JP7144884B2 - Print data output device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a print data output device, a printing system, and a program for printing POP advertisements and shelf labels used in mass retailers, supermarkets, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Printing systems for printing POP advertisements, shelf labels, etc. used in mass retailers, supermarkets, etc. are known. (Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-177848

In a printing system such as that disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-200005, POP advertisements are sometimes printed on paper according to their intended use.

However, the work of changing the print settings each time the POP advertisement is printed is complicated, and it is necessary to pay attention to the printing device during printing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus capable of automatically selecting and switching sheets to continue printing.

An embodiment of the present invention is a system for generating print data based on print information including product information of a selected product, comprising paper selection means for selecting paper to be used for printing; print data generation means for generating print data based on the paper information of the paper selected by the selection means , wherein the paper selection means selects paper when a predetermined item of the product information satisfies a paper switching condition for switching paper; This is a system for switching the paper used for printing.

According to the present invention, even if there is a shortage of paper suitable for the application when printing POP advertisements, etc., it is possible to switch the paper used for printing to an alternative paper as appropriate and continue the printing process.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a printing system including a print data output device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a print data output device according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a product information file in the print data output device according to the embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a card information file in the print data output device according to the embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a paper information file in the print data output device according to the embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1 is an overall flow diagram of a printing system including a print data output device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing a paper selection procedure of a printing system having a print data output device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing procedures of card change processing of the printing system including the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure of combination card setting processing of the printing system provided with the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing procedures of alternative paper setting processing of the printing system including the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention; 5 is an example of a substitute sheet on which pre-printing has been performed in a printing system including the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a list input screen; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card selection window; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card input screen; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a preview screen. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card correction screen; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card setting screen; FIG. 10 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card setting screen on which a "paper switching setting" field is displayed in detail; FIG. 10 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card setting screen on which a "paper switching setting" field is displayed in detail; FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card setting screen on which a card combination column is displayed; 1 is a diagram of print media printed in a card combination state by a printing system including a print data output device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card setting screen on which a card change column is displayed; 1 is a diagram of a print medium printed in a multiple tax rate printing state by a printing system including a print data output device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of a screen displayed on the display means of the print data output device according to the embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a card input screen of a card to which a reduced tax rate is set.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A product information output device (print data output device) and a product information output system (print system) including the device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Overall configuration of product information output system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a product information output system according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the product information output system according to the present embodiment includes a head office server 1 that is placed in the head office or the like and performs management processing related to product sales in each store, and a shelf tag or POP advertisement that is placed in each store. Product information output device (print data output device) 2 for generating and outputting product information output data used for printing, etc., and product information generated and output by the product information output device (print data output device) 2 It has an output device (printing means) 3 for printing the shelf label or 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, signage, or the like, in addition to printing means for printing on a paper medium or the like.

The head office server 1 and the print data output device 2 are connected to a cloud server via the Internet, for example. ) are connected via a network 4 such as
The network 4 that connects the headquarters server 1, the print data output device 2, and the printing means 3 is not limited to a wired network, and may be connected wirelessly.

The headquarters server 1 manages various types of information including information used when creating shelf labels, POP advertisements, and the like. The managed databases include, 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. And 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 a user as a terminal installed in each store. to generate print data. The print data output device 2 includes a controller 21 that controls print data generation and output processing, an input device 22 that includes a keyboard and the like, and a display device 23 that includes 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/F 215 , an input means I/F 216 , a display means I/F 217 and a connection means 218 .
The CPU 211 is a device that executes software program instructions.
The ROM 212 is a storage element in which programs and the like for operating on the controller 21 are stored in advance. The program and 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.

A RAM 213 is a storage element used as a work storage area necessary for storing programs and operating software.
The memory 214 is configured by a hard disk device or the like, and is storage means for storing information for performing processes such as generation, output, and management of print data used for printing shelf labels and POP advertisements.
A network I/F 215 is a circuit for exchanging data with means connected to 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 means for connecting to the Internet.

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

Although the printing means 3 is connected to the head office server 1 and the print data output device 2 via the network 4 in this embodiment, it may be directly connected to the print data output device 2 . Further, the print data output device 2 loaded with a program for printing POP advertisements and the printing means 3 may be configured as a dedicated machine such as a label printer in which the printing means 3 is integrated.

(Functional block diagram)
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the print data output device 2 and printing means 3 according to this 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 having a paper information storage unit 206 and a communication unit 207 .
The printing unit 3 includes a print control unit 301, an engine control unit 302, a paper detection unit 303, and the like, and functions as a device that develops print data and prints it on paper.

The print data output unit 201 is a unit that controls the print data output device 2 in an integrated manner, stores information input by the input unit 22 in each storage unit, and displays information stored in each storage unit. It displays the data on the means 23 and transmits/receives data to/from the printing means 3 such as outputting the print data generated by the print data generating means 202 to the printing means 3 .

The print data generating 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 unit 203 selects paper based on, for example, product information stored in the product information storage unit 204, card information stored in the card information storage unit 205, paper information stored in the paper information storage unit 206, and the like. , the paper to be used for printing in the printing means 3 is specified, switched and selected.

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

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

(Various databases)
Here, the product information file, card information file, and paper information file processed in the printing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 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 such as the head office server 1 (stores product master data) by setting a predetermined condition (for example, a product whose “bargain sale start date” is tomorrow) by the print data output device 2 of each store. It is generated by acquiring product information, selling price information, special sale schedule information, etc. held by each server by inquiring to a product master server that stores sales schedules, planning master servers that store special sale schedules, etc.). The product information file is saved in a text file, for example, and stored in the product information storage means 204 of the print data output device 2 of each store.

In addition, when each store plans a special sale schedule, etc., multiple sale schedules may be set. It is possible to set the bargain sale schedule of the product information file by setting a priority flag or the like to the bargain sale schedule planned in . Specifically, if the bargain sale start date is closer to the current day, the bargain sale end date is given priority, or if the bargain sale start date and the bargain sale end date are the same, the lower selling price will be given priority. can be set in any way, such as prioritizing

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", "Number of copies (printed) 2", "Sale start date", "Sale end date", "Sale price", "Special point 1", "Reduced tax rate target", "Tax rate 1", "Tax rate 2" ”, “order point”, “order quantity”, etc., and each item is associated with each product.

The item "JAN code" represents the JAN code printed for each product. Although the JAN code is used in this embodiment, other barcodes such as UPC code may be used. The items "card 1" and "card 2" represent print formats associated with each product. The items "print instruction 1" and "print instruction 2" indicate whether or not there is a print instruction in the print format of the "card 1" and "card 2" of each product information, and "(print) number 1", "( The item "number of prints 2" indicates the number of prints to be printed in the print formats of "card 1" and "card 2".

The item "current selling price" represents the current selling price or tax-inclusive price used at the time of over-the-counter sales, and the item "special sale selling price" represents a value such as a special price that is different from the current selling price. The item "start date of bargain sale" indicates the date and time when application of a special price such as a bargain sale price starts, and the item "end date of bargain sale" indicates the date on which application of the special price ends. The item "special point 1" means that the associated product is a special point target product, and indicates the value of the special points to be added.

The "Reduced tax rate target" item indicates that the linked product is subject to the reduced tax rate, the "Tax rate 1" item is the standard tax rate value to which the reduced tax rate is not applied, and the "Tax rate 2" item is , represents the reduced tax rate value. The item "order point" represents the timing of ordering the associated product (remaining quantity, etc.), and the item "order quantity" represents the quantity of the associated product at the time of ordering.
In the above product information file, items of "card 1" and "card 2" are included as print formats associated with the product information. 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 "1234567890", the product name is "canned coffee", the standard name is "280ml", the current selling price is "100" yen, A product whose print format 1 (card 1) is “card A” and the number of prints according to print format (card) 1 is “1” is set. 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, "advertisement B" is set in print format 2 (card 2), and "1" is set in the number of prints in print format (card) 2. FIG.

(card information file)
Next, referring to FIG. 4, the card information file will be explained. The card information file is a file of print format information (card information) used when printing each product. For the card information file, for example, information created at the head office or the like and stored in a cloud server is acquired by the print data output device 2 of each store, and stored as a text file in the card information storage means 205 of the print data output device 2. remembered.

The user can display the card information in the card information file on the display means 23 of the print data output device 2 of each store. Also, 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", "printing item 1" ... "printing item n", "card attribute 1", "card attribute 2", "combination Condition 1", "Combination Card 1", "Change Condition", "Change Card", "Paper Switching Condition", "Switching Paper", "Alternative Paper Printing Condition", "Alternative Paper", etc. This is data in which each item is associated with.

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

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

A plurality of attributes can be defined for each card information. As card attributes, items of "card attribute 1" and "card attribute 2" are provided, but three or more card attributes may be defined.
In addition, card attributes can be arbitrarily registered on the system setting screen (not shown). For example, when creating a new print format that supports multiple tax rates, the card attribute "multiple tax rates" can be added as a new card attribute. You can register and define new cards.

The item "combination condition 1" indicates a condition for printing a card on which product information is printed in combination with another card, and the item "combination card 1" indicates a card to be combined. The item "change conditions" indicates the conditions for changing the card on which the product information is printed to another card, and the item "change card" indicates the card to be changed. The item "Paper switching conditions" indicates the conditions for printing using special paper such as pre-printed paper (pre-printed paper, pre-colored paper). represents

In the example shown in FIG. 4, as the print format (card information) in the first line of the card information file, the card name is "card A", the paper is "A4 white", the paper transport direction is "vertical", and the size is " 74 mm×52.5 mm”, and the card attributes are set to “normal shelf label” and “A4”.
Further, as the card information on the second line, it is further set that "combination condition 1" is "special point 1≧1" and that combination card 1 is "for spotter".
Also, as the card information in the 6th line, the paper switching condition is set to "sale end date=sale start date" and the switching paper is set to "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 (printing medium) information used when printing each product.
The paper information includes items such as "paper name", "paper size", "surface information", "storage location", and "remaining number", and is data in which each item is associated with each paper.

The item "paper name" indicates the type of paper, and the item "paper size" indicates the dimensions of the paper. The item "surface information" represents information on the surface of the paper, such as pre-print information (image information), yellow color, and the like. The item "storage location" indicates the location of the paper feed cassette or the like in which the sheets are stored, and the item "remaining number" indicates the number of sheets stored.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, as the paper information in the first line of the paper information file, the paper name is "A4 white", the paper size is "A4", the storage location is "Cassette 1", and the remaining number is "500 (sheets)." ” is set.
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)".
Also, as the paper information of the same 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)".
As the paper information in the four lines, the paper name is set to "A4 in 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 overall flow of print processing in the print system according to this embodiment.
First, the print data output unit 201 waits for the user to operate the input unit 22 to select a product and input an instruction for printing (output of product information) (step S101).

When the user selects product information and inputs a print instruction, the print data output unit 201 reads the product information of the selected product from the product information storage unit 204 (step S102). Subsequently, the print data output means 201 reads card information from the card information storage means 205 based on the read product information (step S103).

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

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

Then, the print data output unit 201 transmits the print data generated by the print data generation unit 202 and the paper information of the selected paper to the printing unit 3 (step S108).
The printing means 3 that has received the print data and the paper information prints on paper (printing medium) based on the print data and the paper information (step S109), and finishes printing (outputting) the product information. It should be noted that the present invention does not have to include all of the above procedures.

Next, a detailed description will be given of each of the steps S104 to S107, which is one of the features of the print data output device 2 according to this embodiment.
FIG. 7 is an example of a flowchart showing the flow of the paper selection process (step S104) in the print data output device 2 of this embodiment.

In the paper selection process, the paper selection unit 203 selects the 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 indicating that the product information is to be printed using a special paper, the special paper is selected as the paper to be printed. including processing to For example, when the product information to be printed is a bargain sale product, special paper such as yellow paper may be selected as the paper used for printing.

First, the paper selection unit 203 detects whether or not the card information read based on the product information in step S103 has a predetermined condition for switching and selecting the paper used for printing (step S1041).

The setting of the predetermined condition can be performed, 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 are, for example, the bargain sale start date and bargain sale date set in the product information to be printed, as set in the "paper switching condition" column of the card information of advertisement B in FIG. The same end date can be set as a paper switching condition.

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

When the paper selection unit 203 detects that paper switching conditions are set in the read card information (for example, when some conditions are set in the "Paper switching conditions" column), the paper is printed. It is detected whether or not the product information satisfies the paper switching condition set in the card information (step S1042).

On the other hand, if the paper selection unit 203 detects in step S1041 that the paper switching condition is not set in the read card information, it selects the "paper" in the card information as the paper to be used for printing the product information. The paper set in the column is selected (step S1044), and the process ends.

When the paper selection unit 203 detects in step S1042 that the product information to be printed satisfies the paper switching condition, the paper selected in the "switching paper" column of the card information is selected as the paper used for printing the product information. The paper is switched to and selected (step S1403), and the process ends.

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, it selects the paper set in the "paper" column of the card information as the paper used for printing the product information. Select (step S1404) and end the process.
It should be noted that the paper switching condition is not limited to the date condition, and can be appropriately set by the user.
An 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 card change processing (step S105) in the print data output device 2 according to this embodiment.
Card change refers to changing the card (printing format) for printing product information to another card (printing format) if the product information to be printed satisfies predetermined conditions. Say. For example, if the product information to be printed is set to be subject to multiple tax rates, what is the card (printing format) that is normally used to print the product information when printing shelf labels, etc.? This refers to the generation of print data for printing shelf labels, etc., by changing the printing format, such as changing to a card (printing format) that can print different tax rates together.

First, the print data generation unit 202 substitutes n1 for the number of product information read in step S102, and substitutes an initial value of 1 for variable n (step S1051).
Next, the print data generation unit 202 detects whether or not card change conditions are set in the card information set in the n-th product information from the read plural product information (step S1052).

Card change conditions are conditions for changing the card (printing format) on which product information is printed (differentiating the printing format). ), it is possible to set that "1" is set in the "reduced tax rate target" column of the read product information as a card change condition for changing the print format (1 is If it is set, it indicates that the product is subject to a reduced tax rate).

When the print data generating means 202 detects that the read card information has a card change condition set, it determines whether the product information to be printed satisfies the card change condition set in the card information. Detect (step S1053).

On the other hand, when the print data generating means 202 detects that the read card information does not have the card change conditions set, it uses the read card information as the print format for printing the product information. (Print format) is used to generate print data (step S1055).

When the print data generation unit 202 detects in step S1053 that the product information to be printed satisfies the card change conditions set in the card information, the print data generation unit 202 selects the card information "change card" as the print format for printing the product information. ] column to generate print data using the card (print format) (step S1054).

On the other hand, when the print data generating means 202 detects that the product information to be printed does not satisfy the card change conditions set in the card information, the print data generation means 202 selects the read normal use format as the print format for printing the product information. Print data is generated using the existing card (print format) (step S1055).

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

In the above-described embodiment, the print data generation unit 202 is controlled to change the card (change the printing form) when it is detected that the card change condition is satisfied, but the card change condition is not set. card change may be performed immediately. In addition, by setting store information etc. as a card change condition, it is possible to control not to change the card at a store that only supports one tax rate even though the product is subject to multiple tax rates.

The print data generated by the print data generating means 202 as described above is output (transmitted) to the printing means 3 by the print data output means 201 .
An example of the procedure S104 of the print data generation process for changing the card (print form) according to the predetermined conditions 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 (step S106) in the print data output device 2 of this embodiment.
A combination card is printed by combining a special card (print format) in addition to a card (print format) that is normally printed when the product information to be printed satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, when it is set that special points will be given to the product information to be printed, a card emphasizing that special points will be given is printed together with a card on which the product information is printed. There are cases where

First, the print data generation unit 202 substitutes n1 for the number of product information read in step S102, and substitutes an initial value of 1 for variable n (step S1061).

Next, the print data generating means 202 detects whether or not combination card conditions are set in the card information set in the n-th product information from the read multiple product information (step S1062).

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

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

In step S1063, when the print data generating means 202 detects that the product information to be printed satisfies the card combination condition set in the card information, the print data generating means 202 determines the relationship between the card on which the product information is to be printed and the special card. Print data is generated by combining them so that their characteristics can be understood (step S1064).

On the other hand, when the print data generation unit 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 unit 202 detects whether or not the variable n is n1 or more (step S1065), ends the process if the variable n is n1 or more, and if the variable n is less than n1, n=n+1 Then (step S1066), the process returns to step S1062, and steps S1062 to S1065 are repeated by the number of product information items selected for printing.

In the above embodiment, the print data generating means 202 generates print data by combining cards when it is detected that the combination card condition is satisfied. , the cards may be immediately combined to generate print data.
In addition, as a card combination condition, a special point value may be set so that the cards are combined to generate print data only when the value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. may be changed to generate print data.
An example of the process of generating print data relating to combination cards 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 alternative paper setting processing (step S107) in the print data output device 2 of this embodiment.
The alternative paper setting is to detect whether or not there is an alternative paper that can be substituted for the selected paper when the paper selected by the paper selection unit 203 or the like is insufficient and cannot be fed. If a substitute sheet can be fed, the sheet to be used for printing is switched to the substitute sheet, selected, and the print process is performed.

First, based on the information stored in the paper information file, the paper selection unit 203 determines whether the paper selected in step S104 can be fed. Alternatively, it is detected whether or not the selected paper sheets are accommodated in the manual feed tray and can be fed (whether the value in the "remaining number" column of the paper information file is not 0, etc.) (step 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 accommodated in one of the paper feed cassettes or the manual feed tray of the printing means 3. If so, the process ends without switching to the 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 feed cassettes or manual feed trays of the printing means 3. (in the paper information file, the value in the "remaining number" column of the paper feed cassette containing the selected paper is 0), the paper selection unit 203 selects It is detected whether or not a substitute sheet that can substitute for the sheet that has been selected can be fed (step S1072).

As the paper that can be substituted, the paper size is 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. When the value of the "number" field is detected to be 0, the value of the "remaining number" field of the cassette 1 containing the A4 white paper is detected, and the value of the "remaining number" field 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 unit 203 detects in step S1702 that the alternative paper cannot be fed, the print data output unit 201 displays an error indicating that there is no paper and stops printing (step S1076). . It is preferable to control the printing means 3 so as not to hinder the next printing by transmitting an error cancellation flag as necessary.

On the other hand, when the paper selection unit 203 detects that the alternative paper can be fed, it switches the paper for printing the product information to the alternative paper and selects it (step S1703).
Next, the print data generation unit 202 detects whether or not the previously selected paper has pre-print information (step S1704). Pre-printed information refers to information pre-printed on paper. For example, if it is yellow A4 paper, it is yellow background color information, even if it is pre-printed paper with the manufacturer's logo etc. For example, there is printed information such as illustration information such as a logo. Note that the pre-print information can be stored in a paper information file or the like.

When the print data generating means 202 detects that the previously selected paper has pre-print information, it generates print data by including the pre-print information in the information (product information) that is the basis of the print data. do. For example, when printing using alternative paper and the paper that was previously selected was yellow paper, in addition to the product information to be printed, pre-printed information to color the background yellow is added to the printed information. to generate print data (step S1075).

Note that the pre-printed information to be added does not necessarily have to be pre-printed on the pre-printed paper. Any printed information that is conspicuous to the customer, such as mark printing of bands a and a, or mark printing of a circle b colored in yellow or another similar color at one corner, may be used. In addition, a mark printed with a yellow belt on one end, a mark with character information, a mark with a predetermined shape, or the like may be used.

Further, the pre-printed information and the like can be stored in card information, for example, 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 pre-print information on the previously selected paper, the process ends.
An example of print data generation involving the process of setting alternative 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 paper according to product information.
In this embodiment, paper information is associated with a plurality of paper feed cassettes and manual feed trays of the printing means 3, and the paper to be used is switched by detecting paper information. A sensor or the like for detecting the type of paper may be provided, and information on the surface of the paper may be detected by the paper detection means to detect the type of paper, the remaining amount, and the like.

Furthermore, by setting an IP address or the like in the printing unit 3, it is possible to manage sheets for a plurality of printers. Paper can be switched by managing paper feed trays without setting addresses.
In addition, when the schedule for issuing POP advertisements or the like has been 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 information such as the number of special sheets stored in each paper feed tray is sent to the print data output device 2. By storing information 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 accommodated in the paper feed cassette in advance may be provided to manage the number of the special sheets.

Furthermore, the print data output device 2 of the printing system of the present embodiment can be used when the product information for which printing is instructed includes product information requiring a change in output format, such as product information subject to a reduced tax rate. , it is possible to automatically change the card (printing format, etc.), for example, change the display form to a card that can display multiple tax rates, and output the product information output data.
As a result, for products with multiple tax rates, for example, it is possible to prepare shelf labels displaying multiple tax rates, so that customers can easily understand the tax rate when they purchase. be able to.

Furthermore, the print data output device 2 of the printing system of the present embodiment, if the product information for which the printing instruction is given includes product information to be printed in combination with a special POP, etc., prints the special POP, etc. are combined so that the relationship with the product information can be understood, and the print data is output.
As a result, the POP of the product information advertised by the special POP can be easily understood, and the handling, arrangement, etc. of the special POP are facilitated.

In addition, the print data output device 2 of the printing system of the present embodiment detects whether or not there is an alternative paper that can be substituted when the paper used for printing the product information is insufficient and the paper cannot be fed. If there is a substitute sheet, the substitute sheet is switched and selected as the sheet to be used for printing.
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 generating means 202 pre-prints on the special paper in the print data. Print data is generated by including the pre-printed information or information equivalent thereto.
As a result, the user can perform printing equivalent to printing with pre-printed paper, and can continue printing POP and the like, thereby preventing a decrease in work efficiency.

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

(List input screen)
The print data output means 201 of the print data output device 2 displays on the display means 23 the list input screen 5 for selecting product information to be printed, adding and correcting product information, and instructing printing.
The list entry screen 5 is displayed on the display means 23 by the user operating the "list entry" 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. As shown in FIG. The list input screen 5 has a “display item” column 51 , a “query selection” column 52 , a “list display” column 53 , and a “card preview” column 54 . By setting the "card preview" column 54 to be non-display by the user, the list data of the product information file can be displayed on the entire surface of the "list display" column 53. FIG.

The "list display" column 53 displays a list of product information of the selected product. Items of product information to be displayed can be set in 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 arbitrary items of 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 this template, the "list display" column 53 includes, from the left, a "selection" column, a "JAN code" column, and a " Product name" column, "Print instruction 1" column, "Card 1" column, "(Print) number 1" column, "Print instruction 2" column, "Card 2" column, "(Print) number 2" column, " A bargain sale start date column, a bargain sale end date column, and the like are displayed. Note that the user can display hidden information on the right by operating the scroll bar 531 arranged at the bottom.

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 “next product” button 543 , and a “detailed information” column 544 .

The “preview” column 541 displays the card with the product information 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 printing status of the product information in the "preview" column 541, and by operating the "previous product" button 542 and the "next product" button 543, the product information is displayed in the "preview" column 541. You can change the product information displayed.

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

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

In the example shown in FIG. 12, the "Select" column on the left end of the product information on the first to tenth rows of the "list display" column 53 is checked, and the product information on 10 products is displayed. Selected for printing. The selected product information is selectively displayed in the "preview" column 541, and the displayed product information can be changed by operating the "previous product" button 542 and the "next product" button 543. .

"Card A" is set in the "card 1" field of the selected product information, and printing by card 1 is set in the "print instruction 1" field. Note that the number of cards to be printed is one.
In the product information on lines 2 and 4 of the "list display" column 53, "advertisement B" is set in the "card 2" column, and printing by 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. Also, the print data is generated based on the product information and the card information of the advertisement B for the products in the 2nd and 4th rows. The print data output unit 201 outputs (transmits) the print data generated by the print data generation unit 202 to the printing unit 3 . The printing means 3 that has received the print data prints shelf labels, advertisements, and the like based on the print data.

(Card selection window)
The print data output unit 201 displays a 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. FIG. The user can set the print format (card information) for printing the product information on the card selection window 56 .

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

When selecting a card, the user can narrow down the cards by using the "card name narrowing" column 561 and the "card attribute list" column 562 of the card selection window 56. FIG. Specifically, a part of the name of the card that the user desires to use is entered in the "card name narrowing down" column 561, and the "narrowing down" button 561a is operated. Alternatively, the desired card attribute is selected (inverted) from among the card attributes displayed in the “card attribute list” column 562 . By these operations, the print data output unit 201 selects a card whose name includes part of the input in the "card name narrowing down" column 561, or a card whose card attribute selected in the "card attribute list" column 562 is defined. is displayed in the “card selection” column 563 .

FIG. 13B shows the card selection window 56 with the card attributes narrowed down by the “card attributes” column 562 . When the user selects (inverts) "normal shelf label" and "A4" in the "card attribute" column 562, the print data output means 201 displays "normal shelf label" and " Only cards (card A and card B) for which the attribute "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 entry screen)
The print data output unit 201 displays the card input screen 6 on the display unit 23 when the user operates the “card input” button 503 displayed on the menu screen or the list input screen 5 .
FIG. 14 shows an example of the card input screen 6. As shown in FIG. The card input screen 6 has a “card preview” column 61 , a “merchandise information” column 62 and a “card selection” column 63 . Above the card input screen 6, there are a "menu" button 601, a "list input" button 602, a "card input" button 603, and a "card setting" button 604. FIG. When the user operates the "menu" button 601, the print data output means 201 displays a menu screen on the display means 23. FIG. Similarly, when the "input list" button 602 is operated, the input list screen 5 is displayed on the display means 23. FIG. Similarly, when the "card setting" button 604 is operated, the display means 23 displays a card setting screen 9, which will be described later.

The “merchandise information” column 62 displays merchandise information and the like obtained from the merchandise master database of the headquarters server 1 and the like. 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.
When the user clicks the print item 61a in the "card preview" field 61, the print data output unit 201 makes the corresponding part 62a in the "merchandise information" field 62 editable. The user can change the data in the editable portion.

(Print preview screen)
When the user selects product information from the "selection" column on the list input screen 5 and operates the "preview" button 558, the print data output unit 201 displays the print data generated by the print data generation unit 202 for the selected product. Print data is displayed on the print preview screen 7 .
FIG. 15 shows an example of the print preview screen 7. As shown in FIG. The print preview screen 7 has a “print preview” column 71 . The print data output unit 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 entry" button 702, a "card entry" button 703, and a "card setting" button 704 at the upper position.

In the "print preview" column 71 of the print preview screen 7 shown in FIG. 15, the 10 product information items selected on the list input screen 5 shown in FIG. The status of print data for printing is displayed. An arrow 711 indicating the paper transport direction is displayed at an appropriate location in the “print preview” column 71 .
The print data output unit 201 allows the user to select a card displayed in the "print preview" column 71 (indicated by a dotted line 71a in the drawing) and change the print form of the card, and then "modify" the card. button 721, the card correction screen 8 is displayed.

(Card correction screen)
FIG. 16 shows an example of the card correction screen 8. As shown in FIG. The card correction screen 8 has a “card preview” column 81 and a “merchandise 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 “merchandise information” column 82 displays a list of items of the merchandise information displayed in the “card preview” column 81 . Above the "merchandise information" column 82, a "correction" button 821 and a "return" button 822 are provided.
The card correction screen 8 has a "menu" button 801, a "list input" button 802, a "card input" button 803, and a "card setting" button 804 at the upper position.

When the user changes the item data in the "merchandise information" column 82, the print data generating means 202 reflects the merchandise information changed by the user in the print data displayed in the "card preview" column 81. FIG. The user can check the change status by looking at the “card preview” column 81 . In the example shown in FIG. 16, the user changed the current selling price data 82a in the "merchandise information" column 82 to 95 yen. The display of the current selling price item 81a is changed to "95 yen".
Then, when the user operates the "return" button 822, the print data output unit 201 stores the changed contents in the product information storage unit 204 and displays the print preview screen 7, which is the previous screen.

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

An example of the card setting screen 9 is shown in FIG. The card setting screen 9 has a card design column 91 and a card information column 93 . The user can create print format data by arranging various objects in the card design field 91, and create card (print format) information by defining the print items of the product information file to the objects.
The card information column 93 includes a “(card) name” column 931, a “paper” column 932, a “paper switching setting” column 933, a “card attribute information” column 934, a “card size” column 935, and an “expiration date” column 336. etc.

Above the card information column 93, there are an "information" button 921, a "combination" button 922, and a "change" button 923. FIG. When the user operates the "combination" button 922, the print data output unit 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 unit 201 displays a "change card" window 95 for setting card change.
Above the card setting screen 9, there are a "menu" button 901, a "list input" button 902, a "card input" button 903, and a "card setting" button 904 for shifting to a 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×52.5 mm" is set as the size. For the size of the card, the minimum unit (for example, 37 mm × 26.25 mm) is set, and by setting the size of the integral multiple of the minimum unit, it is possible to allocate it to the paper without waste. , any size may be set.

FIG. 18 shows an example of the card setting screen 9 on which the "sheet switching setting" column 933 is displayed in detail. When the user checks the check box 933a of the "paper switching setting" column 933 on the card setting screen 9, the print data output unit 201 displays the "paper switching setting" column 933 on the card setting screen 9 in detail. 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 items of product information that are subject to conditions for switching sheets, and the "condition setting" column 933d is a column for setting conditions for switching sheets.

When the user sets the switching condition in the "switching item link" column 933c and the "condition setting" column 933d, and sets the paper after switching in the "switching paper" column 933b, when printing shelf labels, advertisements, etc., the paper A selection unit 203 selects a sheet to be used for printing in accordance with the switching conditions that have been set.

Specifically, on the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 18, “advertisement A” is set in the “card name” field 931 and “A4 white” is set in the “paper” field 932 . A 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, "Last day of bargain sale" is set in the "Product item link" column 933c, and "Last day of bargain sale" is set in the "Condition setting" column 933d. day = sale start date” is set.

According to the above setting, the paper selection means 203 of the print data output device 2 selects the "advertisement A" as the card for printing the product information, and the "last sale date" column of the product information to be printed. If it is detected that the "bargain sale start date" column is the same, that is, if it is detected that it is a one-day bargain sale date, "A4 yellow" is selected as the paper to be used for printing the product information. Then, it is detected that the "paper switch setting" field 933 is not checked, or the "last day of bargain sale" field and the "start date of bargain sale" field of the product information to be printed are not the same. When it is detected, "A4 white" set by the card of "advertisement A" is selected as the paper used for printing the product information.

In the example shown in FIG. 18, "last day of bargain sale" is set as an item of product information that is the target of conditions for paper switching, and "last day of bargain sale= "Special sale start date" is set, but the condition for switching the paper is not limited to specifying 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 plan of the store, and the like.

FIG. 19 shows another example of the card setting screen 9 on which the "sheet 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” field 931 and “A4 white” is set in the “paper” field 932 . A 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" field 933b of the "paper switching setting" field 933, "illustration 1", which is the product information item, is set in the "switching condition link" field 933c, and "condition setting" is set. "Illustration 1=with set (with data)" is set in the column 933d.

According to the above settings, the paper selection means 203 of the print data output device 2, when "card C" is set as the card for printing the product information, in the "illustration 1" column of the product information to be printed, When information such as a logo mark is detected, pre-printed paper is selected and set as the paper used for printing product information. The pre-printed paper is 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. FIG. When it is detected that the "Paper Switch Setting" column 933 is not checked, or when it is detected that there is no information such as a logo mark in the "Illustration 1" column, the paper is changed. Instead, "A4 white" set by the card of "advertisement A" is selected and set as the paper used for printing the product information.

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 according to the paper switching setting on the card setting screen 9 shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. If a shortage of the special paper is detected while printing on the same paper, other alternative paper can be used for printing.

Specifically, when colored paper (A4 yellow) is set as the paper to be used for printing by means of the paper switching setting on the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. is detected, it is detected whether or not there is another substitute sheet (for example, an A4 blank sheet of the same size). Select and set another possible paper as the paper to use for printing. In this case, the print data generation unit 202 may add yellow background information to the normally generated print data to generate new print data.

In addition, the paper selection unit 203 detects the shortage of the pre-printed paper when the pre-printed paper (A4 pre-printed) is set as the paper to be used for printing by the paper switching setting of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. is detected, it is detected whether or not there is another substitute sheet (for example, an A4 blank sheet of the same size). Select and set another possible paper as the paper to use for printing. In this case, the print data generation unit 202 may generate print data by adding pre-print information (such as a logo mark) to print data that is normally generated.

FIG. 20 shows an example of the card setting screen 9 on 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 "card combination condition setting" in the "card combination" window 94, the print data output means 201 A “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 "merchandise item link" column 942a indicates items of merchandise information for which the conditions for card combination are to be set, the "condition setting" column 942b is a column for setting the conditions for card combination, and the "combination card 1" column 943a. is a field for setting the cards to be combined, and the "(combination) position" field 942b is a field for setting the positions of the cards to be combined.

The card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 20 is obtained by displaying a "card combination" window 94 on the card setting screen 9 in which "card A" is set as the card 1. FIG. Then, "special point 1" is set in the "product item link" column 942a, "with value set" is set in the "condition setting" column 942b, and a "spotter" card is set in the "combination card 1" column 943a. is set, and "left" is set in the "combination position" column 943b.

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

At that time, the print data generating means 202 generates normal print data generated based on the product information and the print layout (card information) of "card A", the special information, and the card information (layout for spotter). ) are arranged side by side to generate print data so that it can be seen that the special information is related to the product information.

Specifically, as shown in the card design column 91 of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. Print data is generated by arranging and combining the print data of the special information (on the left side) in the layout "for Potter".

FIG. 21 shows an example of a print medium printed by combining the print data of product information with the layout of "card A" and the print data of special information with the layout of "for spotter". The example shown in FIG. 21 shows a print state when a print instruction is issued for ten products selected on the list input screen 5 shown in FIG.

Among the 10 items of product information, for the two items for which "special point 1" is set, printing A1 and B1 using normal print data according to the layout of "card A" in the item information and special information "for spotter 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 the special information "for spotters" indicating that 100 points are given to the printing A1 by the layout of "card A" of canned coffee in the first row and tea in the third row. A print A2 by is printed adjacent to the left. The user can easily understand that the printing of canned coffee in the first row and the printing of tea in the third row are related to the printing by "for spotter".

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

Also, the combination card is not limited to a card such as a POP card to be shown to a customer. good too.

In addition, as a method of printing so that the relationship between the main card and the combination card showing general product information can be seen, in addition to printing adjacent to each other, the main card and the combination card are printed so as to enclose them in a specific frame. can be In addition, a mark or the like that indicates that it is related to a part of the main card or combination card may be printed. Also, a part of the main card or the like may be printed on the back side of the combination card so that the relationship between the main card and the combination card can be understood.

Furthermore, when printing a combination card, the print data output means 201 controls the output order of the product information, such as printing the product information printed by combining the cards first, thereby reducing waste of paper. It is preferable to
In addition, the print data output means 201 can output in order according to the type of product so that, for example, a card showing product information on beverages and a card showing product information on food do not coexist. In the example of the printed state, the product information having the combination card is output first, followed by the product information on beverages and the product information on food in this order.

Thus, in this embodiment, the print data output means 201 outputs and prints the product information output data of the combination card so that the relationship between the product information output data of the general product information card and the product information output data of the general product information card can be understood. Therefore, the user can intuitively understand the relationship between the two cards, and can appropriately arrange the combination card when arranging the combination card on the counter or the like.

FIG. 22 shows an example of the card setting screen 9 on 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 "set card change conditions" in the "change card" window 95, the print data output unit 201 outputs " Card Change” window 95 is displayed.

The 'change card' window 95 has a 'product item link' column 952a, a 'condition setting' column 952b, and a 'change card' column 953. FIG. The "product item link" column 952a indicates items of product information that are subject to conditions for changing cards, and the "condition setting" column 952b is a column for setting conditions for changing cards. 953 is a field for setting a card after change.

The card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 22 shows a state in which a "card change" window 95 is displayed on the card setting screen 9 in which "card A" is set as the print layout. The item 'reduced tax rate target' is set in the 'product item link' field 952a, 'with value set' is set in the 'change setting' field 952b, and the card 'card D' is set in the 'change card' field 953. ing.

According to the above settings, when "Card A" is set as the print layout, the print data output unit 201 determines whether a value is set (checked) in the item "reduced tax rate" in the product information to be printed. If a value is set (checked) in the "reduced tax rate target" item of the product information to be printed, that is, the reduced tax rate for which multiple tax rates are set according to the purchase conditions for the product to be printed If it is the target product, the format used for printing the product information is changed from "Card A" to "Card D", and based on the product information and the card information (format) of "Card D" Generate print data.

Note that the card design column 91 of the card setting screen 9 shown in FIG. 22 displays the print state of the reduced tax rate target product by print data generated based on the product information and the card information of "Card D".
As shown in the card design field 91, the product has tax rates set for two purchase conditions: eat-in (when the purchased product is eaten in the store) and eat-out (when the purchased product is taken home). is displayed.

FIG. 23 shows an example of a print medium when the products subject to reduced tax rate are included in the products to be printed. The example shown in FIG. 23 is a print state when a print instruction is given for the product information of 10 items selected on the list input screen shown in FIG. The print data generating means 202 converts the card information (layout ) to generate print data. Then, for the two products that are "targeted for the reduced tax rate" (second product), the card information (layout) of "Card D" corresponding to the reduced tax rate is replaced with the card information (layout) of the normal "Card A". The print data is generated based on

Specifically, for the fifth line of the product information file, "Bread roll" and the eighth line, "Curry bread", the print data is generated based on the card information (layout) of "Card D" corresponding to the reduced tax rate. It is In the above embodiment, if the product is a reduced tax rate product (second product), one card information (card D) is automatically set, but this example is limited. not to be For example, the print data output unit 201 may display a plurality of card (layout) candidates that can be handled on the display unit 23 . The user can select from among the candidates displayed on the display means 23 .

In addition, in the print data output device 2 of the present embodiment, the user directly selects a card corresponding to multiple tax rates as "card 1" to be set in the product information on the card input screen 6. The data generating means 202 may generate print data corresponding to multiple tax rates.

FIG. 24 shows the card input screen 6 in which a card (layout) corresponding to multiple tax rates is selected. When the user clicks the "card 1" column 63a in the "card selection" column 63 on the card input screen 6, the print data output means 201 displays the card selection window 56 shown in FIG. 13(b). When the user selects the card attributes displayed in the "card attribute list" column 562 of the card selection window 56 by reversing the "multiple tax rate" attribute, the print data output means 201 displays the "card selection" column 563. to display only cards that have the multi-rate attribute defined. The user can select any card from the cards displayed in the “card selection” column 563 .

Specifically, on the card input screen 6 shown in FIG. 24, the user sets "Card D" in which the card attribute of the reduced tax rate is defined in the "Card 1" field 63a. 202 generates print data based on the card D, and the print data output means 201 displays in the "card preview" column 61 the sales price (150 yen) generated by the print data generation means 202 for eat-in and The layout print data with the selling price (147 Yen) of is displayed.
In this way, for products with multiple tax rates, the normal tax rate and the reduced tax rate are printed side by side on shelf labels, POPs, etc. It is possible to easily recognize the price of the product.

Multiple tax rate printing can also be achieved by using the combination card. For example, when setting the card combination conditions, by setting the item "reduced tax rate" as the product item link and setting that the item is checked as the combination condition, the product information that satisfies the above combination conditions will be displayed. , a card with a reduced tax rate can be printed side by side in combination with a card with a normal tax rate.

In addition, even products subject to the reduced tax rate may be sold only at the normal tax rate or only at the reduced tax rate depending on the store. In such a case, in the card selection window 56 shown in FIG. By selecting, it is possible to print with a card (layout) where only the reduced tax rate is printed.
In addition, by linking the display of multiple tax rates to predetermined conditions such as store information, if predetermined conditions are met, a card that prints only the normal tax rate or only the reduced tax rate will be automatically set. can also be controlled to

It should be noted that the means for differentiating the printing form of the first product and the second product is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Any one can be different.
As described above, in the print data output device of the present embodiment, for products for which multiple tax rates are set according to purchase conditions, normal printing is performed so that it can be automatically understood that multiple tax rates are applicable to the product. Since it is printed in a printing mode different from the mode, the purchaser can easily understand the tax rate at the time of purchase.

1: Headquarters server 2: Print data output device 3: Printing means 21: Controller 201: Print data output means 202: Print data generation means 203: Paper selection means 204: Merchandise information storage means 205: Card information storage means 206: Paper information Memory means 207 : Communication unit 22 : Input means 23 : Display means 31 : Controller 32 : Printer engine 301 : Print control means 302 : Engine control means 303 : Paper detection means

Claims (2)

A system for generating print data based on print information including product information of a selected product,
paper selection means for selecting paper to be used for printing;
print data generation means for generating print data based on the print information and the paper information of the paper selected by the paper selection means ;
The paper selection means switches the paper used for printing when a predetermined item of the product information satisfies a paper switching condition for switching paper.
system . 2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing card information including paper information of paper on which said print information is to be printed and paper switching conditions for switching paper to be used for printing.

Images