provided with the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. This is an example of a paper pre-printed on a substitute paper in a printing system including a print data output device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure of the screen which is displayed in the display means of the print data output apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the list input screen. It is a figure of the screen which is displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card selection window. It is a figure of the screen which is displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card input screen. It is a figure of the screen which is displayed in the display means of the print data output apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the preview screen. It is a figure of the screen which is displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card correction screen. It is a figure of the screen displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card setting screen. It is a figure of the screen displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card setting screen which displayed the "paper switching setting" column in detail. It is a figure of the screen displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card setting screen which displayed the "paper switching setting" column in detail. It is a figure of the screen displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card setting screen which displayed the card combination column. It is a figure of the print medium printed in the card combination state by the printing system provided with the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure of the screen displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card setting screen which displayed the card change column. It is a figure of the print medium printed in the state of a plurality of tax rates printing by the printing system provided with the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure of the screen displayed in the display means of the print data output device which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and is the figure which shows the card input screen of the card in which the reduced tax rate is set.

Hereinafter, a product information output device (print data output device) and a product information output system (printing system) including the product information output device (print data output device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
(Overall configuration of product information output system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a product information output system according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the product information output system related to this embodiment has a headquarters server 1 arranged in the headquarters and the like to perform management processing related to product sales in each store, and a shelf label and a POP advertisement arranged in each store. Product information generated and output by the product information output device (print data output device) 2 and the product information output device (print data output device) 2 that generate and output product information output data used for printing, etc. It has an output device (printing means) 3 that prints the shelf label or a POP advertisement based on the output data (print data). In this embodiment, a print data output device is used as the product information output device 2, a printing means 3 for printing on paper is used as the output device 3, and print data is used as the product information output data. The device 3 may be an electronic shelf label, a signage, or the like, in addition to a printing means for printing on a paper medium or the like.

The headquarters server 1 and the print data output device 2 are connected to a cloud server via, for example, the Internet, and the headquarters server 1, the print data output device 2, and the printing means 3 are LANs (Local Area Network) that enable information communication. ) Etc. are connected via the network 4.
The network 4 connecting the headquarters server 1, the print data output device 2, and the printing means 3 is not limited to a wired one, and may be wirelessly connected.

The headquarters server 1 manages various types of information including information used when creating shelf labels, POP advertisements, and the like. The database to be managed includes, for example, a product master database that stores information such as the name and selling price of each product, a customer information database that stores customer information, and a store information database that stores the sales status of each store. Then, it is connected to the Internet via the connection means 11.

The print data output device 2 is composed of a personal computer or the like, and is operated by the user as a terminal arranged in each store. For example, the print data output device 2 is printed on a print medium such as paper or displayed on an electronic shelf label or the like. Print data is generated. The print data output device 2 has a controller 21 that controls the generation and output processing of print data, an input means 22 that is composed of a keyboard and the like, and a display means 23 that is composed of a display device and the like.

The controller 21 has a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a memory 214, a network I / F215, an input means I / F216, a display means I / F217, and a connection means 218.
The CPU 211 is an element that executes a software program instruction.
The ROM 212 is a storage element in which a program or the like for operating on the controller 21 is stored in advance. The program or the like may be stored in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM and read by an external device such as a CD-ROM drive.

The RAM 213 is a storage element used as a work storage area necessary for storing a program and operating software.
The memory 214 is a storage means that is composed of a hard disk device or the like and stores information for processing such as generation, output, and management of print data used for printing shelf labels and POP advertisements.
The network I / F215 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected on the network 4.
The input means I / F 216 is a circuit for performing input / output with the input means 22.
The display means I / F 217 is a circuit for performing input / output with the display means 23.
The connection means 218 is a means for connecting to the Internet.

The printing means 3 includes a controller 31 that generates image data based on print data output (transmitted) from the print data output device 2, and a printer engine 32 that drives and prints a printing unit based on the generated image data. Have.
The controller 31 has a CPU 311, a ROM 312, a RAM 313, and a network I / F 314.

In the present embodiment, the printing means 3 is connected to the headquarters server 1 and the print data output device 2 via the network 4, but may be directly connected to the print data output device 2. Further, it may be configured as a dedicated machine such as a label printer in which a print data output device 2 equipped with a program for printing a POP advertisement and a printing means 3 are integrated.

(Functional block diagram)
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the print data output device 2 and the printing means 3 according to the present embodiment.
The print data output device 2 includes print data output means (product information output means) 201, print data generation means (product information output data generation means) 202, paper selection means 203, product information storage means 204, card information storage means 205, It functions as a device including a paper information storage means 206 and a communication unit 207.
The printing means 3 includes a printing control means 301, an engine control means 302, a paper detecting means 303, and the like, and functions as a device for printing product information output data on paper.

The print data output means 201 is a means for collectively controlling the print data output device 2, and stores the information input by the input means 22 in each storage means or displays the information stored in each storage means. Data can be transmitted and received to and from the printing means 3 and the like by displaying the data on the means 23 and outputting the print data generated by the print data generating means 202 to the printing means 3.

The print data generation means 202 is based on, for example, product information stored in the product information storage means 204, card information stored in the card information storage means 205, paper information stored in the paper information storage means 206, and the like. To generate print data.

The paper selection means 203 is based on, for example, product information stored in the product information storage means 204, card information stored in the card information storage means 205, paper information stored in the paper information storage means 206, and the like. , The paper used for printing in the printing means 3 is designated, switched, or the like to be selected.

The product information storage means 204 stores a product information file having product information for each product. The card information storage means 205 stores a card file having card information (print format information) used when printing on a print medium. The paper information storage means 206 stores a paper information file having information on the paper stored in the paper cassette or the like of the printing means 3. The communication unit 207 exchanges data with the printing means 3.

The print control means 301 expands the print data output (transmitted) from the print data output means 201 into image data and transmits it to the engine control means 302, or outputs the paper information detected by the paper detection means 303 as print data. It may be transmitted to means 201.
The paper detecting means 303 detects information on paper stored in a paper cassette or the like.

(Various databases)
Here, the product information file, the card information file, and the paper information file processed in the printing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. First, the product information file will be described with reference to FIG.

(Product information file)
The product information file is a product information file that stores items defined for each product. The product information file is stored in each server (product master data) such as the headquarters server 1 by setting predetermined conditions (for example, a product whose "sale start date" is tomorrow) by the print data output device 2 of each store. By making an inquiry to the product master server, the planning master server that stores the special sale schedule, etc.), the product information, the selling price information, the special sale schedule information, etc. held by each server are acquired and generated. The product information file is stored in, for example, a text file, and is stored in the product information storage means 204 of the print data output device 2 of each store.

When planning a special sale schedule at each store, multiple special sale schedules may be set, but the priority of the special sale schedule can be automatically determined according to the start date and end date of the special sale, or at each store. It is possible to set a special sale schedule or the like of a product information file by setting a priority flag or the like to the special sale schedule planned in. Specifically, if the one with the special sale start date close to the current day is prioritized, the one with the special sale end date close to the current day is prioritized, or if the special sale start date and the special sale end date are the same, the one with the lower selling price Can be set in any way, such as giving priority to.

The product information includes "JAN code", "product name", "standard name", "current selling price", "print instruction 1", "card 1", "(print) number of sheets 1", "print instruction 2", "Card 2", "(printed) number of sheets 2", "special sale start date", "special sale end date", "special sale price", "special point 1", "reduced tax rate target", "tax rate 1", "tax rate 2" , "Ordering point", "Ordering quantity", etc., and the data is associated with each item for each product.

The item of "JAN code" represents the JAN code printed for each product. Although the JAN code is used in this embodiment, other barcodes such as the UPC code may be used. The items "card 1" and "card 2" represent the print formats associated with each product. The items of "print instruction 1" and "print instruction 2" indicate the presence or absence of a print instruction according to the print format of the "card 1" and "card 2" of each product information, and "(print) number of sheets 1" and "((print) number 1" and "( The item of "printing) number of sheets 2" represents the number of printing sheets to be printed by the printing format of the "card 1" and "card 2".

The "current selling price" item represents the current selling price or the tax-included price used at the time of selling at the store, and the "special selling price" item represents a value such as a special price having a value different from the current selling price. The item of "sale start date" represents the date and time when the application of the special price such as the special sale price starts, and the item of "sale end date" represents the date when the application of the special price ends. The item of "special point 1" means that the associated product is the target product of the special point, and represents the value of the special point to be added.

The item of "Reduced tax rate target" indicates that the associated product is a product subject to the reduced tax rate, the item of "Tax rate 1" is the value of the standard tax rate to which the reduced tax rate is not applied, and the item of "Tax rate 2" is. , Represents the value of the reduced tax rate. The item of "ordering point" represents the timing of ordering the associated product (remaining quantity, etc.), and the item of "ordering quantity" represents the quantity of the associated product at the time of ordering.
The above product information file has items of "card 1" and "card 2" as print formats associated with the product information, but further, for example, "card 1" to "card 5". Many print formats may be provided.

In the example shown in FIG. 3, in the product information on the first line of the product information file, the JAN code is "123456789", the product name is "can coffee", the standard name is "280 ml", and the current selling price is "100" yen. A product is set in which the print format 1 (card 1) is "card A" and the number of prints by the print format (card) 1 is "1". Furthermore, in the product information on the first line, the special sale start date is "January 12, 2017", the special sale end date is "January 31, 2017", the special sale price is "95" yen, and the special point 1 is. "100 points" is set.
Further, in the product information on the second line, the print format 2 (card 2) is set to "advertisement B" and the print format (card) 2 is set to "1".

(Card information file)
Next, the card information file will be described with reference to FIG. The card information file is a file of print format information (card information) used when printing each product. As the card information file, for example, the information created in the headquarters or the like and stored in the cloud server is acquired by the print data output device 2 of each store, and is used as a text file in the card information storage means 205 of the print data output device 2. It is remembered.

The user can display the card information of the card information file on the display means 23 of the print data output device 2 of each store. In addition, the user can modify, delete, or newly create the card information displayed on the display means 23.

The card information includes "card name", "paper", "paper orientation", "size", "print item 1" ... "print item n", "card attribute 1", "card attribute 2", and "combination". Each card consists of items such as "Condition 1", "Combination card 1", "Change condition", "Change card", "Paper switching condition", "Switching paper", "Alternative paper", and "Alternative paper printing condition". It is the data in which each item is associated with.

The "card name" item represents the name of the card used. The "Paper" item represents the name of the printing medium to be printed, the "Paper orientation" item represents the transport direction of printing at the time of printing, and the "Size" item represents the dimensions of the printed shelf label, etc. Represents. The items "print item 1" to "print item n" represent items of product information defined in a print frame arranged in print format data used when printing on a print medium.

The items of "card attribute 1" and "card attribute 2" indicate the defined card attributes. Card attributes include attributes related to the purpose of use such as "advertising items", "normal shelf labels", "special sale", "normal POP", and "multiple tax rates", and attributes related to paper such as "A3" and "A4". There is.

Multiple attributes can be defined for each card information. Although the items "card attribute 1" and "card attribute 2" are provided as the card attributes, three or more card attributes may be defined.
In addition, the card attribute can be arbitrarily registered on the system setting screen (not shown). For example, when a new print format corresponding to multiple tax rates is created, a new card attribute called "multiple tax rates" is added as the card attribute. You can register and define it for a new card.

The item of "combination condition 1" represents a condition for printing by combining other cards with respect to the card for printing product information, and the item of "combination card 1" represents a card to be combined. The item of "change condition" represents a condition for changing the card for printing the product information to another card, and the item of "change card" represents the card to be changed. The "Paper switching condition" item represents the condition for printing using special paper such as pre-printed paper (pre-printed paper, pre-colored paper), and the "Switching paper" item is the paper to be switched. Represents.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, the print format (card information) of the first line of the card information file is "card A" for the card name, "A4 white" for the paper, "vertical" for the paper transport direction, and "vertical" for the size. "74 mm x 52.5 mm", "normal shelf label" and "A4" are set as card attributes.
Further, as the card information in the second line, it is further set that "combination condition 1" is "special point 1 ≧ 1" and combination card 1 is "for spotter".
In addition, as the card information of the same 6 lines, it is set that the paper switching condition is "sale end date = special sale start date" and the switching paper is "A4 yellow".

(Paper information file)
Next, the paper information file will be described with reference to FIG. The paper information file is a file of paper (print medium) information used when printing each product.
The paper information is composed of items such as "paper name", "paper size", "front surface information", "storage location", and "remaining number", and is data in which each item is associated with each paper.

The "paper" item represents the type of paper, and the "paper size" item represents the dimensions of the paper. The item of "front surface information" represents information on the surface of the paper, and represents information such as preprint information (image information) and yellow. The item of "storage place" represents a place such as a paper cassette in which paper is stored, and the item of "remaining number" represents the number of sheets of paper stored.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, as the paper information on the first line of the paper information file, the paper is "A4 white", the paper size is "A4", the storage location is "cassette 1", and the remaining number is "500 (sheets)". Is set.
Further, as the paper information on the second line, the paper name is set to "A3 white", the paper size is set to "A3", the storage location is set to "cassette 2", and the remaining number is set to "500 (sheets)".
Further, as the paper information of the three lines, the paper name is set to "A4 yellow", the paper size is set to "A4", the storage location is set to "cassette 3", and the remaining number is set to "100 (sheets)".
Further, as the paper information of the four lines, the paper name is set to "A4 advance", the paper size is set to "A4", the storage location is set to "manual feed", and the remaining number is set to "0 (sheets)".

(Product information output processing)
FIG. 6 is an example of a flowchart showing the entire flow of printing processing in the printing system according to the present embodiment.
First, the print data output means 201 waits for the user to operate the input means 22 to select a product and input a print (product information output) instruction (procedure S101).

When the product information is selected by the user and a print instruction is input, the print data output means 201 reads the product information of the selected product from the product information storage means 204 (procedure S102). Subsequently, the print data output means 201 reads the card information from the card information storage means 205 based on the read product information (procedure S103).

Next, the paper selection means 203 selects the paper to be used for printing based on the product information and the card information (procedure S104).

Next, the print data generation means 202 generates print data based on the product information and the card information.
When generating print data, the print data generation means 202 has a card change process (procedure S105) for changing the card (print format) for printing product information, and a combination card setting process (procedure) for combining a special card with a card for normal printing. S106), processing such as alternative paper setting processing (procedure S107) performed when the paper selected by the paper selection means 203 is insufficient is performed.

Then, the print data output means 201 transmits the print data generated by the print data generation means 202 and the paper information of the selected paper to the print means 3 (procedure S108).
Upon receiving the print data and the paper information, the printing means 3 prints on a paper (printing medium) based on the print data and the paper information (procedure S109), and ends printing (output) of the product information. It should be noted that the present invention does not have to include all of the above procedures.

Subsequently, each process of the procedure S104 to the procedure S107, which is one of the features of the print data output device 2 according to the present embodiment, will be described in detail.
FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the paper selection process (procedure S104) in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment.

In the paper selection process, the paper selection means 203 selects paper based on the product information to be printed. Specifically, if the product information to be printed satisfies a predetermined condition, that is, if the product information includes information to print using a special paper, a special paper is selected as the paper to be printed. Includes processing to be done. For example, when the product information to be printed is a product to be sold for sale, a special paper such as yellow paper may be selected as the paper used for printing.

First, the paper selection means 203 detects whether or not a predetermined condition for switching and selecting the paper to be used for printing exists in the card information read based on the product information in the procedure S103 (procedure S1041).

The predetermined condition can be set, for example, by setting some condition for switching and selecting the paper in the "paper switching condition" field of the card information for printing the product information shown in FIG. The conditions for switching and selecting the paper include, for example, the special sale start date and the special sale set in the product information to be printed, such as those set in the "paper switching condition" field of the card information of the advertisement B in FIG. It is possible to set that the end date is the same day as a paper switching condition.

As a result, among the product information to be printed, products that are printed using the card of advertisement A and whose special sale start date and special sale end date are the same are set in the "switching paper" column as the paper used for printing. The "A4 yellow" paper that is printed is switched and selected.

The paper selection means 203 prints when it detects that the paper switching condition is set in the read card information (for example, when some condition is set in the "paper switching condition" column). It is detected whether or not the product information satisfies the paper switching condition set in the card information (procedure S1042).

On the other hand, when the paper selection means 203 detects in step S1041 that the paper switching condition is not set in the read card information, the paper for printing the product information is "paper" for the card information. Select the paper set in the field (procedure S1044) to end the process.

When it is detected in step S1042 that the product information to be printed satisfies the paper switching condition, the paper selection means 203 is set in the "switching paper" field of the card information as the paper used for printing the product information. Switching to paper and selecting (procedure S1403) ends the process.

On the other hand, when the paper selection means 203 detects that the product information to be printed does not satisfy the paper switching condition, the paper selected in the "paper" field of the card information is used as the paper used for printing the product information. Select (procedure S1404) to end the process.
The paper switching condition is not limited to the condition of the date, and can be appropriately set by the user.
The example of the procedure S104 of the paper selection process in the print data output device 2 according to the present embodiment has been described above.

FIG. 8 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the card change process (procedure S105) in the print data output device 2 according to the present embodiment.
Card change means changing the card (print format) for printing product information to another card (print format) when the product information to be printed meets certain conditions when printing the product information. say. For example, if the product information to be printed is set to be a product subject to multiple tax rates, what is the card (print format) that prints the product information that is normally used when printing shelf labels, etc.? It refers to generating print data for printing shelf labels, etc. by changing the printing form to a card (print format) that can print different or multiple tax rates together.

First, the print data generation means 202 substitutes the number of the product information read in the procedure S102 into n1 and substitutes the initial value 1 into the variable n (procedure S1051).
Next, the print data generation means 202 detects whether or not the card change condition is set in the card information set in the nth product information from the plurality of read product information (procedure S1052).

The card change condition is a condition for changing the card (print format) on which the product information is printed (printing format is different). For example, when the product information to be printed is a product subject to the tax reduction rate, the card (printing format) is used. ) Is different, it is possible to set that "1" is set in the "reduced tax rate target" field of the read product information as a card change condition for changing the print format (1 is). If set, it indicates that the item is subject to the reduced tax rate).

When the print data generation means 202 detects that the card change condition is set in the read card information, it determines whether or not the product information to be printed satisfies the card change condition set in the card information. Detect (procedure S1053).

On the other hand, when the print data generation means 202 detects that the card change condition is not set in the read card information, the read normally used card is used as a print format for printing the product information. (Print format) is used to generate print data (procedure S1055).

When the print data generation means 202 detects in step S1053 that the product information to be printed satisfies the card change condition set in the card information, the print format for printing the product information is a "change card" of the card information. The print data is generated using the card (print format) set in the column (procedure S1054).

On the other hand, when the print data generation means 202 detects that the product information to be printed does not satisfy the card change condition set in the card information, it is normally used as a print format for printing the product information. Print data is generated using the existing card (print format) (procedure S1055).

Then, the print data generation means 202 detects whether or not the variable n is n1 or more (procedure S1056), ends the process if the variable n is n1 or more, and n = n + 1 if the variable n is less than n1. (Procedure S1057), the process returns to the procedure S1052, and the procedure S1052 is repeated from the above procedure S1052 by the number of product information selected for printing.

In the above embodiment, the print data generation means 202 is controlled to change the card (change the print form) when it detects that the card change condition is satisfied, but the card change condition is set. Therefore, you may change the card immediately. Further, by setting store information or the like as a card change condition, it may be controlled not to change the card in a store that is a product subject to a plurality of tax rates but supports only one tax rate.

The print data generated by the print data generation means 202 as described above is output (transmitted) to the print means 3 by the print data output means 201.
The example of the procedure S104 of the print data generation process for changing the card (print form) according to the predetermined condition of the product information in the print data output device 2 according to the present embodiment has been described above.

FIG. 9 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the combination card setting process (procedure S106) in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment.
A combination card is a combination of a special card (print format) in addition to a card (print format) that is normally printed when the product information to be printed satisfies a predetermined condition when printing the product information. For example, when it is set that special points are given to the product information to be printed, a card for printing the product information and a card emphasizing that the special points are given are combined and printed. There are cases where you do.

First, the print data generation means 202 substitutes the number of the product information read in the procedure S102 into n1 and substitutes the initial value 1 into the variable n (procedure S1061).

Next, the print data generation means 202 detects whether or not the combination card condition is set for the card information set in the nth product information from the plurality of read product information (procedure S1062).

The combination card condition is a condition for printing by combining a special print format (card) with a print format (card) for printing product information. For example, special points are given to the product information to be printed. When combining a special card with the product information card, it is possible to set whether or not points are set in the "special point 1" field of the read product information as a combination card condition for combining the cards. can.

When the print data generation means 202 detects that the combination card condition is set in the read card information, it determines whether or not the product information to be printed satisfies the combination card condition set in the card information. Detect (procedure S1063).
On the other hand, when the print data generation means 202 detects that the card combination condition is not set in the read card information, the process ends.

When the print data generation means 202 detects in step S1063 that the product information to be printed satisfies the card combination condition set in the card information, the card for printing the product information and the special card are related to each other. Print data is generated by combining them so that the characteristics can be understood (procedure S1064).

On the other hand, when the print data generation means 202 detects that the product information to be printed does not satisfy the card combination condition set in the card information, the process proceeds to step S1065.
Then, the print data generation means 202 detects whether or not the variable n is n1 or more (procedure S1065), ends the process if the variable n is n1 or more, and n = n + 1 if the variable n is less than n1. (Procedure S1066), the process returns to procedure S1062, and steps S1062 to S1065 are repeated as many times as the number of product information selected for printing.

In the above embodiment, the print data generation means 202 generates print data by combining cards when it detects that the combination card condition is satisfied, but the combination card change condition is set. , The cards may be immediately combined to generate print data.
Further, as a card combination condition, a special point value may be set so that print data can be generated by combining cards only when the value is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and the cards are combined according to the number of points. May be different to generate print data.
The example of the print data generation process regarding the combination card in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment has been described above.

FIG. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the alternative paper setting process (procedure S107) in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment.
The substitute paper setting is to detect whether or not there is a substitute paper that can be replaced with the selected paper when the paper selected by the paper selection means 203 or the like is insufficient and the paper cannot be fed. If the substitute paper can be fed, the paper used for printing is switched to the substitute paper and selected to perform the printing process.

First, the paper selection means 203 determines whether or not the selected paper can be fed in the procedure S104 based on the information stored in the paper information file, that is, one of the paper feed cassettes of the printing means 3. Alternatively, it is detected whether or not the selected paper is stored in the bypass tray and can be fed (whether or not the value in the "remaining number" column of the paper information file is not 0, etc.) (procedure S1071).

When the paper selection means 203 detects that the selected paper can be fed, that is, the paper selected by the paper selection means is normally stored in the paper cassette or the bypass tray of any of the printing means 3. If it is, the process ends without switching to a substitute paper for the paper and selecting it.

On the other hand, when the paper selection means 203 detects that the selected paper cannot be fed, that is, the paper selected by the paper selection means is normal in any of the paper cassettes or the manual feed trays of the printing means 3. If the paper is not stored in (for example, when the value in the "remaining number" column of the paper cassette containing the selected paper is 0 in the paper information file), the paper selection means 203 is selected. It is detected whether or not the substitute paper that can be replaced with the replaced paper can be fed (procedure S1072).

As the paper that can be substituted, the paper dimensions are the same, and plain paper or the like can be set. For example, in the paper selection step S104, when a special yellow A4 paper is selected, in the paper information file of FIG. 5, the "paper name" column is the "remaining" of the cassette containing the A4 yellow paper. When it is detected that the value in the "number" column is 0, the value in the "remaining number" column of the cassette 1 containing the A4 white paper is detected, and the value in the "remaining number" column is not 0. In this case, A4 white paper is used as a substitute paper, and it is detected that the paper can be fed.

When the paper selection means 203 detects in the process S1702 that the substitute paper cannot be fed, the print data output means 201 displays an error indicating that there is no paper and stops printing (procedure S1076). .. It is preferable to control the printing means 3 so as not to interfere with the next printing of the printing means 3 by transmitting an error release flag as necessary.

On the other hand, when the paper selection means 203 detects that the substitute paper can be fed, the paper for printing the product information is switched to the substitute paper and selected (procedure S1703).
Next, the print data generation means 202 detects whether or not the previously selected paper has pre-print information (procedure S1704). The pre-printed information refers to information pre-printed on the paper. For example, in the case of yellow A4 paper, it is yellow background color information, and it may be pre-printed paper on which the manufacturer's logo or the like is written. For example, there is print information such as illustration information such as a logo. The pre-print information can be stored in a paper information file or the like.

When the print data generation means 202 detects that the previously selected paper has the pre-print information, the print data generation means 202 includes the pre-print information in the information (product information) that is the source of the print data and generates the print data. do. For example, when printing using alternative paper and the previously selected paper is yellow paper, pre-print information that colors the background yellow in addition to the product information to be printed is printed information. To generate print data (procedure S1075).

The pre-printed information to be added does not necessarily have to be pre-printed on the pre-printed paper, and is colored yellow or another similar color at both ends as shown in FIG. 11A, for example. Any print information that is noticeable to the customer, such as mark printing of bands a and a and mark printing of a circle b colored in yellow or another similar color in one corner, may be used. In addition, a mark with a yellow band on one end, a mark with character information, a mark having a predetermined shape, or the like may be used.

Further, the pre-printed information and the like can be stored in, for example, card information, and a storage means for storing the pre-printed information can be separately provided.
On the other hand, if it is detected that there is no preprint information on the previously selected paper, the process ends.
The example of generating print data by setting the substitute paper in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment has been described above.

As described above, the print data output device 2 of the printing system of the present embodiment can automatically switch the paper according to the product information.
In the present embodiment, the paper information is associated with the plurality of paper cassettes and the manual feed trays of the printing means 3, and the paper information is detected to switch the paper to be used. For example, the print data output device 2 is used. A sensor or the like for detecting the type of paper may be provided, and information on the surface of the paper or the like may be detected by the paper detecting means to detect the type of paper, the remaining amount, or the like.

Further, by setting an IP address or the like in the printing means 3, paper may be managed for a plurality of printers, and if the paper cassette can be uniquely managed, the IP of the output device 3 may be managed. Paper can be switched by managing the paper feed tray without setting the address.
Further, when the issuance schedule of the POP advertisement or the like is decided, the necessary special paper can be calculated by simulation, and the necessary special paper can be grasped. In such a case, the number of special sheets required for printing is stored in the paper feed tray in advance, and the information on the number of special papers stored in each paper feed tray is stored in the print data output device 2. By storing in the storage means, it is possible to detect that the selected paper cannot be fed by detecting that the stored number of sheets has been printed.
In that case, an input means for setting the number of special sheets to be stored in the paper cassette may be provided in advance to manage the number of special sheets.

Further, in the print data output device 2 of the printing system of the present embodiment, when the product information for which printing is instructed includes product information for which the output format needs to be changed, for example, product information subject to a reduced tax rate. The product information output data can be output by changing the display form, such as automatically changing the card (print format, etc.), for example, changing to a card capable of displaying multiple tax rates.
As a result, for example, for a product for which multiple tax rates are set, it is possible to prepare a shelf label or the like on which multiple tax rates are displayed, and the customer can easily understand the tax rate when the customer purchases. be able to.

Further, the print data output device 2 of the printing system of the present embodiment includes a special POP or the like when the product information to be printed is included in the product information to be printed by combining the special POP or the like. Is combined so that the relationship with the product information can be understood, and the print data is output.
This makes it possible to easily understand the POP of the product information advertised by the special POP, and facilitates the handling and arrangement of the special POP.

Further, the print data output device 2 of the printing system of the present embodiment detects whether or not there is a substitute paper that can be replaced when the paper used for printing the product information is insufficient and the paper cannot be fed. If there is a substitute paper, switch and select the substitute paper as the paper used for printing.
Then, when the paper that cannot be fed is a paper having special surface information such as a paper that has been printed in advance, the print data generation means 202 prints in advance on a paper special for print data. The print data is generated by including the pre-printed information or the information equivalent thereto.
As a result, the user can perform printing similar to printing on pre-printed paper, can continue printing such as POP, and can prevent a decrease in work efficiency.

(Explanation of display screen)
In the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment, the user operates the operation screen displayed on the display means 23 to instruct printing, add or modify product information in the product information file, and the card information file. Add or modify the card information of.
The display screen displayed on the display means 23 in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment will be described below.

(List input screen)
The print data output means 201 of the print data output device 2 displays a list input screen 5 on the display means 23 for selecting the product information to be printed, adding or modifying the product information, and instructing printing.
The list input screen 5 is displayed on the display means 23 by the user operating a "list input" button or the like displayed on the menu screen of the program of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an example of the list input screen 5. The list input screen 5 has a "display item" column 51, an "inquiry selection" column 52, a "list display" column 53, and a "card preview" column 54. By setting the "card preview" field 54 to be hidden by the user, the list data of the product information file can be displayed on the entire surface of the "list display" field 53.

The "list display" column 53 displays the product information of the selected product in a list. The item of the product information to be displayed can be set by the "display item" column 51. For example, when the user selects an arbitrary template in the "display item" column 51, the "list display" column 53 displays an arbitrary item in the product information file according to the selected template. In the example shown in FIG. 12, a "JAN card" template is set in the "display item" column 51, and according to the template, the "selection" column, the "JAN code" column, and the "JAN code" column are set in the "list display" column 53 from the left. "Product name" column, "Print instruction 1" column, "Card 1" column, "(Print) number of sheets 1" column, "Print instruction 2" column, "Card 2" column, "(Print) number of sheets 2" column, " The "sale start date" column, the "sale end date" column, and the like are displayed. The user can display the information hidden on the right by operating the scroll bar 531 arranged below.

The "card preview" column 54 displays the output (printing) state of the product information of the product selected by the "selection" column of the "list display" column 53. The "card preview" column 54 has a "preview" column 541, a "previous product" button 542, a "later product" button 543, and a "detailed information" column 544.

The "preview" column 541 displays the card in which the product information is printed, and the "detailed information" column 544 displays the product information of the card displayed in the "preview" column 541.
The user can check the print status of the product information in the "preview" column 541, and display it in the "preview" column 541 by operating the "previous product" button 542 and the "later product" button 543. You can change the product information to be printed.

The list input screen 5 has a "menu" button 501, a "list input" button 502, and a "card input" button 503 at an upper position. When the user operates the "menu" button 501, the print data output means 201 displays the menu screen on the display means 23. Similarly, when the "card input" button 503 is operated, the card input screen 6 described later is displayed on the display means 23.

Further, the list input screen 5 has a "new" button 556, a "product deletion" button 557, a "preview" button 558, and a "print" button 559 at a lower position of the screen.
When the user operates the "new" button 556, the print data output means 201 adds a line of data to the "list display" column 53. Further, when the user selects the product information in the "list display" column 53 and operates the "delete product" button 557, the print data output means 201 deletes the display of the selected product information. When the user selects the product information in the "list display" field 53 and operates the "preview" button 558, the print data output means 201 displays the print preview screen 7 of the selected product information in the print state on the display means 23. indicate. The print preview screen 7 will be described later.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the "Selection" column at the left end of the product information of the products in the first row to the tenth row of the "list display" column 53 is checked, and the product information of the ten products is displayed. Selected for printing. The selected product information is selectively displayed in the "preview" column 541, and the displayed product information is changed by operating the "previous product" button 542 and the "later product" button 543. ..

"Card A" is set in the "card 1" field of the selected product information, and printing by the card 1 is set in the "print instruction 1" field. The number of cards to be printed is one.
Further, for the product information in the 2nd and 4th lines of the "list display" column 53, "advertisement B" is set in the "card 2" column, and printing by the card 2 is set in the "print instruction 2" column. The number of cards 2 to be printed is one.

Therefore, when the user operates the "print" button 559 in the state shown in FIG. 12, the print data generation means 202 is based on the product information and the card information of the card A for the products in the first to tenth lines. Print data is generated, and print data is generated for the products in the 2nd and 4th lines based on the product information and the card information of the advertisement B. Then, the print data output means 201 outputs (transmits) the print data generated by the print data generation means 202 to the print means 3. The printing means 3 that has received the print data prints a shelf label, an advertisement, or the like based on the print data.

(Card selection window)
The print data output means 201 displays the card selection window 56 when the user clicks the "card 1" column 53a and the "card 2" column 53b on the list input screen 5. The user can set a print format (card information) for printing the product information in the card selection window 56.

FIG. 13A shows an example of the card selection window 56. The card selection window 56 has a "card name narrowing down" column 561, a "card attribute list" column 562, and a "card selection" column 563. The print data output means 201 displays a list of selectable cards in the "card selection" field 563. When the user selects (reverses) the card to be used for printing and operates the "OK" button 564, the print data output means 201 sets the card selected as the card 1 or the card 2.

The user can narrow down the cards when selecting a card by using the "card name narrowing down" field 561 and the "card attribute list" field 562 of the card selection window 56. Specifically, a part of the name of the card to be used is input in the "card name narrowing down" field 561 and the "narrowing down" button 561a is operated. Alternatively, the desired card attribute is selected (reversed) from the card attributes displayed in the "card attribute list" column 562. By these operations, the print data output means 201 is a card having a name including a part input in the "card name narrowing down" field 561, or a card in which the card attribute selected in the "card attribute list" field 562 is defined. Is displayed in the "card selection" field 563.

FIG. 13B shows a card selection window 56 in a state where the card attributes are narrowed down by the “card attribute” column 562. When the user selects (reverses) "normal shelf label" and "A4" in the "card attribute" column 562, the print data output means 201 displays the "normal shelf label" and "normal shelf label" and "normal shelf label" in the "card selection" column 563. Only the cards (card A, card B) for which the attribute of "A4" is defined are displayed.
As described above, in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment, the card information can be narrowed down when setting the card (print format) information for printing the print information, so that the user can easily select the card. I have to.

(Card input screen)
When the user operates the "card input" button 503 displayed on the menu screen or the list input screen 5, the print data output means 201 displays the card input screen 6 on the display means 23.
FIG. 14 shows an example of the card input screen 6. The card input screen 6 has a "card preview" field 61, a "product information" field 62, and a "card selection" field 63. The upper position of the card input screen 6 includes a "menu" button 601, a "list input" button 602, a "card input" button 603, and a "card setting" button 604. When the user operates the "menu" button 601 the print data output means 201 displays a menu screen on the display means 23. Similarly, when the "list input" button 602 is operated, the list input screen 5 is displayed on the display means 23. Similarly, when the "card setting" button 604 is operated, the card setting screen 9 described later is displayed on the display means 23.

The "product information" column 62 displays the product information or the like acquired from the product master database or the like of the headquarters server 1. When the user clicks the "card 1" column 63a in the "card selection" column 63, the print data output means 201 displays the card selection window 56 shown in FIG. 13 (a). The user can set the card to be used for the product.
Further, when the user clicks the print item 61a in the "card preview" column 61, the print data output means 201 makes the corresponding portion 62a in the "product information" column 62 editable. The user can change the data of the editable part.

(Print preview screen)
In the print data output means 201, when the user selects product information in the "selection" column on the list input screen 5 and operates the "preview" button 558, the print data generation means 202 generates the selected product. The print data is displayed on the print preview screen 7.
FIG. 15 shows an example of the print preview screen 7. The print preview screen 7 has a "print preview" column 71. The print data output means 201 displays a “correction” button 721 for correcting the displayed print data on the print preview screen 7.
The print preview screen 7 has a "menu" button 701, a "list input" button 702, a "card input" button 703, and a "card setting" button 704 at an upper position.

In the "print preview" field 71 of the print preview screen 7 shown in FIG. 15, the 10 product information selected in the list input screen 5 shown in FIG. 12 is printed on A4 paper using the print format of "card A". The status of print data for printing is displayed. An arrow 711 indicating the paper transport direction is displayed at an appropriate position in the “print preview” column 71.
The print data output means 201 selects the card and "corrects" the card (indicated by the dotted line 71a in the figure) displayed in the "print preview" column 71 by the user. When the button 721 is operated, the card correction screen 8 is displayed.

(Card correction screen)
FIG. 16 shows an example of the card correction screen 8. The card correction screen 8 has a "card preview" column 81 and a "product information" column 82.
The "card preview" column 81 displays the output state of print data used for printing or the like in the form of a card. The "product information" column 82 displays a list of product information items displayed in the "card preview" column 81. An "correction" button 821 and a "back" button 822 are provided above the "product information" column 82.
The card correction screen 8 has a "menu" button 801 and a "list input" button 802, a "card input" button 803, and a "card setting" button 804 at an upper position.

When the user changes the data of the item in the "product information" column 82, the print data generation means 202 reflects the product information changed by the user in the print data displayed in the "card preview" column 81. The user can confirm the changed state by looking at the "card preview" column 81. In the example shown in FIG. 16, since the user changed the current selling price data 82a in the "product information" column 82 to 95 yen, the print data generation means 202 corrects the print data and in the "card preview" column 81. Currently, the display of item 81a of the selling price has been changed to "95 yen".
Then, when the user operates the "back" button 822, the print data output means 201 stores the changed contents in the product information storage means 204 and displays the print preview screen 7, which is the previous screen.

(Card setting screen)
When the user operates the "card setting" button displayed on the menu screen or the like, the print data output means 201 displays the card setting screen 9 on the display means 23. The user can set and modify the card (print format) information used for printing the product information on the card setting screen 9.

FIG. 17 shows an example of the card setting screen 9. The card setting screen 9 has a card design field 91 and a card information field 93. The user can create print format data by arranging various objects in the card design field 91, define print items of the product information file in the objects, and create card (print format) information.
The card information column 93 includes "(card) name" column 931, "paper" column 932, "paper switching setting" column 933, "card attribute information" column 934, "card size" column 935, and "expiration date" column 336. Etc.

An "information" button 921, an "combination" button 922, and an "change" button 923 are provided at an upper position of the card information field 93. When the user operates the "combination" button 922, the print data output means 201 displays the "card combination" window 94 for setting the card combination state. When the user operates the "change" button 923, the print data output means 201 displays the "card change" window 95 for setting the card change.
The upper position of the card setting screen 9 has a "menu" button 901, a "list input" button 902, a "card input" button 903, and a "card setting" button 904 for shifting to the menu screen.

In the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 17, the card created in the card design field 91 is defined with "card A" as the name, "A4 white" as the paper, and "normal shelf label" and "A4" as the card attributes. , "74 mm x 52.5 mm" is set as the size. The size of the card is set to the minimum unit (for example, 37 mm x 26.25 mm), and the size is set to an integral multiple of the minimum unit so that the card can be allocated to the paper without waste. , Arbitrary dimensions may be set.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the card setting screen 9 in which the “paper switching setting” column 933 is displayed in detail. When the user checks the check box 933a in the "paper switching setting" field 933 of the card setting screen 9, the print data output means 201 displays the "paper switching setting" field 933 in detail on the card setting screen 9. The "paper switching setting" column 933 has a "switching paper" column 933b, a "switching item link" column 933c, and a "condition setting" column 933d. The "switching item link" column 933c indicates an item of product information subject to a paper switching condition, and the "condition setting" column 933d is a column for setting a paper switching condition.

When the user sets the switching condition in the "switching item link" column 933c and the "condition setting" column 933d and sets the switching paper in the "switching paper" column 933b, the paper is printed when printing a shelf label or an advertisement. The selection means 203 selects the paper to be used for printing according to the switching condition set.

Specifically, in the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 18, "advertisement A" is set in the "card name" column 931 and "A4 white" is set in the "paper" column 932. Then, the check box 933a is checked, and the "paper switching setting" column 933 is displayed in detail. "A4 yellow" is set in the "switching paper" column 933b of the "paper switching setting" column 933, "sale last date" is set in the "product item link" column 933c, and "sale final" is set in the "condition setting" column 933d. "Day = special sale start date" is set.

By the above setting, the paper selection means 203 of the print data output device 2 is the case where "advertisement A" is set as the card for printing the product information, and the "sale last day" column of the product information to be printed is displayed. When it is detected that the "sale start date" column is the same, that is, it is detected that the special sale date is for one day only, "A4 yellow" is selected as the paper used for printing the product information. Then, it is detected that the "paper switching setting" column 933 is not checked, or the "sale last date" column and the "sale start date" column of the product information to be printed are not the same. When it is detected, "A4 white" set by the "advertisement A" card is selected as the paper used for printing the product information.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, a "sale last date" is set as an item of product information subject to a paper switching condition, and a "sale last date =" is set in the "condition setting" column 933d as a paper switching condition. Although the "sale start date" is set, the conditions for switching the paper are not limited to those that specify the date.
For example, it can be appropriately set according to the manufacturing company of the product, the department to which the product belongs, the planning in the store, and the like.

FIG. 19 shows another example of the card setting screen 9 in which the “paper switching setting” column 933 is displayed in detail. In the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 19, "card C" is set in the "card name" column 931 and "A4 white" is set in the "paper" column 932. Then, the check box 933a is checked, and the "paper switching setting" column 933 is displayed in detail. "A4 pre-printing" is set in the "switching paper" column 933b of the "paper switching setting" column 933, "illustration 1" which is an item of product information is set in the "switching condition link" column 933c, and "condition setting". "Illustration 1 = with set (with data)" is set in column 933d.

According to the above settings, the paper selection means 203 of the print data output device 2 sets "card C" as a card for printing product information, and in the "illustration 1" column of the product information to be printed, When information such as a logo mark is detected, preprinted paper is selected and set as the paper used for printing product information. The pre-printed paper is a paper on which a logo mark or the like corresponding to "Illustration 1" is pre-printed at the illustration position 91a shown in the card design column 91. Then, if it is detected that the "paper switching setting" column 933 is not checked, or if it is detected that there is no information such as a logo mark in the "illustration 1" column, the paper is changed. The "A4 white" set by the "Advertisement A" card is selected and set as the paper used for printing the product information.

Then, in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment, special paper such as colored paper (A4 yellow) or pre-printed paper is used by the paper switching setting of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. If a shortage of the special paper is detected during printing, printing can be performed using other alternative paper.

Specifically, the paper selection means 203 lacks the colored paper when the colored paper (A4 yellow) is set as the paper to be used for printing by the paper switching setting of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. If is detected, it is detected whether or not there is another substitute paper (for example, A4 blank paper having the same dimensions), and if the existence of a substitute paper is detected, the substitute is detected. Select and set other possible paper as the paper to be used for printing. At that time, the print data generation means 202 may add yellow background information to the normally generated print data to newly generate print data.

Further, the paper selection means 203 lacks the pre-printed paper when the pre-printed paper (A4 pre-printed) is set as the paper used for printing by the paper switching setting of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. If is detected, it is detected whether or not there is another substitute paper (for example, A4 blank paper having the same dimensions), and if the existence of a substitute paper is detected, the substitute is detected. Select and set other possible paper as the paper to be used for printing. At that time, the print data generation means 202 may generate print data by adding pre-print information (logo mark or the like) to the print data normally generated.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the card setting screen 9 in which the “card combination” window 94 is displayed. When the user operates the "combination" button 922 on the card setting screen 9 and checks the check box 941 of the "card combination condition setting" in the "card combination" window 94, the print data output means 201 uses the card. The "card combination" window 94 is displayed on the setting screen 9.

The "card combination" window 94 has a "product item link" column 942a, a "condition setting" column 942b, a "combination card 1" column 943a, and a "(combination) position" column 942b. The "product item link" column 942a indicates an item of product information subject to the condition for combining cards, and the "condition setting" column 942b is a column for setting the condition for combining cards, and the "combination card 1" column 943a. Is a column for setting the card to be combined, and "(combination) position" column 942b is a column for setting the position of the card to be combined.

The card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 20 is a card setting screen 9 in which the “card A” is set as the card 1, and the “card combination” window 94 is displayed. Then, "special point 1" is set in the "product item link" column 942a, "value set is available" is set in the "condition setting" column 942b, and "for spotter" is set in the "combination card 1" column 943a. Is set, and "left" is set in the "combination position" column 943b.

By the above setting, the print data generation means 202 sets the "card A" as the card to be printed for the product in which the special information (point value) is set in the item of the "special point 1" of the product information. That is, for products that satisfy the conditions for combining cards, print data based on special information is generated in addition to the print data normally generated based on the product information and the card (print format) information of the card A.

At that time, the print data generation means 202 includes the normal print data generated based on the product information and the print layout (card information) of the "card A", the special information, and the card information (layout) for the "spotter". ) Is generated side by side, and the print data is generated so that it can be understood that the special information is related to the product information.

Specifically, as shown in the card design field 91 of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 20, the print data generation means 202 has normal print data (left side) and “s) of product information according to the layout of “card A”. Generate print data by arranging and combining print data (right side) of special information according to the layout of "for potter".

FIG. 21 shows an example of a print medium printed by combining the print data of the product information according to the layout of the “card A” and the print data of the special information according to the layout of the “spotter”. The example shown in FIG. 21 shows a printing state when a printing instruction is given to the 10 products selected on the list input screen 5 shown in FIG.

Of the above 10 product information, for 2 products for which "special point 1" is set, printing with normal print data by the layout of "card A" of the product information A1 and B1 and special information "for spotter" The prints A2 and B2 based on the print data according to "" are adjacent to each other, and are printed so that it can be seen that they are related to each other.

Specifically, the layout of "for spotters" of special information indicating that 100 points are given to the print A1 by the layout of "card A" of the canned coffee in the first line and the tea in the third line. Printing A2 is printed adjacent to the left side. The user can easily understand that the printing of the canned coffee in the first line and the tea in the third line is related to the printing by "for spotters".

In the above embodiment, the "combination position" column 943b of the combination card is set on the left side, but the combination card is not limited to one. In addition, the positional relationship is not limited to the left and right in order to relate the product information and the special information. Further, two or more cards can be combined by setting in the "combination card 2" column 944a and the "position" column 944b of the "card combination condition setting" column 54.

Further, the combination card is not limited to a card for showing to the customer such as a POP card, and for example, a card used by an employee who describes the purchase time and purchase amount of the product is set as the combination card. May be good.

In addition, as a method of printing so that the relationship between the main body card showing normal product information and the combination card can be understood, in addition to printing adjacent to each other, the main body card and the combination card are printed so as to be surrounded by a specific frame. May be. In addition, a mark or the like that can be seen to be related to a part of the main body card or the combination card may be printed. Further, a part of the main body card or the like may be printed on the back surface of the combination card so that the relationship between the main body card and the combination card can be understood.

Further, when printing the combination card, the print data output means 201 controls the order in which the product information is output, such as printing the product information to be printed by combining the cards first, to reduce the waste of paper. It is preferable to do so.
Further, the print data output means 201 can output in order according to the type of the product so that the card showing the product information about the beverage and the card showing the product information about the food are not mixed, for example, in FIG. 21. In the example of the printed state, the product information having the combination card is output first, and then the product information related to the beverage product and the product information related to the food product are output in this order.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the print data output means 201 outputs and prints the product information output data of the combination card so that the relevance to the product information output data of the normal product information card can be understood. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the relationship between the two cards, and can appropriately arrange the combination cards when arranging them in the sales floor or the like.

FIG. 22 shows an example of the card setting screen 9 in which the “card change” window 95 is displayed. When the user operates the "change" button 923 on the card setting screen 9 and checks the check box 951 of the "card change condition setting" in the "card change" window 95, the print data output means 201 is set to ". The "Change Card" window 94 is displayed.

The "card change" window 95 has a "product item link" column 952a, a "condition setting" column 952b, and a "change card" column 953. The "product item link" column 952a indicates an item of product information subject to the condition for changing the card, and the "condition setting" column 952b is a column for setting the condition for changing the card, and the "change card" column. Reference numeral 953 is a column for setting the changed card.

The card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 22 shows a state in which the “card change” window 95 is displayed on the card setting screen 9 in which “card A” is set as the print layout. The "Reduced tax rate target" item is set in the "Product item link" column 952a, "Value set is available" is set in the "Change setting" column 952b, and the "Card D" card is set in the "Change card" column 953. ing.

When "Card A" is set as the print layout, the print data output means 201 has a value set (checked) in the "Reduced tax rate target" item of the product information to be printed by the above settings. When a value is set (checked) in the "Reduced tax rate target" item of the product information to be printed, that is, a reduced tax rate in which multiple tax rates are set according to the purchase conditions for the product to be printed. In the case of a target product, the format used for printing the product information is changed from "card A" to "card D", and the format is based on the product information and the card information (format) of the "card D". Generate print data.

The card design field 91 of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 22 displays the print state of the product subject to the reduced tax rate based on the product information and the print data generated based on the card information of the “card D”.
As shown in the card design column 91, tax rates are set for the product for two purchase conditions: eat-in (when eating and drinking the purchased product in the store) and eat-out (when the purchased product is brought back). Is displayed.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a print medium when the print target product includes the reduced tax rate target product. The example shown in FIG. 23 is a printing state when a printing instruction is given to the product information of 10 products selected on the list input screen shown in FIG. The print data generation means 202 has the usual "card A" card information (layout) for eight products (first product) whose values are not set in the "reduced tax rate target" among the above ten product information. ) To generate print data. For the two products (second product) that are subject to the reduced tax rate, the card information (layout) of the "card D" that corresponds to the reduced tax rate is replaced with the card information (layout) of the normal "card A". Print data is generated based on.

Specifically, for the "roll bread" on the 5th line and the "curry bread" on the 8th line of the product information file, print data is generated based on the card information (layout) of the "card D" corresponding to the reduced tax rate. Has been done. In the above embodiment, when the product is a product subject to the reduced tax rate (second product), one card information (card D) is automatically set, but the present invention is limited to this example. It is not something that will be done. For example, the print data output means 201 may display a plurality of compatible card (layout) candidates on the display means 23. The user can select from the candidates displayed on the display means 23.

Further, in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment, the user prints by directly selecting a card corresponding to a plurality of tax rates as the "card 1" to be set in the product information on the card input screen 6. The data generation means 202 may generate print data corresponding to a plurality of tax rates.

FIG. 24 shows a card input screen 6 in a state where a card (layout) corresponding to a plurality of tax rates is selected. When the user clicks the "card 1" field 63a in the "card selection" field 63 on the card input screen 6, the print data output means 201 displays the card selection window 56 shown in FIG. 13B. When the user reverses and narrows down the "multiple tax rate" attribute from the card attributes displayed in the "card attribute list" column 562 of the card selection window 56, the print data output means 201 has the "card selection" column 563. Show only cards with multiple tax rate attributes defined in. The user may select any card from the cards displayed in the "card selection" field 563.

Specifically, in the card input screen 6 shown in FIG. 24, the user sets the "card D" in which the card attribute of the reduced tax rate is defined in the "card 1" field 63a, whereby the print data generation means. 202 generates print data based on the card D, and the print data output means 201 displays the selling price (150 yen) at the time of eat-in generated by the print data generation means 202 and the time of take-out in the “card preview” column 61. The print data of the layout in which the selling price (147 yen) of the above is also written is displayed.
In this way, for products for which multiple tax rates are set, the normal tax rate and the reduced tax rate are printed side by side on the shelf label, POP, etc., so the customer who purchases is in each situation. The price of the product can be easily recognized.

Printing of multiple tax rates can also be demonstrated by using the above-mentioned combination card. For example, in the setting of the card combination condition, by setting the "reduced tax rate target" item as the product item link and setting that the item is checked as the combination condition, the product information satisfying the above combination condition can be obtained. , It is possible to print the reduced tax rate cards side by side in combination with the normal tax rate cards.

In addition, even if the product is subject to the reduced tax rate, it may be sold only at the normal tax rate or at the reduced tax rate depending on the store. In such a case, in the card selection window 56 shown in FIG. 13, by narrowing down the card attributes by attributes such as "reduced tax rate only", the cards that print only the reduced tax rate are narrowed down, and the narrowed down cards are selected. By selecting, it is possible to print with a card (layout) on which only the reduced tax rate is printed.
In addition, if the display of multiple tax rates is linked to predetermined conditions such as store information and the predetermined conditions are met, a card that prints only the regular price or only the reduced tax rate should be automatically set. It can also be controlled to.

The means for making the printing form of the first product different from that of the second product is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, at least one of the font, character color, background, size, etc. for each tax rate. Either may be different.
As described above, in the print data output device of the present embodiment, a product for which a plurality of tax rates are set according to purchase conditions is automatically printed so that it can be found that the product is subject to a plurality of tax rates. Since printing is performed using a printing mode different from that of the mode, the purchaser can easily understand the tax rate at the time of purchase.

1: Headquarters server 2: Print data output device 21: Controller 201: Print data output means 202: Print data generation means 203: Paper selection means 204: Product information storage means 205: Card information storage means 206: Paper information storage means 207: Communication unit 22: Input means 23: Display means 3: Printing means 301: Print control means 302: Engine control means 303: Paper detection means

Claims (3)

A product information output device that outputs product information output data for outputting specified product information to a medium.
A product information output data generation means that generates the product information output data based on the product information,
A product information output means for outputting to a medium based on the generated product information output data is provided.
The product information output data generation means has different output forms for the first product for which a single tax rate is set and the second product for which a plurality of tax rates are set according to purchase conditions. Product information output data that outputs a part of a plurality of tax rates when the output data is generated and the product information output data for the second product is generated and a predetermined condition is satisfied. To generate
Product information output device. The product information output device according to claim 1 , wherein the product information output data is output data for printing, the product information output device , and the product information output data connected to the product information output device and output. A product information output system equipped with a printing means for printing on a medium based on the above. A program that outputs specified product information to a medium.
On the computer
The procedure for determining whether the specified product information is the product information of the product for which a single tax rate is set or the product information of the product for which multiple tax rates are set, and
When it is determined that the specified product information is the product information of the product for which a single tax rate is set, the product information output data is output based on the specified product information and the first card information. The procedure to generate and
When it is determined that the specified product information is the product information of the product for which a plurality of tax rates are set, the specified product information and the first card information have different output forms. The procedure to generate product information output data based on the card information,
In the procedure for generating product information output data based on the specified product information and the second card information, if a predetermined condition is satisfied, the product information output data that outputs a part of a plurality of tax rates is output. And the procedure to generate
A program to execute.

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