JPS61251977A - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To compact a display part and to permit a beginner to operate properly by making a display part and an operating part integrally and changing the display of input information in accordance with a mode. CONSTITUTION:The input information from the operating part 24 is displayed on a CRT 1 under the control of a CPU 10. A transparent touch panel 2 is installed on the display screen of the CRT 1, the touched position can be detected by the CPU 10. On the basis of the detect result, input information in a RAM 12 corresponding to the touched position is read out by the CPU 10 and printed by a printing part 15 as necessary.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a printer suitable for use in printing various data such as product name and price on price tags (labels) attached to products.

[Prior art]

Label printers print on labels that are attached to products.
It is used in stores and markets, contributing to more efficient sales processing.

It is generally known that the fewer the number of operation keys on a device, the shorter the time it takes to search for a key, and the shorter the operation time. However, for devices with a wide variety of functions, there is a limit to reducing the number of operation keys, so a method (multi-key specification) that changes the input information of the same operation key depending on the mode is often used. It will be done.

According to this method, the number of operation keys is significantly reduced (7), while the operation requires skill in uneven distribution.

The multi-key specification is also adopted in the above-mentioned label printer because it has abundant functions such as setting preset data and creating print data.

[Problem that the invention seeks to solve]

By the way, due to the nature of its operation, the above-mentioned label printer has more opportunities to be operated by inexperienced part-time workers or part-time employees than by experienced workers, and as a result, troubles due to operational errors have never ceased.

In addition to the conventional product name, unit price, weight, price, barcode, etc., the above-mentioned label printers are now printing data such as advertising text, processing date, effective date, product code, etc. according to user requests. It is common practice to do both at the same time.

For this reason, the proportion of the display section in the device is increasing in order to set and confirm these print data. Further, the display section and the operation section must be arranged in a size and position that are easy to see and operate, and their size and arrangement are limited to some extent. For this reason, in conventional label printers, the display and operation section occupies a considerable portion of the front surface of the device, which has been an obstacle to miniaturization and design of the device.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a label printer that can have a compact display unit and that can be operated easily and without error even by part-time workers or other inexperienced operators. shall be.

[Failure to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a display means for displaying input information, a transparent panel disposed overlappingly in front of a display surface of the display means, and a sensor for detecting a contact position on the transparent panel. and a reading means for reading the input information displayed at a position of the display means corresponding to the contact position based on the detection result of the detection means.

(Function) With the above-described configuration, the display part and the operation part are integrated, and the display of input information is changed depending on the mode, narrowing the operator's choice of key operations and making it possible to perform the correct operation. I will guide you so that you can do it.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a label printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, 1 is a CRT
(Cathode Ray Tube), and in front of the display surface of this CRTI is a transparent panel (hereinafter referred to as
(referred to as touch panels) 2 are arranged one on top of the other. Further, 3 and 4 are key switches, and 5 is a reset button. On the other hand, 6 is a label holding section that sucks and holds the printed label.

Further, 7 is a scale, and the weight of the product placed on the scale 7a is measured.

Next, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the same label printer. In the figure, 10 is a CPU (central processing unit) that controls the label printer, and 11 is an R
It is OM (read only memory). This ROM 11 stores weight values, price calculation programs, display control programs, print control programs, touch position detection programs, etc.
Control programs used for processing by the CPU 10 and various character patterns are stored.

Further, 12 is a RAM (random access memory), and a part of this RAM 12 uses rewritable nonvolatile memory, and once written data is changed or initialized. The contents are retained until the main power is turned off. This RAM 12 is composed of a data totaling area, a preset data area, an advertisement text data area, a register area, a print format area, a display buffer, a print buffer, and a work area. Each of these areas will be explained in detail below.

The data aggregation area is a memory area for classifying and aggregating data on products for which labels have been printed and issued for each product, and is used to manage data on priced products.

As shown in FIG. 4, the preset data area is composed of a plurality of preset tables PT+, PT2...PTn, and each table PT+, PT2...PTn
The product number (product code), unit price, effective date, product name, etc. are recorded for each product. Data is set in each of these tables PT+, PT2, . . . as necessary by an operator.

As shown in FIG. 5, the advertisement text data area is composed of a plurality of advertisement text tables CT+, C70...CTn, and each advertisement text table CT+, C70...
Messages such as ``Advertisement item'' and ``Service item'' are stored together with the number. Each of these advertisement text tables CT+,
Setting of messages and numbers to C70 is done by the industry at the time of industrial shipment of the label printer.

The register area, as shown in Figure 6, contains the product number, unit price,
It consists of nine registers: processing date, expiration date, product name, advertising text, weight, price, and barcode, and the data displayed and printed at each register can be edited. Each register is also provided with a color flag C, and the numerical value of this color flag C specifies the color to be displayed or printed. In this case, the colors that can be specified are "black", "red", "blue", "green", and "yellow".

There are 6 colors of "purple", and each color flag is rob, rIJ, r
Corresponds to 2J, r3J, r4J, r5J.

A plurality of print formats are recorded in the print format area. This print format is, for example,
These print formats are set according to each customer at the time of shipment from the factory. Here, printing formats 1 to 1 shown in FIG. 7 will be explained.

This printing format is the most standard format and includes a product name area E1, a message area E2, a unit price area E3, a weight area E4, an amount area E5, a processing date area E6, a best before date area E7, and a code area E8. , and a barcode area E9 is provided in the margin.

The display buffer stores data to be displayed on the CRTl, and the print buffer stores print data (dot data).

Now, returning to FIG. 3, reference numeral 13 is a printer section, which includes a pulse motor 14 for driving paper and a multicolor ribbon, and a thermal head 15 consisting of a plurality of heating resistors r1 to rn. A drive circuit 16 that drives the thermal head 15. It consists of a shift register 17 for recording print data and a printer interface 18. In this case, the printer interface 18 stores the print data supplied from the print buffer of the RAM 12 under the control of the CPUO in the shift register 17, supplies the clock pulse CP to the shift register 17, and simultaneously supplies the drive circuit 16 with the clock pulse CP. The printing pulse DP is supplied to the thermal head 15.
The necessary heating resistor r generates heat. This melts the ink applied to the multicolored ribbon and transfers it to the paper.

Further, the printer interface 18 supplies a drive pulse MCP to the pulse motor 14 at an appropriate timing to slow down the paper and ribbon. In this way, the printer interface 18 stores the print data in the shift register 17 under the control of the CPU iO, causes the necessary heating resistor r to generate heat, thermally transfers the ink to the paper, and then slowly moves the paper and ribbon. Repeat the action and shape on the paper.

Print text, etc. Further, this printing is performed for a plurality of colors of a multicolor ribbon, and multicolor printing is performed by overprinting ink of a plurality of colors.

On the other hand, the scale 7 has a built-in load converter (not shown) such as a load cell, and the scale 7 converts the weight signal output from the load converter into digital data (weight data). C through the scale interface 19.
Supplied to PU10.

Further, 20 is a touch panel interface, and three pressure sensors 21° 22.2 instruct the touch panel 2.
The pressure signal supplied from 3 is converted into digital data and is supplied to the CPU 10. That is, the touch panel 2 is supported on the display screen at three points, and the touch panel 2
The force that presses one point on the top is detected by the pressure sensors 21, 22, and 23 as component forces at the three points, each of which is converted into digital data (detected data) and supplied to the CPU 10. When these detection data are input, the CPLJIO starts the touch position detection program to determine the position of the pressing point on the touch panel 2, and based on the determined position of the pressing point, the screen of the CRTl that is directly below the pressing point is Calculate the coordinates above. These coordinates are orthogonal coordinates whose origin (0) is the upper left corner of the CRTl screen, as shown in FIG. 8, and the coordinates of the pressing point are expressed as (X, Y). As a result, CRTIO can tell which area has been selected or pressed by memorizing the starting point coordinates (Xs, Ys> and ending point coordinates (xe, Ye) of each area on the screen in advance). For example, as shown in Figure 8, there are three areas A (starting point (Xas, Yas)) on the screen.
- end point (Xae, Yae) ), B (start point (,
Xbs, Yb5) - end point (Xbe, Ybe))
, C (starting point (Xcs, Ye3) - ending point (Xce,
Yce)), the CPU 10 calculates the coordinates (X.Yce) of the calculated pressing point.

For Y), X and (Xas, Xae), X and (X
bs.

Xbe), X and (XC8, XCe), 'Y and (Yas
, Yae), Y and (Ybs, Ybe), Y and (Y
cs, Yce) to find an area that satisfies XS≦X≦Xe (1) and YS≦Y≦Ye (2) = 11-. As a result, the above area A,
It can be determined which area B or C has been selected or pressed.

Next, in FIG. 3, reference numeral 24 denotes an operating section, which is composed of the key switches 3, 4 and the reset button 5 shown in FIG. Here, the operating section 24 is shown in FIG. Key switch 3 has 4 modes: registration mode for issuing labels, preset data setting mode, daily setting mode, and totaling mode.
Used to select between two modes. Also, key switch 4
is used to instruct addition, non-addition, and subtraction of weight 1 amount data. Further, the reset button 5 is used to return the label printer to its initial state.

Next, the CRTl displays the display data stored in the display buffer of the RAM 12 via the CRT interface 26 under the control of the CPUIO. In addition, CRTI
is a color graphic display. 27 is
A communication interface that exchanges data with other label printers or host computers.

Further, 2-12=8 is a real-time clock, which supplies data indicating January 2, 2015 to the CPU 10. This real-time clock 28 can be set in the date setting mode using the key switch 3 described above.

The operation of the label printer having the above configuration will be explained.

(1) Preset data setting When the operator specifies the preset data setting mode using the key switch 2, the switch information of the key switch 2 is read into the CPUI O via the operation unit interface 25, and the CPU 1. O develops the set image data in the display buffer of the RAM 12. Next, CPU10
supplies the expanded setting image data to the CRTl, and
Display the image shown in FIG. 10 on Tl.

The worker follows the guidance displayed in the guidance display area G on the screen and inputs data from the numeric canisters I+, I2, . . . into the respective display areas D+, D2, . For example, when inputting the product number ii 11 u, the worker presses the number entry button 2 twice on the touch panel 2.

Then, the detection data of the three pressure sensors 21, 22, and 23 are input to the CPU 10, and the CPU 10 determines the pressing point from these detection data. Next, the CPU 10 calculates the coordinates immediately below the pressing point on the screen of 0RT1 from the obtained pressing point, and determines the selected number entry canilia from these coordinates. Next, cpuio displays the numbers displayed in the selected number entry canister in the guide area G.

The worker looks at the numerical value displayed in area G, confirms whether the numerical value has been entered correctly, and then presses the part of the screen labeled "Product Number" on the touch panel 2. Thus, "11" is displayed in the display area D1 that displays the product number. In the same manner, the worker moves to other display area D2.
, input data to D3... In this case, at the same time R
In the preset data area of AMI2, data is set in the preset table PT corresponding to the input product number. Note that when setting the product name, enter the corresponding character code.

Next, when the operator finishes inputting the preset data, the operator specifies the registration mode using the key switch 2.

(2) When the label issuing worker specifies the registration mode by turning the key switch 2, the image shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the CRTl. The worker inputs the product number of the product for which a label is to be issued according to the display contents of the guide display G. That is, when inputting the product number "'11", press the numeric keypad r2 twice and then press the part where "product number" is displayed, as in the case of setting preset data. The numerical data entered at this time is temporarily displayed on the guide display G (see Figure 12), and the "Product number" is displayed.
When is pressed, the product number is displayed in the product number display area D20. When the product number is input, the CPU 10 arranges the data in the register area of the RAM 12. That is, the input product number is written into the product number register, and then the unit price and product name are read from the preset table PT corresponding to the input product number and written into the unit price register and product name register, respectively.

Next, CPLJlo reads the advertising text number from the corresponding preset table PT, searches out the message corresponding to this advertising text number from the advertising text data area, and writes it into the advertising text register.

Next, the CPU 10 uses the real-time clock 28 to
Read the year, month, and day, and write this date to the processing date register, and add the effective date set in the corresponding preset table PT to this date, and write the addition result to the best-before date register. Write. In addition, color flag C
is "0" (points to black) when cleared.

Next, the cpuio reads the format number from the corresponding preset table PT, reads the print format corresponding to the format number from the print format area, and then displays this on the CRTl. Next, CPLJlo displays the stored contents of each of the registers in an appropriate area E of the displayed print format.

As shown in FIG. 13, the screen of the CRTl shows
A label with predetermined information is displayed. In this case, all the old personal information is displayed in black.

Further, the message "Please place the product on the weighing plate" is displayed in the guide display area G. The worker follows this message and places the product on the tray 7a. Then, the weight of the product is weighed by the scale 7, and the weight data is calculated as CP.
Supplied to U10.

The CPU 10 subtracts the tare and weight stored in the table PT from this weight data to the corresponding preset table 1, writes the subtraction result to the weight register, and then stores the subtraction result and the preset table PT. Calculate the amount from the unit price and write the calculation result to the amount register.

After writing the barcode data to the barcode register, the CPU 10 writes the barcode data to the print format areas E4 and Es displayed on the CRT1.

The contents of the weight register, amount register, and barcode register are displayed on Es (FIG. 14).

Next, the worker presses I +3 after confirming that there are no errors in the displayed content. When the CPU 10 confirms that input button I +3 has been pressed, the CPU 10 writes print data to the print buffer of the RAM 12 based on the memory contents of each register, and then writes the print data to the print buffer of the RAM 12.
8 and supplies print control commands to the printer interface 18, and sequentially supplies print data in the print buffer to the printer interface 18 in response to requests from the printer interface 18.

The printer section 13 then prints the contents of each register on a label and issues it. In this case, the printing color is black. Once the label is issued, the worker attaches the label to the product. Note that printing was started by pressing the input canister 13 by the operator, but in automatic mode, printing starts as soon as the strategy signal from the scale 7 becomes stable, even if the operator does not press the input canister I 13. Startup is applied.

Next, a case will be described in which the items entered in the print format are changed. In this case, each area E of the print format displayed on the CRTl is directly specified. That is, for example, if the contents of message area E2 are
When changing from "advertisement item" to "service item," the worker presses I2+■6 and then presses E2 (see FIG. 15). CPLllo is an input Canilia I2. When I6 is pressed, the content is displayed in the guidance display area G, and when message area E2 is then pressed, the message corresponding to the input number is read from the advertisement text data area and written to the advertisement text register. , is displayed in the message area E2 of the print format. As a result, the display content of the message area E2 changes from "1 Advertisement Product" to "Service Product" (see FIG. 16). Furthermore, if the product is printed as is, the printed content will also become a "service product."

Next, a case will be described in which the color of items to be entered in the print format is specified. In this case, each area of the print format displayed on the CRTl is directly specified.

That is, for example, when changing the display color of amount area E5 to "red", the worker presses E5 and then presses color designation area CI2 (see FIGS. 17 and 18). C.P.
U10 sets the color flag of the amount register to "1" when the amount area E5 is pressed and then the color specification area CI2 is pressed.
Then, the contents stored in the amount register are expanded to the display buffer along with the red color specification.

As a result, the content displayed in the amount area E5 is changed to red. If you continue printing as is, the amount printed will also be in red. Color specification is "black", "red",
"Blue", "Green", "Yellow".

It can be set for each area E among the six colors of "purple".

In this way, the guidance display G guides the operation, so
Workers cannot make mistakes in operating procedures.

In addition, the number of inputs is minimal and only a single piece of input information is required, so input can be made quickly without making mistakes. Furthermore, the use of print format area E as an input area makes the operation very easy to understand.

In addition, since the keyboard consisting of a numeric keypad and various function keys, which were conventionally placed near the display, has been integrated with the display, the proportion occupied by the display operation section has become smaller, and the size of the display has been increased accordingly. be able to.

Next, a second embodiment of the invention will be described.

This second embodiment differs from the above-mentioned first embodiment in the following points:
The display and printing colors are limited to "black" and "red", and the use of thermal paper that can display two colors, one black and one red, depending on the temperature, eliminates the need for an ink ribbon.

This thermal paper develops two colors, black and red, depending on the temperature at which it is exposed to heat.As shown in Figure 19, when it is exposed to temperature near tl, the black coloring material reacts and When exposed to heat near a high temperature t2, the color erasing material reacts and erases the black color, and at a temperature t3 higher than T2.
If the area is exposed to heat, the red coloring material will react.

Thus, when printing in black, the printing pulse DP is supplied to the drive circuit 16 once, while when printing in red, the printing pulse DP is supplied twice.

With this configuration, the mechanism of the printer section is simplified and the cost of the device is reduced. Note that the printing color is not limited to "black" and "red", but may be "black", "blue", etc.

Next, a third embodiment of the invention will be described.

This embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in that the display contents of the CRTl in the registration mode are as shown in FIG. That is, the display of the input canister and the display of the print formats 1 to 1 are completely separated, so that the operator does not have to touch the display of the print format. As a result, the print format l-display portion of the touch panel 2 is not soiled, and the display can always be kept clear.

In the first to third embodiments, fixed data such as the label format and store name are also displayed on the CRTl, but these fixed data are not displayed, and only variable data such as amount data is displayed. You can also do this. Also,
Of course, the display arrangement in this case does not need to match the label format.

Further, label paper can be used either on which fixed data is printed in advance or on which fixed data is not printed. In this case, only variable data needs to be printed on a label on which fixed data has been printed in advance. Furthermore, for labels on which fixed data is not printed, both fixed data and variable data are printed.

Further, although the color can be set freely, the color may be specified in advance according to the area of the label.

Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, a CRTl was used, but other dot type display devices such as a liquid crystal and a light emitting diode may be used instead of a CRT.

In addition, although the pressure sensor was used as the touch panel 2 in the said 1st - 3rd Example, it is not limited to this structure as long as a contact position can be detected as a coordinate and it is transparent. For example, forming a large number of capacitors on a transparent panel,
It is also conceivable to detect the coordinates of the contact position based on changes in the capacitor container due to contact.

Further, in the first to third embodiments, a weighing label printer equipped with a total of one device was described, but the weighing device may not be provided. Alternatively, a counting scale may be used instead of a measuring instrument, and a four-number label printer may be used.

Further, various aggregated data may be displayed on the CRT and further may be printed. This allows for more detailed sales management.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the present invention, there is a display means for displaying input information, a transparent panel arranged in front of the display surface of the display means, and a detection means for detecting a contact position on the transparent panel. and a reading means for reading the input information displayed at a position corresponding to the contact position of the display means based on the detection result of the detection means, so that the number of input keys is always constant in each mode. Minimum, and each key is assigned a single input information.

As a result, even those who are inexperienced in operations can input data quickly and without errors.

Further, the size and contents of the input keys can be freely set, and operability is improved by changing the size etc. as necessary.

= 24- Furthermore, since the conventional input section is no longer required, the configuration of the display operation section can be simplified and downsized, and the display section can be made larger accordingly.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external appearance of a label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows a CRTl and a touch panel 2.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the label printer according to the first embodiment, and FIG.
The figure is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the preset data area.
Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the advertisement text data area, Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the register area, Figure 7 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the label format, and Figure 8 is the position on the screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the coordinates, FIG. 9 is a front view showing the configuration of the operation section, FIGS. 10 to 18 are front views showing the display images of the screen, and FIG. FIG. 20, a graph for explaining the thermal reaction characteristics of the thermal paper according to the second embodiment, is a front view showing a display image according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 1...CRT (display means), 2...
Touch panel (transparent panel), 10...CPU
(detection means, reading means). Figure 5 Figure 6. &I@Leksuku II Okabutsu i Star 320 0 1Jr3 Ko Chikai Rolesis'7 60.4. IOO Deaf Shomenku 4F 60.4. ＋4 0 &lWashirisu'i7 Kilos paulownia Oi＼Dajilong evening°Sufu 〃＾daheffectj
447. Figure 7 Figure 8 Dimensions 0

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a label printer that creates and prints print data based on input information, a display means for displaying the input information, a transparent panel placed in front of the display surface of the display means, and a transparent panel on the transparent panel. It is characterized by comprising a detection means for detecting a contact position, and a reading means for reading the input information displayed on the display means at a position corresponding to the contact position based on the detection result of the detection means. label printer.