JP7830865B2 - Information processing device, adjustment method, and program - Google Patents

Description

This specification discloses information processing devices, adjustment methods, and programs.

Printing devices that create labels by printing text, images, etc., onto a long, narrow strip of tape are known. To facilitate the use of this type of printing device, software programs that assist in label creation (hereinafter referred to as "label creation support programs") are sometimes provided, which run on information processing devices such as personal computers and smartphones.

Related technologies are described, for example, in Patent Document 1. By using a label creation support program, it is possible to easily create label data with various designs.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-092326

By the way, label creation support programs offer a feature called mail merge. Mail merge is a function that allows you to create multiple labels in sequence by replacing only a part of the label design (for example, the text or identification code). It is extremely effective when creating a large number of similar labels.

However, with mail merge, depending on the content of the merged data, the length of the created labels may not fit within the predetermined label length.

Based on the circumstances described above, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology for appropriately creating labels using mail merge.

An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit which , when a label image in which an image based on insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of a label design exceeds the label length or label width of the label design and the data type of the insertion setting portion is an identification code , performs an extension of the label length or an expansion of the label width; and when the label image in which the image based on the insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of the label design exceeds the label length or label width of the label design and the data type of the insertion setting portion is something other than the identification code, performs a reduction of something other than the identification code .

An adjustment method according to one aspect of the present invention is an adjustment method performed by the processor of an information processing device, wherein if a label image in which an image based on insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of a label design exceeds the label length or label width of the label design and the data type of the insertion setting portion is an identification code, the method performs an extension of the label length or an expansion of the label width; and if the label image in which the image based on the insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of the label design exceeds the label length or label width of the label design and the data type of the insertion setting portion is something other than an identification code, the method performs a reduction of something other than an identification code.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to perform the following processes: if a label image in which an image based on insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of a label design exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the insertion setting portion is an identification code , the program performs the process of extending the label length or expanding the label width; and if the label image in which the image based on the insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of the label design exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the insertion setting portion is something other than an identification code, the program performs the process of reducing the data to something other than an identification code .

According to the above embodiment, labels can be appropriately created using mail merge.

This diagram illustrates the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. This is a partial plan view of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment, with the lid open. This diagram illustrates an example of a transport route for the printing medium. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to one embodiment. This is an example of a flowchart for the label design creation process. This is an example of the editing screen of a label creation support application. This is an example of a label design. This is an example of a window that appears when creating a barcode component. Here is another example of label design. This is an example of a window that appears when creating a QR code (registered trademark) component. This is an example of a flowchart for the merge setting process. This is an example of a window that appears when creating merge data. This diagram illustrates how to configure plug-in settings for design components. This is an example of a flowchart for mail merge processing. This figure shows an example of how proposed information is displayed. This figure shows an example of adjusting the label image. This figure shows another example of how the proposed information can be displayed. This diagram shows an example of how to adjust the label design. This figure shows yet another example of how the proposed information can be displayed. This figure shows yet another example of how the proposed information can be displayed. This figure shows another example of how to adjust the label design. This figure shows yet another example of how the proposed information can be displayed. This figure shows a label design and another example of a modified label design.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using a system as an example, which includes a printing device capable of printing characters, images, etc., onto a tape (a printing medium), cutting the printed tape (label), and ejecting it to the outside of the device, and an information processing device on which an application (label creation support application) assisting in the creation of such labels operates.

In this specification, "tape" refers to a long, thin, strip-shaped printable medium made of plastic, paper, or any other material. Tape typically has an adhesive layer and is detachable; however, tape may not have an adhesive layer. A "label" refers to a piece of tape on which information has been printed, using tape as the printable medium.

The printing method of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment is not particularly limited. The printing apparatus is, for example, a thermal printer that performs printing using a thermal transfer method or a heat-sensitive method. However, the printing apparatus is not limited to a thermal printer; it may also be an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or the like.

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment with the lid open.

The system shown in Figure 1 includes a printing device 1 and an information processing device 1000 on which a label creation support application runs. In the system shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1000 outputs a print command for the label image created by the label creation support application to the printing device 1, causing the printing device 1 to print the label image onto tape 13, thereby creating a label with the label image printed on it.

The information processing device 1000 is, for example, a notebook-type terminal as shown in Figure 1, but is not limited to this example. The information processing device 1000 may be a tablet-type terminal or a smartphone. Furthermore, the information processing device 1000 is not limited to a mobile terminal; it may be a stationary device.

As shown in Figure 1, the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 exchange data, for example, via wireless communication. The wireless communication standard used between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 is not particularly limited. For example, a wireless LAN standard such as Wi-Fi® may be used. Communication may be conducted in an ad-hoc mode as shown in Figure 1, or in an infrastructure mode via an access point. Furthermore, a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth® Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as BLE) may be used for the wireless communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000. However, communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 is not limited to wireless communication; it may also be conducted using a wired cable.

The printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises an apparatus housing 2 and a lid 4 attached to the apparatus housing 2. The apparatus housing 2 is provided with a recessed adapter mounting section 201 for mounting the tape adapter 11. The tape adapter 11 is a container that houses a roll of tape 13 (hereinafter referred to as "tape roll 12") and supplies the tape 13 to the printing apparatus 1. The underlined number "9" in Figures 1 and 2 indicates that the width of the tape 13 housed in the tape adapter 11 is 9 mm. Note that the tape 13 is not limited to 9 mm width; various widths such as 12 mm, 18 mm, and 36 mm can be used.

The adapter mounting section 201 of the device housing 2 is connected to an outlet 202 provided on the side of the device housing 2. The printing device 1 can transport the tape 13, pulled from the tape adapter 11 mounted on the adapter mounting section 201, along a transport path provided in the device housing 2, and discharge it from the outlet 202. The device housing 2 houses a platen roller (transport roller) 6 for transporting the tape 13 pulled from the tape adapter 11, a printing unit 7 for printing on the tape 13, and a cutting unit 8 for cutting the tape 13.

The lid 4 is attached to the device housing 2 so that the adapter mounting portion 201 on the device housing 2 can be opened and closed. In the printing device 1, the keyboard 3 is provided in an area of the device housing 2 that does not interfere with the lid 4 in its closed position, and the display 5 is provided on the surface of the lid 4. The keyboard 3 is an input device having multiple keys for inputting and selecting various information related to the operation of the printing device 1. The display 5 is a display device that displays various information input or selected by the keyboard 3.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of a transport path for the printing medium. Figure 3 schematically shows the transport path of the tape 13 in the printing apparatus 1 as a straight line.

The tape 13, unwound from the tape roll 12 and supplied to the printing device 1, passes between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 of the printing unit 7, and is transported along a transport path leading to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2. For example, when the lid 4 moves to the closed position, the tape 13 is gripped between the circumferential surface of the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701, and the platen roller 6 rotates, transporting the tape along the transport path.

In this embodiment, the platen roller 6 in the printing apparatus 1 can be rotated by a motor (not shown) in a first rotational direction that feeds the tape 13 toward the discharge port 202, and in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. In the following description, rotation of the platen roller 6 in the first rotational direction is referred to as forward rotation, and the direction of tape transport when the platen roller 6 is rotating in the forward direction is referred to as the forward direction. Furthermore, in the following description, rotation of the platen roller 6 in the second rotational direction is referred to as reverse rotation, and the direction of tape transport when the platen roller 6 is rotating in the reverse direction is referred to as the reverse direction.

The printing apparatus 1 prints on the tape 13 by applying heat from the thermal head 701 to the tape 13 as it is transported in the forward direction. In the following description, the position where the tape 13 and the thermal head 701 come into contact along the transport path is referred to as the printing position.

The tape 13, transported along the transport path, can be cut by the first cutter 801 at the full-cut position between the printing position and the discharge position (corresponding to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2). Furthermore, the tape 13, transported along the transport path, can be cut by the second cutter 802 at the half-cut position between the full-cut position and the discharge position.

The first cutter 801 is a full cutter that cuts the entire tape 13 at the cut line of the tape 13 at the full cut position, separating it into two parts. For example, if the tape 13 is a printing medium comprising a substrate, which is an adhesive tape layer, and a separator, which is a protective layer protecting the adhesive tape layer, the first cutter 801 cuts both the substrate and the separator, separating each into two parts.

The second cutter 802 is a half-cutter that cuts the tape 13 at the cut line of the tape 13 at the half-cut position, maintaining a unified state with the uncut portions on both sides of the cut line. For example, if the tape 13 is a printing medium including a base material which is an adhesive tape layer and a separator which is a protective layer that protects the adhesive tape layer, the second cutter 802 may, for example, cut only the base material and not the separator. The second cutter 802 may also be a cutter that cuts the tape 13 in a way that creates perforations.

Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the printing apparatus 1 may be provided with a pair of discharge rollers 901 and 902 that clamp the tape 13 between the half-cut position and the discharge position in the transport path, assisting in the forward transport of the tape 13. The discharge rollers 901 and 902 operate, for example, so that when the tape 13 is cut by the first cutter 801, the tape 13 located downstream of the full-cut position is transported in the forward direction. In the following description, the position in the transport path where the tape 13 is clamped by the discharge rollers 901 and 902 is referred to as the discharge roller position. The discharge roller position is located between the full-cut position and the discharge position.

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 4 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 140, a transport unit 150, a printing unit 160, a cutting unit 170, a sensor 180, and a communication unit 190.

The input unit 130 is an input device for inputting various information into the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the keyboard 3 described above. The display unit 140 is a display device for displaying various information to the user of the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the display 5 described above.

The transport unit 150 transports the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The transport unit 150 includes, for example, a platen roller 6, a motor connected to the platen roller 6, a drive circuit for driving the motor, and an encoder for detecting the rotation speed (rotation angle) of the platen roller 6.

The printing unit 160 prints on the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The printing unit 160 corresponds to the printing unit 7 described above and includes, for example, a thermal head 701, a drive circuit for driving the heating element of the thermal head 701, and a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the thermal head 701.

The cutting unit 170 cuts the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The cutting unit 170 corresponds to the cut unit 8 described above and includes, for example, a first cutter 801, a second cutter 802, motors connected to each cutter, a drive circuit for driving the motors, and a pair of discharge rollers 901 and 902.

The control unit 100 controls the transport unit 150, the printing unit 160, and the cutting unit 170. By controlling the operation of one or more of the transport unit 150, the printing unit 160, and the cutting unit 170, the control unit 100 controls the execution of the transport process, printing process, and cutting process in the printing device 1.

Control by the control unit 100 is performed, for example, by executing a program stored in the memory unit 120 by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 100 may include an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

The memory unit 120 stores various programs executed by the processor (control unit 100), various data used when executing programs, and so on. The memory unit 120 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) 121 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 122.

The sensor 180, for example, detects whether or not the tape adapter 11 is installed, and also detects the width of the tape 13 supplied from the installed tape adapter 11. The communication unit 190 is a communication interface for communicating with the information processing device 1000. The communication unit 190 can perform at least one of wireless communication according to known short-range wireless communication standards and wired communication using a transmission cable.

The printing device 1, configured as described above, for example, when it receives a print instruction including a label image from the information processing device 1000, performs a process (operation) such as printing the label image onto the tape 13 to create a label.

Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1000 according to one embodiment. The information processing device 1000 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 5, it may include a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an input interface 1003, an output interface 1004, and a communication interface 1005, which may be connected via a bus.

The processor 1001 is an example of the control unit of the information processing device 1000. The processor 1001 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes the program stored in the storage device 1002. The processor 1001 may also include any electrical circuits such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

The storage device 1002 is a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as any semiconductor memory. One or more storage devices 1002 include volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and flash memory. The storage device 1002 may also include magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, and other types of storage devices.

The storage device 1002 preferably stores at least the label creation support program (program 1002a) described later, and further, the label design 1002b created using the label creation support program and the merge data 1002c.

The processor 1001 executes program 1002a to generate the label design 1002b and the merge data 1002c, which are then stored in the storage device 1002. Furthermore, the processor 1001 executes program 1002a again to create a label image using the label design 1002b and the merge data 1002c, which is then sent to the printing device 1.

The label image is, for example, the content that will be printed on the label by the printing device 1. On the other hand, the label design 1002b is design information for creating the label image, and is a collection of information such as label width, label length, and the size, placement, and content of design components within the label (e.g., text, images, shapes, timestamps, identification codes, etc.). The merge data 1002c is one or more data points to be inserted into the design components that have been configured for merge. The processor 1001 creates the label image by inserting images based on the merge data into the design components that have been configured for merge in the label design 1002b.

The input interface 1003 is connected to a touch panel, keyboard, or the like. The input interface 1003 may also be connected to an audio input device such as a microphone. The output interface 1004 is connected to a display device. The display device may be a display device of the information processing device 1000, or it may be a different display device. The communication interface 1005 exchanges data with the printing device 1, for example, via wireless communication. The wireless communication standard between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 (communication interface 1005) is not particularly limited. Communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 (communication interface 1005) is not limited to wireless communication; it may also be communication using a wired cable.

In the information processing device 1000 configured as described above, the processor 1001 executes program 1002a to create the label design 1002b. This series of processes will hereafter be referred to as the label design creation process. The processor 1001 also executes program 1002a to create the merge data 1002c and configures the design components for merge. This series of processes will hereafter be referred to as the merge configuration process. Furthermore, the processor 1001 executes program 1002a to output a print command to the printing device 1 using the label design 1002b and the merge data 1002c. This series of processes will hereafter be referred to as the mail merge printing process. The label design creation process, mail merge configuration process, and mail merge printing process will be explained in detail below.

Figure 6 is an example of a flowchart for the label design creation process. Figure 7 is an example of the editing screen of a label creation support application. Figure 8 is an example of a label design. Figure 9 is an example of a window displayed when creating a barcode component. Figure 10 is another example of a label design. Figure 11 is an example of a window displayed when creating a QR code (registered trademark) component. First, the label design creation process will be explained with reference to Figures 6 through 11.

The label design creation process shown in Figure 6 is initiated, for example, when the user of the information processing device 1000 selects a label support program (program 1002a), and the processor 1001 executes program 1002a.

When the label design creation process begins, the processor 1001 displays an editing screen on the display device (step S1). Here, the processor 1001 displays, for example, the window 1100 shown in Figure 7, which functions as an editing screen, on the display device.

Window 1100 includes an editing area 1141 for editing the label design. When the processor 1001 detects input of setting information (label setting) for the label setting area within window 1100 (step S2 YES), it displays the label design 2000 in the editing area 1141 (step S3). Specifically, the processor 1001 displays the outline of a label having a width W (12 mm in this example) and a length L (60 mm in this example) as specified by GUI components 1131 and 1132 within the label setting area, as the label design 2000, in the editing area 1141.

Next, when the processor 1001 detects input for an editing operation on the label design 2000 displayed in the editing area 1141 (step S4 YES), it updates the label design (step S5). Specifically, it updates the label design 2000 by placing design components (text, tables, identification codes, etc.) within the label design 2000 using GUI components 1112 to 1119.

The label design 2001 shown in Figure 8 is a label design in which design components 2100 and 2200 are placed within the printable area 2010 of label design 2000.

Design component 2100 is a text object with the letters "ABC" entered in a predetermined font size. Design component 2100 can be added to the label design 2000 by pressing GUI component 1112 and then entering the letters "ABC" using the keyboard 3.

Design component 2200 is a barcode object representing predetermined content. Design component 2200 can be added to the label design 2000 by entering the necessary information into the window 1200 shown in Figure 9, which is displayed by clicking GUI component 1114. Specifically, the barcode type is selected using GUI component 1201, the barcode data content is entered using GUI component 1202, and the barcode size (width) is selected using GUI component 1204. Furthermore, whether or not to print text below the barcode (in this example, an ITF barcode) can be set using GUI component 1203.

The label design 2002 shown in Figure 10 is a label design in which design components 2100 and 2300 are placed within the printable area 2010 of label design 2000.

Design component 2100 is as described above in the label design 2001 shown in Figure 8. Design component 2300 is a QR code object that represents predetermined content. Design component 2300 can be added to the label design 2000 by entering the necessary information into the window 1300 shown in Figure 11, which is displayed by pressing GUI component 1115. Specifically, the content of the QR code data should be entered in GUI component 1301, the QR code version should be selected in GUI component 1302, the error correction rate should be selected in GUI component 1303, the QR code model should be selected in GUI component 1304, and the cell size of the QR code should be selected in GUI component 1305.

After updating the label design, the processor 1001 detects that the save button (GUI component 1111) has been pressed (step S6). It then saves the created label design as label design 1002b to the storage device 1002 (step S7), thus ending the label design creation process shown in Figure 6.

As shown in Figure 6, by using the label creation support program (program 1002a), users can easily create label designs of various types. In particular, label designs including identification codes such as barcodes and QR codes can also be easily created.

Figure 12 is an example of a flowchart for the merge setting process. Figure 13 is an example of a window displayed when creating merge data. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating how to perform merge settings for design components. Next, the merge setting process will be explained with reference to Figures 12 through 14.

The label design creation process shown in Figure 12 is initiated, for example, when the user of the information processing device 1000 selects a label support program (program 1002a), and then the processor 1001 executes program 1002a.

When the label design creation process begins, the processor 1001 displays an editing screen on the display device (step S11). Here, the processor 1001 displays, for example, the window 1100 shown in Figure 7, which functions as an editing screen. Furthermore, when the user selects the label design 2001 created in the label design creation process shown in Figure 6, the processor 1001 reads the label design 2001 from the storage device 1002 (step S12). As a result, the label design 2001 is displayed in the editing area 1141, as shown in Figure 14.

Subsequently, when the processor 1001 detects the press of the plug-in button (GUI component 1119) (step S13), it creates and saves the plug-in data (step S14). Specifically, when the plug-in button is pressed, the processor 1001 displays the window 1400 shown in Figure 13. The window 1400 provides an input area 1410 and various buttons (GUI components 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, and 1406). The user can create the necessary number of small areas for inputting plug-in data in the input area 1410 by pressing the various buttons. The user can also input arbitrary data as plug-in data into the input area 1410 using the keyboard 3.

Furthermore, if you need to insert different merge data in two or more locations within a single label, you can use two or more columns in input area 1410 to input the merge data. For example, if you want to add merge data in two locations within a label, you should enter the data to be inserted in the first location in the "Item 1" column, and the data to be inserted in the second location in the "Item 2" column.

Subsequently, when the processor 1001 detects a user's insertion setting operation (step S15), it performs insertion settings on the specified component (step 16). Specifically, the user first selects the design component to be inserted on the label design displayed in the editing area 1141. Figure 14 shows the design component 2100 being selected. Then, the user turns on GUI component 1153 (Insertion Settings) displayed in the character setting area for setting the font (GUI component 1151) and font size (GUI component 1152), and further selects the insertion item using GUI component 1154 to perform insertion settings on the selected design component 2100. In this example, by selecting "Item 1" as the insertion item, the insertion data entered in the "Item 1" column of the insertion data entered in the input area 1410 in Figure 13 is set on the design component 2100.

Note that while Figure 14 shows an example of applying merge settings to a text object (design component 2100), merge settings can also be applied to objects other than text objects, such as table objects, barcode objects, and QR code objects.

As shown in Figure 12, by using the label creation support program (program 1002a), users can easily create merge data and apply merge settings to design components. In particular, merge settings can also be applied to identification codes such as barcodes and QR codes.

Figure 15 is an example of a flowchart for the mail merge process. Figure 16 shows an example of how the proposed information is displayed. Figure 17 shows an example of how the label image is adjusted. Figure 18 shows another example of how the proposed information is displayed. Figure 19 shows an example of how the label design is adjusted. Figures 20 and 21 show yet another example of how the proposed information is displayed. Figure 22 shows yet another example of how the label design is adjusted. Finally, the mail merge process will be explained with reference to Figures 15 through 22.

The mail merge process shown in Figure 15 is initiated, for example, when a user of the information processing device 1000 selects a label support program (program 1002a), and the processor 1001 then executes program 1002a. More specifically, with the label design displayed in the editing area 1141, the user presses the print preview button (GUI component 1120) on the editing screen, and then presses the print button on the print window (not shown), at which point the processor 1001 starts the mail merge process shown in Figure 15.

When the mail merge process begins, the processor 1001 first determines whether or not there is mail merge data (step S21). Here, the processor 1001 determines whether or not mail merge settings have been applied to the label design displayed in the editing area 1141. If mail merge settings have been applied, it determines that there is mail merge data.

If the processor 1001 determines that there is no merge data (step S21NO), it performs normal printing (step S29). On the other hand, if it determines that there is merge data (step S21YES), the processor 1001 creates a label image (step S22). Here, the processor 1001 creates a label image by sequentially inserting images based on the merge data into the design components where the label design merge settings are configured. This ensures that a label image is created for each piece of merge data.

When a label image is created, the processor 1001 determines whether the created label image fits within the label design (step S23). For example, as shown in Figure 7, if the label width is set to 12 mm and the label length to 60 mm, the processor 1001 determines whether the width and length of the label image fit within at least that range. Furthermore, it is desirable for the processor 1001 to determine whether the label image fits within the printable area 2010, taking into account margins and other factors.

If the processor 1001 determines that the label design fits (step S23 YES), it performs the normal printing process (step S29). On the other hand, if the processor 1001 determines that the label image is longer than the label length or otherwise does not fit within the label design—that is, if the label image created by inserting merge data into the merge setting section of the label design does not fit within the label design (step S23 NO)—the processor 1001 selects and performs at least one of the following: adjusting the label image or adjusting the label design, depending on the data type in the merge setting section. Here, an example of selecting to adjust the label image or the label design is described (steps S24 to S26).

More specifically, the processor 1001 first determines the data type of the plug-in setting section (step S24). Here, the processor 1001 determines whether the plug-in setting section, that is, the design component on which the plug-in setting is performed, is an identification code object (barcode object, QR code object).

If the processor 1001 determines that the data type of the insertion setting portion is something other than an identification code, that is, if it determines that the design component to which the insertion setting is performed is not a barcode object or a QR code object (step S24: something other than an identification code), it selects to reduce the image based on the insertion data (step S25). In other words, the processor 1001 determines that the best course of action is to adjust the label image so that it fits within the label design, and selects to adjust the label image by reducing the image based on the insertion data and inserting it into the design component.

On the other hand, when the processor 1001 determines that the data type of the insertion setting portion is an identification code, that is, when it determines that the design component being inserted is a barcode object or a QR code object (step S24: identification code), it selects to extend the label length (step S26). In other words, the processor 1001 determines that the best course of action is to adjust the label design so that the label image fits within the label design, and selects to adjust the label design by extending the label length.

Subsequently, the processor 1001 outputs suggestion information (step S27). Here, the processor 1001 notifies and suggests solutions to the user regarding the issue of the label image not fitting within the label design selected in step S25 or step S26. Specifically, when the label image does not fit within the label design, the processor 1001 outputs suggestion information regarding solutions to this issue, corresponding to the adjustment selection, to the display unit (display device) via the output interface 1004.

If the user selected to reduce the image size based on the merged data in step S25, then in step S27, the processor 1001 displays, for example, the window 1500 shown in Figure 16 on the display device. The window 1500 indicates that the label image does not fit within the specified label length and suggests to the user that they reduce the size of the text object (image based on the merged data) to fit the label image within the specified length before printing.

If the user confirms window 1500 and accepts the proposal (step S28 YES), the processor 1001 adjusts the label image so that it fits within the label design, and then performs the normal printing process using the adjusted label image (step S29). Specifically, in step S29, as shown in Figure 17, the processor 1001 reduces the image component 3100 (text object) corresponding to the merge data in the label image 3001, which includes the image component 3100 (text object) and image component 3200 (barcode object) created in step S22, and changes it to image component 3300 (text object). This adjusts the label image 3001 and creates a new label image 3002 that fits within the label design. Furthermore, the processor 1001 outputs a print instruction including the created label image 3002 to the printing device 1. As a result, the printing device 1 prints the label image 3002 onto tape 13, and a label with the printed label image 3002 is created with the specified label length and width.

Furthermore, in step S27, if the label length extension was selected in step S26, the processor 1001 displays, for example, the window 1600 shown in Figure 18 on the display device. The window 1600 indicates that the label image does not fit within the specified label length and suggests to the user that the label length be extended to accommodate the entire label image.

If the user confirms window 1600 and accepts the proposal (step S28 YES), the processor 1001 adjusts the label design so that the label image fits within the label design, and then performs the normal printing process using the label image created with the adjusted label design (step S29). Specifically, in step S29, as shown in Figure 19, the processor 1001 places the image components 3400 (text object) and 3500 (barcode object) included in the label image 3003 created in step S22 onto a new label design with an extended label length, thereby creating a new label image 3004 that fits within the label design without changing the size of the image component 3500 (barcode object). Furthermore, the processor 1001 outputs a print instruction including the created label image 3004 to the printing device 1. As a result, the printing device 1 prints the label image 3004 onto tape 13, creating a label with the instructed content, including the image (image component 3500 (barcode object)) based on the merge data, printed in the specified size.

The above explanation used the example of a barcode as the insertion-configured identification code. However, when the identification code is a QR code, insufficient label width, rather than insufficient label length, may cause the label image to not fit within the label design. In such cases, the processor 1001 may choose to expand the label width instead of the label length in step S26.

In this case, the processor 1001 may, for example, display a window 1700, as shown in Figure 20, on the display device. The window 1700 indicates that the label image does not fit within the specified label width, and then suggests to the user that they extend the label width to accommodate the entire label image.

If the user confirms window 1700 and accepts the proposal (step S28 YES), the processor 1001 further displays window 1800 on the display device, for example, as shown in Figure 21, prompting the user to change the tape 13 set in the printer 1. Figure 21 shows an example where the user is prompted to set a tape with a width of 18 mm or more.

Then, when the user sets a tape 13 with a width of 18 mm or more into the printer 1 and presses the OK button, the processor 1001 adjusts the label design so that the label image fits within the label design, and then performs the normal printing process using the label image created with the adjusted label design (step S29). Specifically, in step S29, as shown in Figure 22, the processor 1001 places the image components 3400 (text object) and 3600 (QR code object) included in the label image 3005 created in step S22 onto a new label design with an expanded label width, thereby creating a new label image 3006 that fits within the label design without changing the size of the image component 3600 (QR code object). Furthermore, the processor 1001 outputs a print instruction including the created label image 3006 to the printer 1. As a result, the printing device 1 prints the label image 3006 onto the tape 13, creating a label with the instructed content, including an image (image component 3600 (QR code object)) based on the merge data, printed in the specified size.

As shown in Figure 15, by using the label creation support program (program 1002a), users can easily create labels using merge data. In particular, even if the label image does not fit within the specified label design due to the content of the merge data, the label image or label design is appropriately adjusted to create the label. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the creation of incomplete labels (labels in which not all necessary information is printed) through mail merge.

Furthermore, in the mail merge process shown in Figure 15, the processor 1001 handles cases where the label image does not fit within the label design differently depending on the data type in the mail merge settings. Therefore, the information processing device 1000 automatically selects a solution based on the characteristics of the data to be printed on the label and proposes it to the user. Consequently, the user can appropriately handle situations where the label image does not fit within the label design and obtain the desired label using the printing device 1 by performing minimal operations according to the suggestions from the information processing device 1000.

Specifically, when the data type in the merge setting section is an identification code, the processor 1001 selects and executes adjustments to the label design (e.g., extending the label length, expanding the label width) rather than adjusting the label image (e.g., reducing the merge data). This is because identification codes usually have a recommended size specified by the standard, and it is undesirable to print them smaller than the recommended size range. By adjusting the label design, even if the label image does not fit within the label design, it is possible to create a label with the necessary information printed on it without reducing the size of the identification code below the specified size. Therefore, it is possible to create labels while ensuring the readability of the identification code.

Furthermore, if the data type in the merge setting section is anything other than an identification code, the processor 1001 selects and executes adjustments to the label image (e.g., reduction of merge data) rather than adjusting the label design (e.g., extending the label length, expanding the label width). This is because, if the data is anything other than an identification code, printing the information slightly smaller will not cause significant problems, as long as a human can understand the content by looking at the printed information. By adjusting the label image, even if the label image does not fit within the label design, it is possible to create a label with the necessary information printed on it without changing the label size, such as the specified label length or width. Therefore, even if the size of the label is constrained by the size of the object to which the created label will be attached, it is possible to create a label that satisfies the constrained conditions.

Furthermore, in the mail merge process shown in Figure 15, the processor 1001 proposes a solution to the user based on the data type, and executes the solution only after obtaining the user's consent. Therefore, the user can choose a solution different from what is generally considered the best, based on their own judgment. For example, the user can choose to recreate the mail merge data itself to fit the label image into the label design.

The embodiments described above are specific examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but should be understood as encompassing various modifications and alternative forms of the embodiments described above. For example, it will be understood that each embodiment can be embodied by modifying its components without departing from its spirit and scope. Furthermore, it will be understood that various embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining the components disclosed in the embodiments described above. Moreover, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various embodiments can be implemented by deleting some components from all the components shown in the embodiments, or by adding some components to the components shown in the embodiments. In other words, the information processing device, adjustment method, and program can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims.

In the embodiment described above, an example was shown where the processor 1001 proposes a selected action to the user and executes it after obtaining the user's consent. However, the processor 1001 may execute the selected action without obtaining the user's consent. Furthermore, it may be possible to change, through settings, whether or not user consent is obtained before executing the selected action of the processor 1001.

In the embodiments described above, when the type of inserted data is other than an identification code, an example was shown in which the label image is fitted into the label design by reducing the size of the image based on the inserted data. However, restrictions may be placed on the reduction ratio and the size after reduction. These restrictions may be determined, for example, based on whether the reduced information can be visually understood by a human.

In the embodiments described above, when the type of merged data is an identification code, an example was shown in which the label image is fitted into the label design by extending or expanding the label length and width. However, restrictions may be placed on the extended or expanded label length and width. These restrictions may be determined based on the size of the object to which the created label will be attached or the width of commercially available tape. Alternatively, instead of adjusting the label length and width, the label image may be fitted into the label design by reducing the image based on the merged data within the allowable range of the identification code standard.

In the embodiments described above, when the type of merged data is other than an identification code, an example was shown in which the label image is fitted into the label design by reducing the size of the image based on the merged data. However, as shown in Figure 23, the user may be allowed to choose whether to extend the label length or reduce the image size, and as shown in Figure 24, the label image or label design may be adjusted according to the selection result.

In the embodiments described above, examples were shown where either the label image or the label design is adjusted if the label image does not fit within the label design. However, it is sufficient to perform at least one of these adjustments. For example, if the type of data to be inserted is an identification code, the image based on the data can be reduced within the tolerance range of the identification code standard, and if the label image still extends beyond the label design, the label length can be extended accordingly. In this way, both the label image and the label design may be adjusted.

In the embodiments described above, barcodes and QR codes were used as examples of identification codes, but the identification codes are not limited to these. One-dimensional codes other than barcodes and two-dimensional codes other than QR codes may be used in label designs, and similar effects can be obtained by processing them in the same way as barcodes and QR codes.

In the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which an information processing device 1000, separate from the printing device 1, executes the program described above. However, the printing device 1 may also operate as the information processing device 1000. That is, the printing device 1 may execute the program described above.

The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below.
[Note 1]
An information processing device comprising: a control unit that, when a label image in which an image based on merge data has been inserted into the merge setting portion of the label design does not fit within the label design, performs at least one of adjusting the label image or adjusting the label design according to the data type of the merge setting portion.
[Note 2]
In the information processing device described in Appendix 1,
The control unit is characterized by performing an extension of the label length when the label image exceeds the label length of the label design and the data type of the insertion setting portion is an identification code.
[Note 3]
In the information processing device described in Appendix 2,
The control unit is characterized by performing image reduction based on the insertion data when the label image exceeds the label length of the label design and the data type of the insertion setting portion is other than an identification code.
[Note 4]
In the information processing device described in any one of the appendices 1 through 3,
The control unit is characterized by performing an expansion of the label width according to the data type of the insertion setting portion when the label image exceeds the label width of the label design and the data type of the insertion setting portion is an identification code.
[Note 5]
In the information processing device described in any one of the appendices 1 to 4,
The control unit is characterized by outputting suggested information regarding how to address the situation where the label image does not fit within the label design to a display unit when the label image does not fit within the label design.
[Note 6]
An adjustment method characterized by performing at least one of the following: adjusting the label image or adjusting the label design, depending on the data type of the merge setting portion, when a label image in which an image based on merge data has been inserted into the merge setting portion of the label design does not fit within the label design.
[Note 7]
On the computer,
A program characterized by executing a process to adjust the label image or adjust the label design according to the data type of the insertion setting portion of the label design if the label image, in which an image based on insertion data has been inserted into the insertion setting portion of the label design, does not fit within the label design.

1 Printing device 2 Device housing 3 Keyboard 4 Lid 5 Display 6 Platen roller 7 Printing unit 8 Cutting unit 11 Tape adapter 12 Tape roll 13 Tape 100 Control unit 120 Storage unit 121 RAM
122 ROM
130 Input unit 140 Display unit 150 Transport unit 160 Printing unit 170 Cutting unit 180 Sensor 190 Communication unit 201 Adapter mounting unit 202 Discharge port 701 Thermal head 801 First cutter 802 Second cutters 901, 902 Discharge roller 1000 Information processing device 1001 Processor 1002 Storage device 1002a Program 1002b, 2000-2002 Label design 1002c Insert data 1003 Input interface 1004 Output interface 1005 Communication interfaces 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800
Windows 1111-1120, 1131, 1132, 1151-1154, 1201-1204, 1301-1305, 1401-1406
GUI component 1141, Editing area 1410, Input areas 2100, 2200, 2300, Design components 3001-3006, Label images 3100-3600, Image component

Claims (5)

If the label image, in which an image based on merge data is inserted into the merge setting portion of the label design, exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the merge setting portion is an identification code, then the label length extension or label width expansion shall be performed.
An information processing apparatus comprising: a control unit that performs a reduction of the label image, in which the image based on the insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of the label design, if the label image exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the insertion setting portion is other than the identification code; and In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The aforementioned identification code is a barcode object or a QR code object.
An information processing device characterized in that, apart from the aforementioned identification code, the objects are text objects. In the information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2,
The control unit is characterized by outputting suggested information regarding how to address the situation where the label image does not fit within the label design to a display unit when the label image does not fit within the label design. A method of adjustment performed by the processor of an information processing device,
If the label image, in which an image based on merge data is inserted into the merge setting portion of the label design, exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the merge setting portion is an identification code, then the label length extension or label width expansion shall be performed.
An adjustment method characterized by performing a reduction of the label image, in which the image based on the insertion data is inserted into the insertion setting portion of the label design, if the label image exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the insertion setting portion is other than the identification code, then performing a reduction of the data other than the identification code. On the computer,
If the label image, in which an image based on merge data is inserted into the merge setting portion of the label design, exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the merge setting portion is an identification code, then the label length extension or label width expansion shall be performed.
A program characterized by executing a process to reduce the label image, which is formed by inserting the image based on the insertion data into the insertion setting portion of the label design, if the label image exceeds the label length or label width of the label design, and the data type of the insertion setting portion is other than the identification code, the program executes a process to reduce the image to something other than the identification code.