[go: up one dir, main page]
More Web Proxy on the site http://driver.im/

WO2012169263A1 - Editing program for creating labels and label-editing device - Google Patents

Editing program for creating labels and label-editing device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012169263A1
WO2012169263A1 PCT/JP2012/058025 JP2012058025W WO2012169263A1 WO 2012169263 A1 WO2012169263 A1 WO 2012169263A1 JP 2012058025 W JP2012058025 W JP 2012058025W WO 2012169263 A1 WO2012169263 A1 WO 2012169263A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
label
print
image
labels
ila
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2012/058025
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
美菜子 石田
裕二 飯田
森山 悟
Original Assignee
ブラザー工業株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ブラザー工業株式会社 filed Critical ブラザー工業株式会社
Publication of WO2012169263A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012169263A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1202Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
    • G06F3/1203Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
    • G06F3/1208Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in improved quality of the output result, e.g. print layout, colours, workflows, print preview
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237Print job management
    • G06F3/124Parallel printing or parallel ripping
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1223Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
    • G06F3/1237Print job management
    • G06F3/1241Dividing a job according to job requirements, e.g. black/white and colour pages, covers and body of books, tabs
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06FELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/12Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
    • G06F3/1201Dedicated interfaces to print systems
    • G06F3/1278Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to adopt a particular infrastructure
    • G06F3/1285Remote printer device, e.g. being remote from client or server

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a label creation editing program for editing a label mode when creating a print label, and a label editing apparatus using the same.
  • Patent Document 1 As a technique for editing the print contents on the print label as intended by the operator when creating a print label on which a desired print is formed, for example, there is a conventional technique described in Patent Document 1.
  • multiple labels may be placed in contact with each other, placed apart from each other, or partially overlapped with each other. Are arranged so that they are spaced apart from each other, and the characters and images can be freely set to the direction and arrangement direction of the characters and images for the variously arranged labels, or the characters and images can be formed so as to extend over the two labels. If possible, display of the desired mode intended by the operator should be realized in a wide variety.
  • the above-mentioned conventional technique is limited to the case where two large and small rectangular horizontal labels are aligned and pasted. Moreover, the direction of the character is limited to the horizontally long direction, and one character is not formed across two characters. In other words, the above-described prior art does not consider the various types of display as described above, and there is a limit to the expression using a plurality of print labels.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a label creation editing program and a label editing apparatus using the same, which can broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of printed labels and can improve the convenience for the operator. .
  • the present invention comprises a display means and a calculation means, and displays on the display means for the calculation means of an operation terminal capable of executing an editing operation of the print contents of a printed label to be created.
  • a label arrangement procedure for arranging and displaying a plurality of label images in a freely directional setting and a flexible length setting on a predetermined editing screen, and a plurality of label images arranged in the label arrangement procedure.
  • a print image acquisition procedure for acquiring a print formation image for a predetermined range including at least a label image based on an operation input by an operator, and among the print formation images acquired by the print image acquisition procedure, the label arrangement procedure The part corresponding to the array area of each arranged label image corresponds to the label image arranged in the array area.
  • a print data determination procedure for determining print data for each of the plurality of print labels extracted and assigned as print contents of the print label, and a plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels in the print data determination procedure; And outputting to one print label producing apparatus, and executing a label producing instruction procedure for producing the plurality of print labels on which prints corresponding to the respective print data are formed.
  • a plurality of label images are arranged and displayed on the editing screen of the display means in the label arrangement procedure.
  • the direction and the length of each label image can be set freely, and can be arranged so as to overlap each other.
  • a print formation image that the operator wants to express by print formation for a predetermined range including the plurality of label images is acquired in a print image acquisition procedure.
  • This print formation image is acquired based on an operation input by the operator.
  • a plurality of label images are arranged in the predetermined range where the print formation image acquired as described above is to be expressed by the label arrangement procedure. That is, when viewed from each label image, there is a print formation image portion to be shared among the print formation images to be expressed in the entire predetermined range.
  • a portion corresponding to the array region of each label image is extracted as an image portion to be assigned to the label image arranged in the array region from the print formation image in the predetermined range. Assign for each label image. That is, the image portion assigned to each label image becomes the print content when creating a print label corresponding to the label image, and the print data of the print label is determined to realize the print content.
  • the print data determined for each print label as described above is output to at least one print label producing apparatus.
  • a print label on which printing corresponding to the print data determined as described above has been executed is created.
  • a plurality of print labels whose print contents are set in a form in which the direction and length are freely selected as described above are pasted, and the operator's intended desirability is determined by the pasted print labels as a whole.
  • a wide variety of display modes can be realized. As a result, it is possible to broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels and improve the convenience for the operator.
  • FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a label generation system including a label editing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the whole structure of a label production apparatus.
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing a detailed structure of a cartridge mounting portion in the label producing apparatus. It is a functional block diagram showing the control system of a label production apparatus. It is an external view showing an example of the label body which stuck and combined the print label, and each print label.
  • FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a label generation system provided with the label editing apparatus of this embodiment.
  • a label generation system LS includes three label production apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C, and an operation terminal 118 that is connected to the label production apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C via a wired or wireless communication line NW. Have.
  • the label creation apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C create print labels L1, L2, and L3 (details will be described later) based on operations from the operation terminal 118, respectively.
  • the operation terminal 118 is used when the print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created using the label creation apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C.
  • the operator can edit the contents to be fixedly described as desired using prints formed on the print labels L1, L2, and L3 (details will be described later).
  • the operation terminal 118 includes a display unit 118a made of, for example, a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 118b made of a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.
  • FIG. 2 shows the overall structure of the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C. These label producing apparatuses 1A to 1C have the same configuration. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, it is simply referred to as “label producing apparatus 1” as appropriate.
  • the label producing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 provided with a casing 200 constituting an outer shell, and an opening / closing lid 3 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be openable / closable (or removable). have.
  • the housing 200 is located on the front side of the apparatus (the left front side in FIG. 2), and has a front wall provided with a label discharge port 11 for discharging the print label L1 (or L2, L3) created in the apparatus main body 2 to the outside. 10 and a front lid 12 which is provided below the label discharge port 11 in the front wall 10 and whose lower end is rotatably supported.
  • the front lid 12 is provided with a pressing portion 13, and the front lid 12 is opened forward by pushing the pressing portion 13 from above.
  • a power key 14 for turning on / off the power of the label producing apparatus 1 is provided at one end of the front wall 10.
  • a cutter driving key 90 for driving the cutting mechanism 15 (see FIG. 3 described later) disposed in the apparatus main body 2 by manual operation of the operator is provided below the power key 14.
  • the opening / closing lid 3 is pivotally supported at the end of the apparatus main body 2 on the right back side in FIG. 2 and is always urged in the opening direction via an urging member such as a spring. Then, when the open / close button 4 disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be adjacent to the open / close lid 3 is pressed, the lock between the open / close lid 3 and the apparatus main body 2 is released and opened by the action of the biasing member. Is done.
  • a see-through window 5 covered with a transparent cover is provided at the center side of the opening / closing lid 3.
  • FIG. 3 schematically shows the detailed structure of the cartridge mounting portion in the label producing apparatus 1.
  • a cartridge 7 is installed in a cartridge holder 6 in the apparatus main body 2.
  • the cartridge 7 includes a housing 7A, a first roll 102 (actually a spiral shape, but is simply shown as a concentric circle in the figure), and a second roll 104 (actually a spiral shape) disposed in the housing 7A.
  • the first roll 102 has a belt-like base tape 101 wound around a reel member 102a.
  • the base tape 101 has a four-layer structure in this example (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3), and is on the opposite side (a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3) from the side wound inside (the right side in the partially enlarged view in FIG. 3).
  • the tape base layer 101b made of polyethylene terephthalate
  • the adhesive layer 101c made of an appropriate adhesive
  • the release paper 101d are stacked.
  • the release paper 101d can be adhered to the object to be attached by the adhesive layer 101c by peeling it off. It is paper to make.
  • the second roll 104 has a transparent cover film 103 having a width substantially the same as that of the base tape 101 wound around a reel member 104a.
  • the ribbon supply side roll 211 feeds out the ink ribbon 105 (not required when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape) that is a thermal transfer ribbon.
  • the ribbon take-up roller 106 takes up the printed (used) ink ribbon 105. That is, the ink ribbon 105 is driven by the ribbon supply side roll 211 and the ribbon take-up roller 106.
  • the driven ink ribbon 105 is disposed on the back side of the cover film 103 fed from the second roll 104 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape 101).
  • the ink ribbon 105 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 by being pressed by the thermal head 23 provided in the apparatus main body 2.
  • the tape feed roller 27 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion 30 of the cartridge 7.
  • the tape feed roller 27 feeds the tape in the direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3 while pressing and bonding the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 to form a label tape 109 with print.
  • the cartridge holder 6 is provided with a ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and a tape feed roller drive shaft 108.
  • the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 are driven by a driving force of a conveyance motor 119 (see FIG. 4 described later) provided outside the cartridge 7 via a gear mechanism (not shown). It is transmitted and rotates.
  • a conveyance motor 119 see FIG. 4 described later
  • the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 By the rotation of the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in conjunction with each other.
  • the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. 3 by the driving force of the conveying motor 119, respectively.
  • the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 are connected by a gear mechanism (not shown).
  • the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 is driven, the tape feed roller 27, the pressure roller 28, and the platen roller 26 rotate, and the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102.
  • the tape feed roller 27 As described above, the tape feed roller 27.
  • the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23 are energized by a print drive circuit 120 (see FIG. 4 described later).
  • a print drive circuit 120 see FIG. 4 described later.
  • the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 to form the printed label tape 109, from the tape discharge unit 30. It is carried out of the cartridge 7. Further, the ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107.
  • the printed label tape 109 that has been printed is unloaded from the tape discharge unit 30 to the outside of the cartridge 7, it is automatically (or by operating the cutter drive key 90 (see FIG. 2)). Then, the printed label tape 109 is cut by the cutting mechanism 15 to generate the print label L1 (or L2 or L3). The print label L1 (or L2 or L3) is discharged from the label discharge port 11 (see FIG. 2).
  • a control circuit 110 is arranged on a control board (not shown) of the label producing apparatus 1.
  • the control circuit 110 includes a CPU 111 that controls each device, and an input / output interface 113, a CGROM 114, ROMs 115 and 116, and a RAM 117 connected to the CPU 111 via a data bus 112.
  • the ROM 116 stores various programs necessary for controlling the label producing apparatus 1.
  • the CPU 111 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 116.
  • the RAM 117 is provided with a text memory 117A, a print buffer 117B, a parameter storage area 117E, and the like.
  • the text memory 117A stores print data (details will be described later) input from the operation terminal 118.
  • dot patterns for printing such as a plurality of characters and symbols obtained by calculating print data by the CPU 111 are stored as dot pattern data, and the thermal head 23 is stored in the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 117B.
  • Perform dot printing according to Various calculation data and the like are stored in the parameter storage area 117E.
  • the input / output interface 113 is connected to the operation terminal 118, the cutter drive key 90, the power key 14, the print drive circuit 120, the conveyance motor drive circuit 121, and the cutter motor drive circuit 122. Yes.
  • the operation terminal 118 includes a CPU (not shown) and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and includes a control circuit 130 that controls the entire operation terminal 118.
  • the ROM stores various control programs including a label creation editing program for executing the flow of FIG. 18 described later.
  • the print drive circuit 120 drives the plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23.
  • the conveyance motor drive circuit 121 drives the tape feed roller 27 via the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 by driving the conveyance motor 119.
  • the cutter motor drive circuit 122 causes the cutting mechanism 15 to perform a cutting operation by driving the cutter motor 43.
  • the operator displays a plurality of (three in the above example) print labels L1, L2, and L3 on a predetermined screen (details will be described later) of the display unit 118a of the operation terminal 118.
  • Each label image is displayed.
  • the operator operates the operation unit 118b of the operation terminal 118 to display a print formation image (details will be described later) desired to be formed in a predetermined range including not only the three label images but also the periphery thereof.
  • each of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 on which prints (details will be described later) to be shared in order to realize the print formation image are created by the label creation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C, respectively.
  • the operator can attach the created print labels L1, L2, and L3 to the object to be attached in an appropriate manner, thereby realizing a display by printing that is close to the above-described print formation image within the predetermined range. be able to.
  • a medium-sized rectangular print label L2 is attached on a large rectangular print label L1 so that the positions in the width direction are substantially matched.
  • a small rectangular print label L3 is attached in an oblique direction so as to protrude from the right ends of the attached print label L1 and print label L2, and a label body LL is formed as a whole.
  • the characters “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” are formed so as to straddle the print label L1 and the print label L2.
  • characters of “ ⁇ 1980 (with strikethrough) ⁇ 1480” are formed along the longitudinal direction of the print label L2.
  • the characters “ ⁇ Cheap!” Are formed along the longitudinal direction of the print label L3 that protrudes as described above.
  • an edit screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 118a of the operation terminal 118 by an appropriate operation by the operator on the operation unit 118b.
  • a desired label image can be constructed in the editing screen of the display unit 118a.
  • FIG. 6 first, the operator drags and drops the first material image M1 to the lower left by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, mouse), and the first label image which is the label image of the print label L1.
  • IL1 is shown formed in the edit screen.
  • the first label image IL1 in which the first material image M1 is slid and moved in the lower left direction is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the direction can be freely changed and the length can be freely changed (see FIG. 9 and the like described later). As shown in FIG.
  • FIG. 7 shows how the first label image IL1 whose width can be changed in three stages in this way is formed in the editing screen.
  • the label images are arranged so as to overlap each other (see FIG. 10 described later), or arranged with their end portions in contact with each other (see FIG. 25 described later). It can be arranged in a state of being separated from each other (see FIG. 20 (a) and the like described later), or can be arranged in a state of being partly overlapped and separated from other parts (see FIG. 19 described later). .
  • FIG. 8 shows a label image of the print label L2 by further dragging and dropping the second material image M2 to the left side by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b after the state of FIG. A state in which the second label image IL2 is formed in the editing screen is shown.
  • the second label image IL2 is such that the lower edge portion of the second label image IL2 is the lower edge of the first label image IL1, as in the relationship between the print label L2 and the print label L1 in FIG. It is positioned and arranged in the first label image IL1 so as to be close to the portion.
  • the second label image IL2 is formed in such a manner that the second material image M2 is slid to the left without changing its size and orientation.
  • FIG. 9 shows a label image of the print label L3 by further dragging and dropping the third material image M3 to the left side by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b after the state of FIG.
  • a state is shown in which the third label image IL3 is formed in the editing screen.
  • the third label image IL3 is projected from the first label image IL1 and the second label image IL2 in the same manner as the positional relationship between the print label L3 and the print labels L1 and L2 in FIG. It is positioned and arranged to protrude.
  • the third label image IL3 is formed in such a manner that the longitudinal dimension of the third material image M3 is reduced and the direction is changed by slightly rotating counterclockwise.
  • the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 may be displayed in different display modes (for example, different colors and line thicknesses).
  • the input area is set by setting (the vertex of). That is, the operator sets the upper left vertex tb1 and the lower right vertex tb2 of the rectangle by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse).
  • the operation unit 118b for example, a mouse
  • FIG. 11 shows a text image TX1 of “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” by an appropriate operation of the operator's operation unit 118b (for example, a keyboard) on the input area TB1 set as shown in FIG. Shows a state formed in the edit screen.
  • the text image TX1 corresponds to the first label image IL1 corresponding to the printing direction of “Odekake direction! No disposable warmer” formed over the print labels L1 and L2 in FIG.
  • a character string is arranged in the input area TB1 in a diagonally upward manner so as to straddle the second label image IL2.
  • FIG. 12 shows a case where the input area is set in the label image IL to a size substantially equal to the label image IL as another method of setting the input area. That is, the operator performs one label image IL (in this example, the third label image) for setting the input area by an appropriate operation (in this example, pressing the Shift key + left click operation) on the operation unit 118b (for example, the keyboard). IL3) is selected. As a result, as shown in the figure, an input area TB3 having a rectangular shape having a size substantially equal to that of the third label image IL3 is formed in the third label image IL3 (see a broken line frame).
  • an appropriate operation in this example, pressing the Shift key + left click operation
  • the print content setting input in the input area TB3 is performed.
  • the text image TX3 of “ ⁇ Cheap!” Is displayed on the editing screen by performing an appropriate operation on the operation area 118b (for example, a keyboard) of the operator with respect to the input area TB3 set as shown in FIG. The state formed inside is shown.
  • the text image TX3 has a character string in the input area TB3 in an obliquely upward direction corresponding to the printing direction of “ ⁇ Cheap!” Formed on the print label L3 in FIG. Is arranged.
  • the operator further sets a rectangular upper left vertex tb3 and lower right vertex tb4 by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse), as illustrated in FIG.
  • the operation unit 118b for example, a mouse
  • the input area TB2 having the rectangular shape is formed slightly below in the second label image IL2 (see the broken line frame).
  • the print content setting input in the input area TB2 is performed.
  • “ ⁇ 1980 (with strikethrough) ⁇ 1480” is applied to the input area TB ⁇ b> 2 set as shown in FIG. 14 by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118 b (for example, a keyboard) by the operator.
  • a state in which a text image TX2 is formed is shown.
  • the text image TX2 is input in the horizontal direction corresponding to the print direction of “ ⁇ 1980 (with strikethrough) ⁇ 1480” formed on the print label L2 in FIG.
  • a character string is arranged in TB2.
  • the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3 as the print formation ranges are respectively set, and the operator further sets the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3.
  • the print content of each input area TB1, TB2, TB3 is set.
  • all print images IP for a predetermined range including the three label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 are set by setting the print contents of all three input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3.
  • the total print contents formed in a predetermined range including the first label image IL1, the second label image IL2, and the third label image IL3 (the sum of the print contents of the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3) , All print images IP) are determined.
  • the print contents to be shared are determined for each of the print labels L1 to L3 (in other words, for each of the label images IL1 to IL3).
  • the upper half image TX1a of the text image TX1 of the above “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” text image TX1 is extracted and assigned to the first label image IL1.
  • print data corresponding to the upper half image TX1a is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1A as print data for creating the print label L1.
  • the second label image IL2 includes the lower half image TX1b of the text image TX1 of “Odekake! Append) ⁇ 1480 "text image TX2 is extracted and assigned.
  • print data corresponding to the lower half image TX1b and the text image TX2 is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1B as print data for creating the print label L2.
  • the print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3, respectively. are produced by the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C.
  • the printed label L2 so that the position in the width direction is substantially aligned with the printed label L1 shown in FIG. Can be formed, and a label body LL to which the print label L3 is attached in an oblique direction can be formed so as to protrude from the right ends of the print label L1 and the print label L2.
  • Control contents executed by the control circuit 130 of the operation terminal 118 in order to realize the above-described method will be described with reference to FIG.
  • the control circuit 130 starts this flow when, for example, an operator inputs an appropriate label editing start instruction.
  • step S1 the control circuit 130 outputs a display signal to the display unit 118a.
  • the display unit 118a displays a plurality of types of material images (first material image M1, second material image M2, and third material image M3 in the above example) on the editing screen.
  • step S2 the control circuit 130 performs any of the material images M1, M2, M3, etc. as described above on the editing screen of the display unit 118a by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 118b by the operator. It is determined whether a drag-and-drop operation has been performed on the. While the drag-and-drop operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. When the drag-and-drop operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S3.
  • step S3 the control circuit 130 outputs a display signal to the display unit 118a, so that the material images M1, M2, M3 and the like that have been dragged to the position where the drop operation has been performed become the label images IL1, IL2, and so on. Displayed as IL3 or the like (see FIGS. 6 to 9).
  • the operator changes the length or direction or changes the width (see FIG. 7) as described above, the operator responds to the operation via the operation unit 118b.
  • the image is processed and displayed.
  • the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. can be arranged and displayed so as to overlap each other. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4.
  • step S4 the control circuit 130 determines whether or not an instruction input indicating that the arrangement of all the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. has been completed is made by an appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b. If there is no instruction input, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S1 and the same procedure is repeated. If the instruction is input, the determination at step S4 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S5.
  • step S5 the control circuit 130 determines whether or not the input area setting operation has been performed by an appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 described above). While the input area setting operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. When the input area setting operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S6.
  • step S6 the control circuit 130 determines an input area in the editing screen in response to the input area setting operation, and outputs a corresponding display signal to the display unit 118a.
  • the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. are displayed at corresponding positions in the editing screen (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 described above).
  • step S7 the control circuit 130 determines whether or not a print content setting input has been made for the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc., by an operation via the operator's operation unit 118b. If there is no input of print content, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. If there is an input of print content, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S8.
  • step S8 the control circuit 130 determines the print content input in step S8 as the print content for the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. determined in step S6.
  • step S9 the control circuit 130 generates a print image corresponding to the print content determined in step S8, and outputs a corresponding display signal to the display unit 118a.
  • the generated print image is displayed in the corresponding input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. of the editing screen (see FIGS. 11, 13, and 15).
  • the print image is temporarily stored in the memory provided in the operation terminal 118. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10.
  • step S10 the control circuit 130 completes the input of the print contents for all the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. by the appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b, and determines all the print contents for the predetermined range. It is determined whether there is an instruction input such as If there is no instruction input, the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S5 and the same procedure is repeated. If there is an instruction input, the determination at step S10 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S11.
  • step S11 the control circuit 130 repeats the above steps S5 to S10, and the entire print image IP (FIG. 15) is formed of the print images for all the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. sequentially stored in the memory in step S9. Is obtained from the memory.
  • the entire print image IP for the predetermined range including the plurality of label images IL1, IL2, IL3 and the like sequentially arranged as described above is obtained by repeating the steps S1 to S4.
  • step S12 the control circuit 130 extracts a portion corresponding to each arrangement area of each of the arranged label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 from the entire print image IP acquired in step S11.
  • the extracted portion is an image portion to be shared by the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. among all the print images IP to be expressed in the entire predetermined range.
  • the control circuit 130 assigns the extracted portions as the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 arranged in the corresponding arrangement region.
  • step S13 the control circuit 130 generates print data corresponding to each portion of the entire print image IP extracted for each of the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 in step S12.
  • the data is determined as print data corresponding to each of the plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3.
  • the image portion allocated to each of the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 in step S12 becomes the print content when the corresponding print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created, and this print content is realized. Accordingly, the print data of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 is determined.
  • step S14 the control circuit 130 distributes the print data determined in association with the print labels L1, L2, and L3 to the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C based on the determination result in step S13.
  • Output That is, print data corresponding to the print label L1 (print data corresponding to the above-described upper half image TX1a) is output to the label producing apparatus 1A, and print data corresponding to the print label L2 (the above-described lower half image TX1b and text image TX2). Is output to the label creating apparatus 1B, and print data corresponding to the print label L3 (print data corresponding to the text image TX3) is output to the label creating apparatus 1C.
  • a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. in which the print contents are set in the form in which the orientation and length are freely selected as described above, are created.
  • a desired label body LL can be formed by attaching the print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like in an appropriate combination.
  • the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. can be widely expanded, and the convenience for the operator can be improved.
  • the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3 and the like within the predetermined range are set on the editing screen, and the input areas TB1, TB2 are further set. , TB3, etc., when the operator inputs appropriate print contents, the print contents are set in the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. (see step S7 in FIG. 18).
  • the entire print image IP that the operator wants to express by print formation with respect to the predetermined range can be formed neatly and easily.
  • a plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created in parallel by a plurality of label creation apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C.
  • the label production time can be shortened.
  • the plurality of types of print labels L1, L2, and the like are formed by a single label producing device 1.
  • all L3s are created, it may be necessary to replace the cartridge 7 or the like.
  • the replacement of the cartridge 7 cover film 103 and the like as described above can be made unnecessary, and this also shortens the label producing time. can do.
  • At least one material image (the material image M1 in the above example) in which the width direction dimension and the length direction dimension are determined in advance is displayed at a predetermined position.
  • the width direction dimension can be changed step by step according to the operation of the operator.
  • the operator can By appropriately changing the widthwise dimension of at least one material image (the material image M1 in the above example), a plurality of label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 having different widthwise dimensions are arranged on the screen so as to overlap each other. Can be displayed.
  • the labels may be output collectively (or sequentially) to any one of the label producing apparatuses 1, and the label producing apparatus 1 may sequentially produce the three print labels L1, L2, and L3.
  • the print label L1 uses the print-receiving tape 103 having a width of 24 mm and the cartridge 7 containing the base tape 101
  • the print label L2 uses the print-receiving tape 103 and the base having a width of 12 mm.
  • a cartridge 7 containing a material tape 101 is used, and a cartridge 7 containing a print-receiving tape 103 and a base tape 101 having a width of 9 mm is used for the print label L3. That is, three different types of cartridges 7 are exchanged for each print label L. In this case, an appropriate display that prompts replacement of the cartridge 7 may be performed every time one print label L is created with one print data.
  • a plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3 can be created using only one print label creation device 1A without preparing a plurality of label creation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. .
  • the label producing apparatus 1 can produce all of the plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like.
  • two label images (a first label image ILa and a second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image in this example) are
  • the arrangement regions each include separation portions R1 and R2 that exist in a bifurcated manner.
  • the entire print image IP made up of the characters “SALE” is a continuous image continuous with the separation portion R1 of the first label image ILa and the separation portion R2 of the second label image ILb in the portion of the character “E”.
  • a portion IS (in other words, a portion that does not belong to either of the two label images ILa and ILb and is included in the non-label portion NL between the label images ILa and ILb) is provided.
  • the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data corresponding to the label images ILa and ILb, the print contents of the print label L1 and the print label are printed in the label body LL.
  • the print content of L2 is continuous with a gap (not shown) corresponding to the non-label portion NL. That is, in the actually produced label body LL, the horizontal bar “-” portion in the middle of the character “E” of “SALE” does not exist (instead of the gap), the label body LL
  • the observer who has seen the “E” character including the middle horizontal bar “-” can be recognized sensuously, and the character “SALE” can be identified as a whole.
  • FIG. 20A two label images (a rectangular first label image ILa and a second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image). ) Includes the separation portions R1 and R2 in which the arrangement regions are separated from each other in the vertical direction. Then, the entire print image IP made up of the characters “Happy Birthday” is provided at the substantially central portion of the character “Happy Birthday” in the vertical direction at the separation portion R1 of the first label image ILa and the separation portion R2 of the second label image ILb. There is a continuous image portion IS (a portion included in the non-label portion NL between the label images ILa and ILb).
  • the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data corresponding to the label images ILa and ILb, as shown in FIG. 20B, the print labels L1 and L2 are created.
  • the print labels L1 and L2 are formed by being attached to the object to be attached in a completely separated state
  • the print contents of the print label L1 and the print of the print label L2 The content is continuous with the gap SP corresponding to the non-label portion NL.
  • the viewer has seen the label body LL despite the fact that the “Happy Birthday” does not have a substantially central portion in the vertical direction (there is the gap SP instead).
  • the characters “Happy Birthday” including the substantially central portion in the vertical direction can be recognized sensuously.
  • FIG. 21 (a) and FIG. 21 (b) show still another example.
  • four label images square-shaped first label image ILa and second label image ILb
  • the third label image ILc, the fourth label image ILd include separation portions R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 in which the arrangement regions are separated from each other in the vertical and horizontal directions. .
  • a continuous image portion IS label images ILa, ILb,(7) That is continuous with each of the separation portions R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 is added to the entire print image IP by the “ ⁇ ” mark which is a kind of image. (Parts included in the non-labeled portion NL between ILc and ILd) are present at four locations among the “ ⁇ ” marks.
  • the label body LL (in this example, the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are formed on the object to be pasted in a completely separated state by combining the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4.
  • the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are continuous with the gap SP corresponding to the non-label portion NL interposed therebetween. That is, in the actually produced label body LL, although there is a blank portion (gap SP) in a part of “ ⁇ ”, the observer who viewed the label body LL does not have the blank.
  • the " ⁇ " mark can be recognized sensuously.
  • the print display that is to be expressed by the combination of the separation portions R is interposed via the gap SP or the like. Can be realized reliably.
  • the two label images (first label image ILa and second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR are partially overlapped in accordance with the arrangement of the print labels. It is arranged so that.
  • the entire print image IP consisting of “ ⁇ Merry Christmas! ⁇ ” is a continuous image portion IS in which the character “M” is continuous across the array region of the two label images IL1 and IL2. It has become.
  • the print data of the first print label L1 for printing the lower half of “M” and “erry Christmas!” Corresponding to the first label image ILa, corresponding to the arrangement of “M” described above.
  • the print data of the second print label L2 for printing the upper half of “M” and “ ⁇ ” “ ⁇ ” corresponding to the second label image ILb Each print data is determined so that at least a part of the character “M” which is the continuous image portion IS overlaps.
  • the print data of the first print label L1 is set to print data that prints all “M” and “erry Christmas!”.
  • the upper half of “M” overlaps both the print data of the first print label L1 and the print data of the second print label L2.
  • Fig. 23 shows another example.
  • two label images (first label image ILa and second label image ILb) of the nine label images arranged in the predetermined range AR correspond to the arrangement of the print labels.
  • the second label image ILb is arranged on the first label image ILa.
  • the character “Omanju” is a continuous image portion IS that is continuous across the array area of the two label images ILa and ILb. It has become.
  • the first print label L1 for printing the upper half of “Omanju” and “100 yen!” Corresponding to the first label image ILa, corresponding to the arrangement of “Omanju” described above.
  • the character “Omanju” is the continuous image portion IS.
  • Each print data is determined so that at least a part of "" overlaps.
  • the print data of the first print label L1 is set to print all “Omanju” and “100 yen!”.
  • the lower half of “Omanju” overlaps both the print data of the first print label L1 and the print data of the second print label L2.
  • three substantially rectangular print labels L1, L2, and L3 are arranged so that their short sides are in contact with each other, so that a label body LL that is a horizontally long long rectangle as a whole. Is formed. Then, the characters “Happy BIRTHDAY!” Are expressed by printing throughout the label body LL.
  • the print label L1 including the prints of most parts of the characters “Happ” and “y” is created by the label creating apparatus 1A.
  • the print label L2 including the remaining part of the character “y”, the character “BIRT”, and the left half of the character “H” is created by the label creating apparatus 1B.
  • the print label L3 including the right half of the letter “H” and the letter “DAY!” Is created by the label creating apparatus 1C.
  • the edit operation procedure executed by the operation terminal 118 to create the label body LL composed of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 as described above is the same as the contents described with reference to FIGS. It is almost the same.
  • the operator drags and drops the first to third material images M1 to M3 to the left by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse).
  • the first label image ILa, the second label image ILb, and the third label image ILb corresponding to the print labels L1, L2, and L3 are arranged so as to contact each other.
  • the method described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 14 (or the method described with reference to FIG. 12) may be used to straddle the three label images ILa, ILb, and ILc and to combine these three label images ILa, ILb, and ILc.
  • An input area TB having a size substantially equal to that of the body is formed.
  • FIG. 25 shows the state at this time.
  • the total printed contents of the first label image ILa, the second label image ILb, and the third label image ILc are determined.
  • the first label image ILa is extracted and assigned the text image of most of the above “Happ” and “y”, and print data corresponding to the text image is created. And output to the label producing apparatus 1A.
  • the second label image ILb the remaining part of the “y”, the text image of the left half of “BIRT”, and “H” are extracted and assigned, and print data corresponding to the text image is created. It is output to the label producing apparatus 1B.
  • the third label image ILc is extracted and assigned the right half of “H” and the text image “DAY!”, Print data corresponding to the text image is created, and output to the label creating apparatus 1C. .
  • the operator combines the three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 so that the substantially rectangular three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 shown in FIG. As a whole, it is possible to form a label body LL in which characters of “Happy BIRTHDAY!” Are expressed by printing.
  • the label body LL using the print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like on which characters are mainly printed is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the label body LL is formed by using a print label L on which an appropriate icon or mark other than characters (see the modified example of FIGS. 21A and 21B), a photograph, or other images is printed. It may be. In these cases, the same effect is obtained.
  • the arrow shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of the signal flow, and does not limit the signal flow direction.
  • 1A, 1B, 1C Label production device 23 Thermal head 101 Base tape 103 Cover film 118 Operation terminal 118a Display unit 118b Operation unit 130 Control circuit IL1-3 Label image IP All images L1, L2, L3 Print label IS Continuous image part TB Input area

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Quality & Reliability (AREA)
  • Record Information Processing For Printing (AREA)
  • Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)

Abstract

[Problem] To widely expand the expressiveness of utilizing multiple printed labels and to improve user convenience. [Solution] Label images (IL1, IL2, IL3) are displayed on a specific editing screen that is displayed on the display unit (118a) of the CPU (111) of an operation terminal (118), the label images each being arranged so as to be mutually overlap-able with freely settable orientations and freely settable lengths. A total printed image (IP) in a prescribed region is acquired as a result of a user operation input. Of the total printed image (IP) acquired, the portions corresponding to the respective areas where each label image (IL1, IL2, IL3) has been placed are extracted and assigned as the printing contents for the printed labels (L1,L2,L3). The printing data determined respectively for the printed labels (L1,L2,L3) are respectively output to the label-creating devices (1A - 1C) and the printed labels (L1,L2,L3) are created.

Description

ラベル作成用編集プログラム及びラベル編集装置Editing program for label creation and label editing apparatus
 本発明は、印字ラベルを作成する際のラベルの態様を編集するためのラベル作成用編集プログラム、及びこれを用いたラベル編集装置に関する。 The present invention relates to a label creation editing program for editing a label mode when creating a print label, and a label editing apparatus using the same.
 所望の印字が形成された印字ラベルを作成するとき、当該印字ラベルにおける印字内容を操作者の意図するように編集する技術として、例えば特許文献1に記載の従来技術がある。 As a technique for editing the print contents on the print label as intended by the operator when creating a print label on which a desired print is formed, for example, there is a conventional technique described in Patent Document 1.
 この従来技術では、1つの大型の横長長方形の印字ラベルの上に、別の小型の横長長方形の印字ラベルを貼り合わせることを意図するとき、当該小型ラベル上に上記横長方向に印字される文字と、上記大型ラベル上に上記横長方向に印字される文字とを、1つの画面上で編集可能となっている。これにより、重ね貼りされる大小2つの印字ラベルを一体的に用いて、上記横長方向に沿った文章や単語等を表現できるように図られている。 In this prior art, when it is intended to paste another small horizontal rectangular print label on one large horizontal rectangular print label, the characters printed in the horizontal direction on the small label The characters printed in the landscape direction on the large label can be edited on one screen. Thus, the two large and small printed labels are integrally used so that sentences, words, and the like along the horizontal direction can be expressed.
特許3551941号公報Japanese Patent No. 3551194
 上記のように複数の印字ラベルを用いて種々の印字文字や図像等の表示を行うとき、複数のラベルを、互いに接するように配置したり、互いに離れて配置したり、互いに一部分が重なりつつ他の部分が離間するように配置し、かつ、それら種々に配置した複数のラベルに対し、文字や図像の向きや並び方向を自由自在に設定したり2つのラベルにまたがるように文字や図像を形成できれば、操作者の意図する所望の態様の表示を多種多様に実現できるはずである。 When displaying various printed characters and images using multiple printed labels as described above, multiple labels may be placed in contact with each other, placed apart from each other, or partially overlapped with each other. Are arranged so that they are spaced apart from each other, and the characters and images can be freely set to the direction and arrangement direction of the characters and images for the variously arranged labels, or the characters and images can be formed so as to extend over the two labels. If possible, display of the desired mode intended by the operator should be realized in a wide variety.
 しかしながら、上記従来技術では、大小2つの長方形の横長ラベルを向きを揃えて重ね貼りする場合に限定されている。また、文字の方向は横長方向に限定されており、かつ1つの文字が2つの文字にまたがって形成されることもない。すなわち、上記従来技術では、前述のような多種多様な表示までは配慮されておらず、複数の印字ラベルを活用した表現には限界があった。 However, the above-mentioned conventional technique is limited to the case where two large and small rectangular horizontal labels are aligned and pasted. Moreover, the direction of the character is limited to the horizontally long direction, and one character is not formed across two characters. In other words, the above-described prior art does not consider the various types of display as described above, and there is a limit to the expression using a plurality of print labels.
 本発明の目的は、複数の印字ラベルを活用した表現性を幅広く拡張することができ、操作者の利便性を向上できるラベル作成用編集プログラム及びこれを用いたラベル編集装置を提供することにある。 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a label creation editing program and a label editing apparatus using the same, which can broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of printed labels and can improve the convenience for the operator. .
 上記目的を達成するために、本願発明は、表示手段と演算手段とを備え、作成される印字ラベルの印字内容の編集操作を実行可能な操作端末の前記演算手段に対し、前記表示手段に表示される所定の編集画面上に、複数のラベルイメージを、それぞれ自在な方向設定及び自在な長さ設定で、互いに重なり合い可能に配列して表示するラベル配列手順と、前記ラベル配列手順で配列した複数のラベルイメージを少なくとも含む所定範囲に対する印字形成イメージを、操作者の操作入力に基づき取得する印字イメージ取得手順と、前記印字イメージ取得手順で取得された前記印字形成イメージのうち、前記ラベル配列手順で配列された各ラベルイメージそれぞれの配列領域に相当する部分を、当該配列領域に配列されたラベルイメージに対応した印字ラベルの印字内容として抽出し割り当てる複数の印字ラベルそれぞれの印字データを決定する印字データ決定手順と、前記印字データ決定手順で前記複数の印字ラベルそれぞれに対し決定された複数の印字データを、少なくとも1つの印字ラベル作成装置に出力し、各印字データに対応した印字が形成された前記複数の印字ラベルを作成するラベル作成指示手順と、を実行させる。 In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a display means and a calculation means, and displays on the display means for the calculation means of an operation terminal capable of executing an editing operation of the print contents of a printed label to be created. A label arrangement procedure for arranging and displaying a plurality of label images in a freely directional setting and a flexible length setting on a predetermined editing screen, and a plurality of label images arranged in the label arrangement procedure. A print image acquisition procedure for acquiring a print formation image for a predetermined range including at least a label image based on an operation input by an operator, and among the print formation images acquired by the print image acquisition procedure, the label arrangement procedure The part corresponding to the array area of each arranged label image corresponds to the label image arranged in the array area. A print data determination procedure for determining print data for each of the plurality of print labels extracted and assigned as print contents of the print label, and a plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels in the print data determination procedure; And outputting to one print label producing apparatus, and executing a label producing instruction procedure for producing the plurality of print labels on which prints corresponding to the respective print data are formed.
 本願発明のラベル作成用編集プログラムを演算手段が実行する操作端末では、まず、ラベル配列手順で、表示手段の編集画面上に、複数のラベルイメージが配列されて表示される。その際、各ラベルイメージは、それぞれ、方向や長さが自在に設定可能であり、また互いに重なり合って配置することも可能である。 In the operation terminal in which the calculation means executes the label creation editing program of the present invention, first, a plurality of label images are arranged and displayed on the editing screen of the display means in the label arrangement procedure. At that time, the direction and the length of each label image can be set freely, and can be arranged so as to overlap each other.
 このようにして複数のラベルイメージが配列されたら、印字イメージ取得手順で、操作者が上記複数のラベルイメージを含む所定範囲に対し印字形成によって表現したいと思う印字形成イメージが、取得される。この印字形成イメージは、操作者の操作入力に基づいて取得される。ここで、上記のようにして取得された印字形成イメージが表現される予定の上記所定範囲には、上記ラベル配列手順で、複数のラベルイメージが配列されている。すなわち、各ラベルイメージで見ると、上記所定範囲全体において表現すべき印字形成イメージのうち、自らが分担すべき印字形成イメージ部分が存在する。 When a plurality of label images are arranged in this way, a print formation image that the operator wants to express by print formation for a predetermined range including the plurality of label images is acquired in a print image acquisition procedure. This print formation image is acquired based on an operation input by the operator. Here, a plurality of label images are arranged in the predetermined range where the print formation image acquired as described above is to be expressed by the label arrangement procedure. That is, when viewed from each label image, there is a print formation image portion to be shared among the print formation images to be expressed in the entire predetermined range.
 そこで、その後の印字データ決定手順で、上記所定範囲の印字形成イメージのうち、各ラベルイメージそれぞれの配列領域に相当する部分を、当該配列領域に配列されたラベルイメージに割り当てるべきイメージ部分として抽出し、各ラベルイメージごとに割り当てる。すなわち、各ラベルイメージごとに割り当てられた上記イメージ部分は、当該ラベルイメージに対応した印字ラベルを作成するときの印字内容となり、この印字内容を実現すべく当該印字ラベルの印字データが決定される。 Therefore, in the subsequent print data determination procedure, a portion corresponding to the array region of each label image is extracted as an image portion to be assigned to the label image arranged in the array region from the print formation image in the predetermined range. Assign for each label image. That is, the image portion assigned to each label image becomes the print content when creating a print label corresponding to the label image, and the print data of the print label is determined to realize the print content.
 そして、ラベル作成指示手順で、上記のように各印字ラベル毎に決定された印字データが、少なくとも1つの印字ラベル作成装置へと出力される。これにより、上記のように決定された印字データに対応した印字が実行された印字ラベルが作成される。 Then, in the label creation instruction procedure, the print data determined for each print label as described above is output to at least one print label producing apparatus. As a result, a print label on which printing corresponding to the print data determined as described above has been executed is created.
 本願発明においては、以上のようにして向きや長さを自在に選択した形で印字内容を設定した複数枚の印字ラベルを貼り付け、それら貼り付けた印字ラベル全体によって、操作者の意図する所望の態様の表示を多種多様に実現することができる。この結果、複数の印字ラベルを活用した表現性を幅広く拡張することができ、操作者の利便性を向上することができる。 In the present invention, a plurality of print labels whose print contents are set in a form in which the direction and length are freely selected as described above are pasted, and the operator's intended desirability is determined by the pasted print labels as a whole. A wide variety of display modes can be realized. As a result, it is possible to broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels and improve the convenience for the operator.
 本発明によれば、複数の印字ラベルを活用した表現性を幅広く拡張することができ、操作者の利便性を向上することができる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to broaden the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels and improve the convenience for the operator.
本発明の一実施形態のラベル編集装置を備えたラベル生成システムを表すシステム構成図である。1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a label generation system including a label editing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. ラベル作成装置の全体構造を表す斜視図である。It is a perspective view showing the whole structure of a label production apparatus. ラベル作成装置におけるカートリッジ装着部分の詳細構造を模式的に表す拡大平面図である。FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing a detailed structure of a cartridge mounting portion in the label producing apparatus. ラベル作成装置の制御系を表す機能ブロック図である。It is a functional block diagram showing the control system of a label production apparatus. 印字ラベルを貼り付けて組み合わせたラベル体及び各印字ラベルの一例を表す外観図である。It is an external view showing an example of the label body which stuck and combined the print label, and each print label. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、ラベルイメージの配置操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing label image arrangement | positioning operation which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、ラベルイメージの配置操作の他の例を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of arrangement | positioning operation of a label image which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、ラベルイメージの配置操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing label image arrangement | positioning operation which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、ラベルイメージの配置操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing label image arrangement | positioning operation which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、入力エリアの設定操作の一例を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing an example of the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、入力エリアへの印字内容の入力操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、入力エリアの設定操作の他の例を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing the other example of the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、入力エリアへの印字内容の入力操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、入力エリアの設定操作のさらに他の例を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing the further another example of the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、入力エリアへの印字内容の入力操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal. 各ラベルイメージごとに分担する印字内容の割り当て、及び、当該割り当てに対応した印字データを表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing the printing data allocation corresponding to each label image, and the printing data corresponding to the said allocation. 3つの印字データを用いて3つのラベル作成装置が3つの印字ラベルをそれぞれ分担して作成する例を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing the example which three label production apparatuses share and produce each of three printing labels using three printing data. 印字ラベルを作成する際に、操作端末の制御回路によって実行される制御内容を表すフローチャートである。It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by the control circuit of an operating terminal, when producing a print label. 2枚のラベルが離れている部分を、空白を挟んで連続するように印字する変形例における、ラベルイメージの一例を表す図である。It is a figure showing an example of the label image in the modification which prints so that the part which two labels are separated may continue so that a blank may be pinched | interposed. 2枚のラベルが離れている部分を、空白を挟んで連続するように印字する変形例における、ラベルイメージの他の例、及び当該ラベルイメージを用いて作成された印字ラベルの外観を表す図である。The figure which represents the external appearance of the printed label produced using the other example of the label image in the modification which prints the part which two labels are separated so that it may continue on both sides of the blank, and the said label image is there. 4枚のラベルが離れている部分を、空白を挟んで連続するように印字する変形例における、ラベルイメージの例、及び当該ラベルイメージを用いて作成された印字ラベルの外観を表す図である。It is a figure showing the external appearance of the example of a label image and the printed label produced using the said label image in the modification which prints the part which four labels are separated so that it may continue on both sides of the blank. 2枚のラベルが重ね合わされる部分を、内容が一部重複するように印字する変形例における、ラベルイメージの一例を表す図である。It is a figure showing an example of the label image in the modification which prints the part on which two labels are overlapped so that the contents may partially overlap. 2枚のラベルが重ね合わされる部分を、内容が一部重複するように印字する変形例における、ラベルイメージの他の例を表す図である。It is a figure showing the other example of the label image in the modification which prints the part on which two labels are overlapped so that the content may partially overlap. 互いに接するように配置される複数のラベルにわたって連続するように印字する変形例における、3つの印字ラベルをそれぞれ分担して作成する例を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing the example which shares and produces three printing labels in the modification which prints continuously over several labels arrange | positioned so that it may mutually contact | abut. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、ラベルイメージの配置操作及び入力エリアの設定操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing the arrangement operation of a label image and the setting operation of an input area which an operator performs with an operation terminal. 操作者が操作端末によって実行する、入力エリアへの印字内容の入力操作を表す説明図である。It is explanatory drawing showing input operation of the printing content to an input area which an operator performs with an operating terminal.
 以下、本発明の一実施の形態を図面を参照しつつ説明する。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
 <ラベル生成システムのシステム構成>
 図1に、本実施形態のラベル編集装置を備えたラベル生成システムのシステム構成を示す。
<System configuration of label generation system>
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a label generation system provided with the label editing apparatus of this embodiment.
 図1において、ラベル生成システムLSは、3つのラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cと、このラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cと有線あるいは無線による通信回線NWを介して接続された操作端末118とを有している。 In FIG. 1, a label generation system LS includes three label production apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C, and an operation terminal 118 that is connected to the label production apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C via a wired or wireless communication line NW. Have.
 ラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cは、操作端末118からの操作に基づき、印字ラベルL1,L2,L3(詳細は後述)をそれぞれ作成する。 The label creation apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C create print labels L1, L2, and L3 (details will be described later) based on operations from the operation terminal 118, respectively.
 操作端末118は、ラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cを用いて印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を作成する際に用いられる。操作者は、操作端末118を用いることにより、印字ラベルL1,L2,L3にそれぞれ形成された印字を用いて固定的に表記したい内容を所望に編集することができる(詳細は後述)。 The operation terminal 118 is used when the print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created using the label creation apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C. By using the operation terminal 118, the operator can edit the contents to be fixedly described as desired using prints formed on the print labels L1, L2, and L3 (details will be described later).
 この操作端末118は、例えば液晶ディスプレイ等からなる表示部118aと、キーボードやマウス等からなる操作部118bとを有している。 The operation terminal 118 includes a display unit 118a made of, for example, a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 118b made of a keyboard, a mouse, or the like.
 <ラベル作成装置の構成>
 図2に、ラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cの全体構造を示す。これらラベル作成装置1A~1Cは互いに同等の構成を備えている。以下、特に区別する必要がない場合には、適宜、単に「ラベル作成装置1」と称する。
<Configuration of label production device>
FIG. 2 shows the overall structure of the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C. These label producing apparatuses 1A to 1C have the same configuration. Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between them, it is simply referred to as “label producing apparatus 1” as appropriate.
 図2において、ラベル作成装置1は、外郭を構成する筐体200を備えた装置本体2と、この装置本体2の上面に開閉可能(又は着脱可能としてもよい)に設けられた開閉蓋3とを有している。 In FIG. 2, the label producing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus main body 2 provided with a casing 200 constituting an outer shell, and an opening / closing lid 3 provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be openable / closable (or removable). have.
 筐体200は、装置前方側(図2中左手前側)に位置し、装置本体2内で作成された印字ラベルL1(又はL2,L3)を外部に排出するラベル排出口11を備えた前壁10と、この前壁10のうちラベル排出口11の下方に設けられ下端が回動可能に支持された前蓋12とを備えている。 The housing 200 is located on the front side of the apparatus (the left front side in FIG. 2), and has a front wall provided with a label discharge port 11 for discharging the print label L1 (or L2, L3) created in the apparatus main body 2 to the outside. 10 and a front lid 12 which is provided below the label discharge port 11 in the front wall 10 and whose lower end is rotatably supported.
 前蓋12は、押部13を備えており、この押部13を上方より押し込むことで前蓋12が前方に開放されるようになっている。また、前壁10の一端部には、ラベル作成装置1の電源のオン・オフを行う電源キー14が設けられている。この電源キー14の下方には、装置本体2内に配設された切断機構15(後述の図3参照)を操作者の手動操作で駆動するためのカッタ駆動キー90が設けられている。 The front lid 12 is provided with a pressing portion 13, and the front lid 12 is opened forward by pushing the pressing portion 13 from above. A power key 14 for turning on / off the power of the label producing apparatus 1 is provided at one end of the front wall 10. A cutter driving key 90 for driving the cutting mechanism 15 (see FIG. 3 described later) disposed in the apparatus main body 2 by manual operation of the operator is provided below the power key 14.
 開閉蓋3は、装置本体2の図2中右奥側の端部にて回動可能に軸支され、バネ等の付勢部材を介して常時開放方向に付勢されている。そして、装置本体2の上面に開閉蓋3に隣接するように配置された開閉ボタン4が押されることにより、開閉蓋3と装置本体2とのロックが解除され、上記付勢部材の作用により開放される。なお、開閉蓋3の中央側部には、透明カバーで覆われた透視窓5が設けられている。 The opening / closing lid 3 is pivotally supported at the end of the apparatus main body 2 on the right back side in FIG. 2 and is always urged in the opening direction via an urging member such as a spring. Then, when the open / close button 4 disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 2 so as to be adjacent to the open / close lid 3 is pressed, the lock between the open / close lid 3 and the apparatus main body 2 is released and opened by the action of the biasing member. Is done. A see-through window 5 covered with a transparent cover is provided at the center side of the opening / closing lid 3.
 図3に、ラベル作成装置1におけるカートリッジ装着部分の詳細構造を模式的に示す。 FIG. 3 schematically shows the detailed structure of the cartridge mounting portion in the label producing apparatus 1.
 図3において、装置本体2内のカートリッジホルダ6には、カートリッジ7が設置される。このカートリッジ7は、筐体7Aと、この筐体7A内に配置された、第1ロール102(実際は渦巻き状であるが、図では簡略的に同心円状に示す)、第2ロール104(実際は渦巻き状であるが、図では簡略的に同心円状に示す)、リボン供給側ロール211、リボン巻取りローラ106、及びテープ送りローラ27とを有する。 In FIG. 3, a cartridge 7 is installed in a cartridge holder 6 in the apparatus main body 2. The cartridge 7 includes a housing 7A, a first roll 102 (actually a spiral shape, but is simply shown as a concentric circle in the figure), and a second roll 104 (actually a spiral shape) disposed in the housing 7A. The ribbon supply side roll 211, the ribbon take-up roller 106, and the tape feed roller 27.
 第1ロール102は、リール部材102aの周りに、帯状の基材テープ101を巻回している。基材テープ101は、この例では4層構造となっており(図3中部分拡大図参照)、内側に巻かれる側(図3部分拡大図中右側)よりその反対側(図3部分拡大図中左側)へ向かって、後にカバーフィルム103を貼り合わせるための粘着剤層101a、ポリエチレンテレフタラート等からなるテープ基材層101b、適宜の粘着材からなる粘着剤層101c、剥離紙101dの順序で積層されている。 The first roll 102 has a belt-like base tape 101 wound around a reel member 102a. The base tape 101 has a four-layer structure in this example (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3), and is on the opposite side (a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3) from the side wound inside (the right side in the partially enlarged view in FIG. 3). In the order of the adhesive layer 101a for later bonding the cover film 103, the tape base layer 101b made of polyethylene terephthalate, the adhesive layer 101c made of an appropriate adhesive, and the release paper 101d. Are stacked.
 剥離紙101dは、最終的に完成した印字ラベルL1(又はL2,L3)が貼り付け対象物に貼り付けられる際に、これを剥がすことで粘着剤層101cにより当該貼り付け対象物に接着できるようにするための紙である。 When the finally completed print label L1 (or L2, L3) is attached to the object to be attached, the release paper 101d can be adhered to the object to be attached by the adhesive layer 101c by peeling it off. It is paper to make.
 第2ロール104は、リール部材104aの周りに、上記基材テープ101と略同じ幅である透明なカバーフィルム103を巻回している。 The second roll 104 has a transparent cover film 103 having a width substantially the same as that of the base tape 101 wound around a reel member 104a.
 リボン供給側ロール211は、熱転写リボンであるインクリボン105(但し被印字テープが感熱テープの場合は不要)を繰り出す。リボン巻取りローラ106は、印字済み(使用済み)のインクリボン105を巻き取る。すなわち、インクリボン105は、上記リボン供給側ロール211及びリボン巻取りローラ106によって駆動される。この駆動されるインクリボン105は、第2ロール104より繰り出されるカバーフィルム103の裏面側(すなわち基材テープ101に貼り合わされる側)に配置される。そして、インクリボン105は、装置本体2に備えられるサーマルヘッド23で押圧されることにより、当該カバーフィルム103の裏面に接触させられる。 The ribbon supply side roll 211 feeds out the ink ribbon 105 (not required when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape) that is a thermal transfer ribbon. The ribbon take-up roller 106 takes up the printed (used) ink ribbon 105. That is, the ink ribbon 105 is driven by the ribbon supply side roll 211 and the ribbon take-up roller 106. The driven ink ribbon 105 is disposed on the back side of the cover film 103 fed from the second roll 104 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape 101). The ink ribbon 105 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 by being pressed by the thermal head 23 provided in the apparatus main body 2.
 テープ送りローラ27は、カートリッジ7のテープ排出部30の近傍に回転可能に支持されている。このテープ送りローラ27は、上記基材テープ101及びカバーフィルム103を押圧し接着させ印字済みラベル用テープ109としつつ、図3中矢印Aで示す方向にテープ送りを行う。 The tape feed roller 27 is rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion 30 of the cartridge 7. The tape feed roller 27 feeds the tape in the direction indicated by an arrow A in FIG. 3 while pressing and bonding the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 to form a label tape 109 with print.
 カートリッジホルダ6には、リボン巻取りローラ駆動軸107及びテープ送りローラ駆動軸108が設けられている。これらリボン巻取りローラ駆動軸107及びテープ送りローラ駆動軸108は、カートリッジ7外に設けた例えばパルスモータである搬送用モータ119(後述の図4参照)の駆動力が、図示しないギヤ機構を介し伝達されて回転する。このリボン巻取りローラ駆動軸107及びテープ送りローラ駆動軸108の回転により、上記リボン巻取りローラ106及びテープ送りローラ27は互いに連動して回転駆動される。 The cartridge holder 6 is provided with a ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and a tape feed roller drive shaft 108. The ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 are driven by a driving force of a conveyance motor 119 (see FIG. 4 described later) provided outside the cartridge 7 via a gear mechanism (not shown). It is transmitted and rotates. By the rotation of the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in conjunction with each other.
 上記構成において、カートリッジ7が上記カートリッジホルダ6に装着されると、カバーフィルム103及びインクリボン105が、サーマルヘッド23とカートリッジホルダ6に設けられたプラテンローラ26との間に狭持される。またこれと共に、基材テープ101及びカバーフィルム103がテープ送りローラ27とカートリッジホルダ6に設けられた圧着ローラ28との間に狭持される。 In the above configuration, when the cartridge 7 is mounted on the cartridge holder 6, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are sandwiched between the thermal head 23 and the platen roller 26 provided on the cartridge holder 6. At the same time, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 provided on the cartridge holder 6.
 その後、上記搬送用モータ119の駆動力によってリボン巻取りローラ106及びテープ送りローラ27が図3中矢印B及び矢印Cで示す方向にそれぞれ同期して回転駆動される。このとき、上記テープ送りローラ駆動軸108と上記圧着ローラ28及びプラテンローラ26とはギヤ機構(図示せず)にて連結されている。この結果、テープ送りローラ駆動軸108の駆動に伴いテープ送りローラ27、圧着ローラ28、及びプラテンローラ26が回転し、第1ロール102から基材テープ101が繰り出され、上述のようにテープ送りローラ27へ供給される。 Thereafter, the ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. 3 by the driving force of the conveying motor 119, respectively. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 are connected by a gear mechanism (not shown). As a result, as the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 is driven, the tape feed roller 27, the pressure roller 28, and the platen roller 26 rotate, and the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102. As described above, the tape feed roller 27.
 一方、第2ロール104からはカバーフィルム103が繰り出されるとともに、印字駆動回路120(後述の図4参照)により上記サーマルヘッド23の複数の発熱素子が通電される。このとき、カバーフィルム103の裏面に上述のようにしてインクリボン105が接触させられることにより、カバーフィルム103の裏面の印字領域に対し、所望の印字(鏡像印字)が行われる。 On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23 are energized by a print drive circuit 120 (see FIG. 4 described later). At this time, when the ink ribbon 105 is brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 as described above, desired printing (mirror image printing) is performed on the print area on the back surface of the cover film 103.
 そして、基材テープ101と上記印字が終了したカバーフィルム103とが、上記テープ送りローラ27及び圧着ローラ28により接着されて一体化されて上記印字済みラベル用テープ109となり、上記テープ排出部30よりカートリッジ7外へと搬出される。また、カバーフィルム103への印字が終了したインクリボン105は、リボン巻取りローラ駆動軸107の駆動によりリボン巻取りローラ106に巻取られる。 Then, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 to form the printed label tape 109, from the tape discharge unit 30. It is carried out of the cartridge 7. Further, the ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107.
 上記印字が終了した印字済みラベル用テープ109が上記テープ排出部30よりカートリッジ7外へと搬出されると、自動的に(あるいは上記カッタ駆動キー90(図2参照)が操作されることにより)、印字済みラベル用テープ109が切断機構15によって切断され、印字ラベルL1(又はL2、若しくはL3)が生成される。そして、この印字ラベルL1(又はL2、若しくはL3)は、上記ラベル排出口11(図2参照)から排出される。 When the printed label tape 109 that has been printed is unloaded from the tape discharge unit 30 to the outside of the cartridge 7, it is automatically (or by operating the cutter drive key 90 (see FIG. 2)). Then, the printed label tape 109 is cut by the cutting mechanism 15 to generate the print label L1 (or L2 or L3). The print label L1 (or L2 or L3) is discharged from the label discharge port 11 (see FIG. 2).
 ラベル作成装置1の制御系を図4により説明する。 The control system of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
 図4において、ラベル作成装置1の制御基板(図示せず)上には、制御回路110が配置されている。この制御回路110には、各機器を制御するCPU111と、このCPU111にデータバス112を介して接続された、入出力インターフェース113、CGROM114、ROM115,116、及びRAM117とが設けられている。 In FIG. 4, a control circuit 110 is arranged on a control board (not shown) of the label producing apparatus 1. The control circuit 110 includes a CPU 111 that controls each device, and an input / output interface 113, a CGROM 114, ROMs 115 and 116, and a RAM 117 connected to the CPU 111 via a data bus 112.
 ROM116には、ラベル作成装置1の制御上必要な各種のプログラムが格納されている。CPU111は、このようなROM116に記憶されている各種プログラムに基づいて各種の演算を行う。 The ROM 116 stores various programs necessary for controlling the label producing apparatus 1. The CPU 111 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 116.
 RAM117には、テキストメモリ117A、印字バッファ117B、パラメータ記憶エリア117E等が設けられている。テキストメモリ117Aには、操作端末118から入力された印字データ(詳細は後述)が格納される。印字バッファ117Bには、CPU111で印字データを演算することによる複数の文字や記号等の印字用ドットパターンがドットパターンデータとして格納され、サーマルヘッド23はこの印字バッファ117Bに記憶されているドットパターンデータに従ってドット印字を行う。パラメータ記憶エリア117Eには、各種演算データ等が記憶される。 The RAM 117 is provided with a text memory 117A, a print buffer 117B, a parameter storage area 117E, and the like. The text memory 117A stores print data (details will be described later) input from the operation terminal 118. In the print buffer 117B, dot patterns for printing such as a plurality of characters and symbols obtained by calculating print data by the CPU 111 are stored as dot pattern data, and the thermal head 23 is stored in the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 117B. Perform dot printing according to Various calculation data and the like are stored in the parameter storage area 117E.
 入出力インターフェース113には、上記操作端末118と、上記カッタ駆動キー90と、上記電源キー14と、印字駆動回路120と、搬送用モータ駆動回路121と、カッターモータ駆動回路122とが接続されている。 The input / output interface 113 is connected to the operation terminal 118, the cutter drive key 90, the power key 14, the print drive circuit 120, the conveyance motor drive circuit 121, and the cutter motor drive circuit 122. Yes.
 操作端末118は、図示しないCPU及びRAM、ROM等のメモリを備え、操作端末118全体の制御を行う制御回路130を有する。ROMには、後述する図18のフローを実行するためのラベル作成用編集プログラムを含む、各種制御プログラムが記憶されている。印字駆動回路120は、上記サーマルヘッド23の複数の発熱素子を駆動する。搬送用モータ駆動回路121は、上記搬送用モータ119を駆動することにより、上記テープ送りローラ駆動軸108を介し上記テープ送りローラ27を駆動する。カッターモータ駆動回路122は、カッターモータ43を駆動することにより、上記切断機構15の切断動作を行わせる。 The operation terminal 118 includes a CPU (not shown) and a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and includes a control circuit 130 that controls the entire operation terminal 118. The ROM stores various control programs including a label creation editing program for executing the flow of FIG. 18 described later. The print drive circuit 120 drives the plurality of heating elements of the thermal head 23. The conveyance motor drive circuit 121 drives the tape feed roller 27 via the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 by driving the conveyance motor 119. The cutter motor drive circuit 122 causes the cutting mechanism 15 to perform a cutting operation by driving the cutter motor 43.
 このような制御回路110を核とする制御系において、操作端末118を介して上記印字データが入力された場合、印字データがテキストメモリ117Aに順次格納される。これにより、サーマルヘッド23が印字駆動回路120を介して駆動され、各発熱素子が1ライン分の印字ドットに対応して選択的に発熱駆動されて印字バッファ117Bに記憶されたドットパターンデータの印字を行う。また、これと同期して搬送用モータ119が駆動回路121を介してテープの搬送制御を行う。 In such a control system having the control circuit 110 as the core, when the print data is input via the operation terminal 118, the print data is sequentially stored in the text memory 117A. As a result, the thermal head 23 is driven via the print drive circuit 120, and each heater element is selectively driven to generate heat corresponding to the print dots for one line, and the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 117B is printed. I do. In synchronism with this, the transport motor 119 controls the transport of the tape via the drive circuit 121.
 <編集内容の概略>
 本実施形態の最大の特徴は、上記構成の印字ラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cにより作成される印字ラベルL1,L2,L3の印字内容を操作者が操作端末118を用いて編集する際の、操作端末118での処理内容にある。以下、その詳細を順を追って説明する。
<Summary of editing contents>
The greatest feature of this embodiment is that when an operator edits the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 created by the print label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C having the above-described configuration using the operation terminal 118, This is in the processing contents at the operation terminal 118. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.
 本実施形態では、編集の際、操作者は、操作端末118の表示部118aの所定の画面(詳細は後述)に、複数の(上記の例では3つ)の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3のラベルイメージをそれぞれ表示させる。その後、操作者は、操作端末118の操作部118bを操作することにより、それら3つのラベルイメージ上のみならずその周囲を含む所定範囲に形成したい印字形成イメージ(詳細は後述)を、表示部118aに表示させる。そして、当該印字形成イメージを実現するために分担すべき印字(詳細は後述)を形成した各印字ラベルL1,L2,L3がラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cによってそれぞれ作成される。この結果、操作者が、作成された印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を適宜な態様で貼り付け対象物に貼り付けることにより、前述の所定範囲への印字形成イメージに近い、印字による表示を実現することができる。 In this embodiment, at the time of editing, the operator displays a plurality of (three in the above example) print labels L1, L2, and L3 on a predetermined screen (details will be described later) of the display unit 118a of the operation terminal 118. Each label image is displayed. Thereafter, the operator operates the operation unit 118b of the operation terminal 118 to display a print formation image (details will be described later) desired to be formed in a predetermined range including not only the three label images but also the periphery thereof. To display. Then, each of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 on which prints (details will be described later) to be shared in order to realize the print formation image are created by the label creation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C, respectively. As a result, the operator can attach the created print labels L1, L2, and L3 to the object to be attached in an appropriate manner, thereby realizing a display by printing that is close to the above-described print formation image within the predetermined range. be able to.
 <3つの印字ラベルからなるラベル体>
 操作者の上記意図により作成される、上記印字ラベルL1、上記印字ラベルL2、及び上記印字ラベルL3の一例と、それら印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を貼り付けて組み合わせたラベル体LLの例について、図5を用いて説明する。図5(a)に示すように、この例では、大型の長方形の印字ラベルL1の上に、幅方向位置をほぼ合わせるようにして中型の長方形の印字ラベルL2が貼り付けられている。そして、それら貼り合わされた印字ラベルL1及び印字ラベルL2の右端からはみ出すように、斜め方向に小型の長方形の印字ラベルL3が貼り付けられ、これら全体によってラベル体LLが形作られている。そして、全体として右端に突出片を突き出させた長方形形状となる当該ラベル体LLにおいて、印字ラベルL1と印字ラベルL2にまたがるように「おでかけ向き!使い捨てないカイロ」の文字が形成されている。また、印字ラベルL2の長手方向に沿うように「¥1980(取消線付き) ¥1480」の文字が形成されている。さらに、上記のように突出して設けられる印字ラベルL3の長手方向に沿うように「←激安!」の文字が形成されている。
<Label body consisting of three printed labels>
An example of the print label L1, the print label L2, and the print label L3 created by the operator's intention, and an example of a label body LL that is a combination of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 attached, This will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, in this example, a medium-sized rectangular print label L2 is attached on a large rectangular print label L1 so that the positions in the width direction are substantially matched. Then, a small rectangular print label L3 is attached in an oblique direction so as to protrude from the right ends of the attached print label L1 and print label L2, and a label body LL is formed as a whole. Then, in the label body LL having a rectangular shape with a protruding piece protruding from the right end as a whole, the characters “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” are formed so as to straddle the print label L1 and the print label L2. In addition, characters of “¥ 1980 (with strikethrough) ¥ 1480” are formed along the longitudinal direction of the print label L2. Furthermore, the characters “← Cheap!” Are formed along the longitudinal direction of the print label L3 that protrudes as described above.
 <編集操作の流れ>
 上記のようなラベル体LLを実現するためには、図5(b)に示す態様の印字ラベルL1と、図5(c)に示す態様の印字ラベルL2と、図5(d)に示す態様の印字ラベルL3と、が必要となる。以下、このような印字ラベルL1,L2,L3からなるラベル体LLを作成するために、操作端末118によって実行される編集操作手順を、図6~図15を用いて順を追って説明する。
<Flow of editing operations>
In order to realize the label body LL as described above, the print label L1 having the form shown in FIG. 5B, the print label L2 having the form shown in FIG. 5C, and the form shown in FIG. The print label L3 is required. Hereinafter, the editing operation procedure executed by the operation terminal 118 in order to create the label body LL composed of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 will be described in order with reference to FIGS.
 まず、操作者による操作部118bでの適宜の操作により、操作端末118の表示部118aに、図6に示す編集画面が表示される。この編集画面の右上には、予め用意された複数の被印字テープ103の種類に対応した、幅24mmの第1素材イメージM1、幅12mmの第2素材イメージM2、幅9mmの第3素材イメージが表示される。これら第1~第3素材イメージM1~M3をドラッグアンドドロップすることにより、表示部118aの編集画面内に所望のラベルイメージを構築することができる。 First, an edit screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display unit 118a of the operation terminal 118 by an appropriate operation by the operator on the operation unit 118b. In the upper right of the editing screen, a first material image M1 having a width of 24 mm, a second material image M2 having a width of 12 mm, and a third material image having a width of 9 mm corresponding to the types of the plurality of tapes 103 to be prepared prepared in advance. Is displayed. By dragging and dropping these first to third material images M1 to M3, a desired label image can be constructed in the editing screen of the display unit 118a.
 <ラベルイメージの配置>
 図6には、まず、操作者が、操作部118b(例えばマウス)での適宜の操作によって第1素材イメージM1を左下にドラッグアンドドロップし、上記印字ラベルL1のラベルイメージである第1ラベルイメージIL1が編集画面内に形成された状態を示している。なお、この例では、第1素材イメージM1が左下方向にスライド移動した態様の第1ラベルイメージIL1が形成されているが、これに限らない。各素材イメージM1~M3を用いてラベルイメージを形成する場合、方向を自在に変えたり、長さを自在に変えて設定することができる(後述の図9等を参照)。なお、図7に示すように、少なくとも1つの素材イメージ(この例では1つの第1素材イメージM1)を表示した後、操作者が当該第1素材イメージM1の幅方向上端又は下端を画面上で捕捉して動かすことにより、使用可能なテープ幅(この例では24mm、12mm、9mm)に段階的に変更して表示するようにしてもよい。図7中には、このようにして3段階に幅を変更可能な第1ラベルイメージIL1が、編集画面内に形成される様子をそれぞれ示している。
<Placement of label image>
In FIG. 6, first, the operator drags and drops the first material image M1 to the lower left by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, mouse), and the first label image which is the label image of the print label L1. IL1 is shown formed in the edit screen. In this example, the first label image IL1 in which the first material image M1 is slid and moved in the lower left direction is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. When forming a label image using each of the material images M1 to M3, the direction can be freely changed and the length can be freely changed (see FIG. 9 and the like described later). As shown in FIG. 7, after displaying at least one material image (in this example, one first material image M1), the operator displays the upper or lower end of the first material image M1 in the width direction on the screen. By capturing and moving, the tape width may be changed step by step to the usable tape width (24 mm, 12 mm, 9 mm in this example). FIG. 7 shows how the first label image IL1 whose width can be changed in three stages in this way is formed in the editing screen.
 このとき、図6及び図7において、各ラベルイメージどうしを重ね合わせて配置したり(後述の図10を参照)、互いに端部どうしを接触させて配置したり(後述の図25等を参照)、互いに離した状態で配置したり(後述の図20(a)等を参照)、一部を重ね合わせるとともに他の部分を離した状態で配置したり(後述の図19参照)することができる。 At this time, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the label images are arranged so as to overlap each other (see FIG. 10 described later), or arranged with their end portions in contact with each other (see FIG. 25 described later). It can be arranged in a state of being separated from each other (see FIG. 20 (a) and the like described later), or can be arranged in a state of being partly overlapped and separated from other parts (see FIG. 19 described later). .
 図8には、上記図6の状態の後、さらに操作者が操作部118bでの適宜の操作によって第2素材イメージM2を左側へドラッグアンドドロップすることにより、上記印字ラベルL2のラベルイメージである第2ラベルイメージIL2が編集画面内に形成された状態を示している。その際、第2ラベルイメージIL2は、上記図5(a)における印字ラベルL2と印字ラベルL1との関係と同様に、当該第2ラベルイメージIL2の下縁部が第1ラベルイメージIL1の下縁部に近接するように、第1ラベルイメージIL1内に位置決めされ配置されている。なお、この例でも、上記同様、第2素材イメージM2が大きさや向きを変えることなくそのまま左側へスライド移動した態様の第2ラベルイメージIL2が形成されている。 FIG. 8 shows a label image of the print label L2 by further dragging and dropping the second material image M2 to the left side by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b after the state of FIG. A state in which the second label image IL2 is formed in the editing screen is shown. At this time, the second label image IL2 is such that the lower edge portion of the second label image IL2 is the lower edge of the first label image IL1, as in the relationship between the print label L2 and the print label L1 in FIG. It is positioned and arranged in the first label image IL1 so as to be close to the portion. In this example as well, as described above, the second label image IL2 is formed in such a manner that the second material image M2 is slid to the left without changing its size and orientation.
 図9には、上記図8の状態の後、さらに操作者が操作部118bでの適宜の操作によって第3素材イメージM3を左側へドラッグアンドドロップすることにより、上記印字ラベルL3のラベルイメージである第3ラベルイメージIL3が編集画面内に形成された状態を示している。その際、第3ラベルイメージIL3は、上記図5(a)における印字ラベルL3の印字ラベルL1,L2との位置関係と同様に、第1ラベルイメージIL1及び第2ラベルイメージIL2から突片状に突出するように位置決めされ配置されている。なお、この例では、第3素材イメージM3の長手方向寸法が縮短され、かつ反時計回りに若干回転して向きが変えられた態様で、第3ラベルイメージIL3が形成されている。なお、上記編集画面上において、各ラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3を、互いに異なる表示態様(例えば互いに異なる色彩や線太さ等)により表示してもよい。 FIG. 9 shows a label image of the print label L3 by further dragging and dropping the third material image M3 to the left side by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b after the state of FIG. A state is shown in which the third label image IL3 is formed in the editing screen. At this time, the third label image IL3 is projected from the first label image IL1 and the second label image IL2 in the same manner as the positional relationship between the print label L3 and the print labels L1 and L2 in FIG. It is positioned and arranged to protrude. In this example, the third label image IL3 is formed in such a manner that the longitudinal dimension of the third material image M3 is reduced and the direction is changed by slightly rotating counterclockwise. On the editing screen, the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 may be displayed in different display modes (for example, different colors and line thicknesses).
 <印字内容の入力>
 上記のようにして3つの印字ラベルL1,L2,L3にそれぞれ対応した第1ラベルイメージIL1、第2ラベルイメージIL2、第3ラベルイメージIL3の配置が終了したら、操作者は、それらラベルイメージIL1~IL3を含みその周囲部分にわたって表示したい印字内容の入力を行う。この印字内容の入力は、入力エリアの設定、及び、その設定された入力エリアへの印字文字の入力、という手順を組にして行われる。そして、本実施形態では、2通りの入力エリアの設定の手法が存在する。
<Input print contents>
When the arrangement of the first label image IL1, the second label image IL2, and the third label image IL3 respectively corresponding to the three print labels L1, L2, and L3 is completed as described above, the operator selects the label images IL1 to IL3. Input the print contents to be displayed over the surrounding area including IL3. The input of the print contents is performed as a set of procedures for setting an input area and inputting print characters in the set input area. In this embodiment, there are two input area setting methods.
 図10には、上記手法の1つとして、入力エリアの形状が長方形として固定されている場合に、当該長方形の1つの頂点(この例では左上の頂点)と別の頂点(この例では右下の頂点)とを設定することで入力エリアを設定する場合を示している。すなわち、操作者は、操作部118b(例えばマウス)での適宜の操作によって、上記長方形の左上頂点tb1と右下頂点tb2とを設定する。これにより、図示のように、当該長方形の形状を備えた入力エリアTB1が編集画面内に形成される(破線の枠参照)。 In FIG. 10, as one of the above methods, when the shape of the input area is fixed as a rectangle, one vertex (upper left vertex in this example) of the rectangle and another vertex (lower right in this example) In this case, the input area is set by setting (the vertex of). That is, the operator sets the upper left vertex tb1 and the lower right vertex tb2 of the rectangle by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse). As a result, as shown in the figure, an input area TB1 having the rectangular shape is formed in the edit screen (see the broken line frame).
 上記のようにして入力エリアTB1が設定されると、当該入力エリアTB1における印字内容の設定入力が行われる。図11には、上記図10のようにして設定された入力エリアTB1に対し、操作者の操作部118b(例えばキーボード)での適宜の操作によって、「おでかけ向き!使い捨てないカイロ」のテキストイメージTX1が編集画面内に形成された状態を示している。その際、テキストイメージTX1は、上記図5(a)において上記印字ラベルL1,L2にまたがって形成された「おでかけ向き!使い捨てないカイロ」の印字の向きに対応して、第1ラベルイメージIL1と第2ラベルイメージIL2とにまたがるように、右上がりの斜め向きの態様で入力エリアTB1内に文字列が配置されている。 When the input area TB1 is set as described above, the print content setting input in the input area TB1 is performed. FIG. 11 shows a text image TX1 of “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” by an appropriate operation of the operator's operation unit 118b (for example, a keyboard) on the input area TB1 set as shown in FIG. Shows a state formed in the edit screen. At that time, the text image TX1 corresponds to the first label image IL1 corresponding to the printing direction of “Odekake direction! No disposable warmer” formed over the print labels L1 and L2 in FIG. A character string is arranged in the input area TB1 in a diagonally upward manner so as to straddle the second label image IL2.
 一方、図12には、入力エリアの設定の別の手法として、入力エリアをラベルイメージIL内に当該ラベルイメージILとほぼ同等の大きさに設定する場合を示している。すなわち、操作者は、操作部118b(例えばキーボード)での適宜の操作(この例ではShiftキー押下+左クリック操作)によって、入力エリアを設定する1つのラベルイメージIL(この例では第3ラベルイメージIL3)を選択する。これにより、図示のように、第3ラベルイメージIL3内に当該第3ラベルイメージIL3とほぼ同等の大きさの長方形の形状を備えた入力エリアTB3が形成される(破線の枠参照)。 On the other hand, FIG. 12 shows a case where the input area is set in the label image IL to a size substantially equal to the label image IL as another method of setting the input area. That is, the operator performs one label image IL (in this example, the third label image) for setting the input area by an appropriate operation (in this example, pressing the Shift key + left click operation) on the operation unit 118b (for example, the keyboard). IL3) is selected. As a result, as shown in the figure, an input area TB3 having a rectangular shape having a size substantially equal to that of the third label image IL3 is formed in the third label image IL3 (see a broken line frame).
 上記のようにして入力エリアTB3が設定されると、当該入力エリアTB3における印字内容の設定入力が行われる。図13には、上記図12のようにして設定された入力エリアTB3に対し、操作者の操作部118b(例えばキーボード)での適宜の操作によって、「←激安!」のテキストイメージTX3が編集画面内に形成された状態を示している。テキストイメージTX3は、上記図5(a)において上記印字ラベルL3に形成された「←激安!」の印字の向きに対応して、右上がりの斜め向きの態様で入力エリアTB3内に文字列が配置されている。 When the input area TB3 is set as described above, the print content setting input in the input area TB3 is performed. In FIG. 13, the text image TX3 of “← Cheap!” Is displayed on the editing screen by performing an appropriate operation on the operation area 118b (for example, a keyboard) of the operator with respect to the input area TB3 set as shown in FIG. The state formed inside is shown. The text image TX3 has a character string in the input area TB3 in an obliquely upward direction corresponding to the printing direction of “← Cheap!” Formed on the print label L3 in FIG. Is arranged.
 図14には、上記図13の状態の後、さらに操作者が操作部118b(例えばマウス)での適宜の操作によって長方形の左上頂点tb3と右下頂点tb4とを設定することにより、図示のように、当該長方形の形状を備えた入力エリアTB2が、第2ラベルイメージIL2内のやや下方よりに形成された例(破線の枠参照)を示している。 In FIG. 14, after the state of FIG. 13, the operator further sets a rectangular upper left vertex tb3 and lower right vertex tb4 by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse), as illustrated in FIG. In the example, the input area TB2 having the rectangular shape is formed slightly below in the second label image IL2 (see the broken line frame).
 上記のようにして入力エリアTB2が設定されると、当該入力エリアTB2における印字内容の設定入力が行われる。図15には、上記図14のようにして設定された入力エリアTB2に対し、操作者の操作部118b(例えばキーボード)での適宜の操作によって、「¥1980(取消線付き) ¥1480」のテキストイメージTX2が形成された状態を示している。その際、テキストイメージTX2は、上記図5(a)において上記印字ラベルL2に形成された「¥1980(取消線付き) ¥1480」の印字の向きに対応して、水平向きの態様で入力エリアTB2内に文字列が配置されている。 When the input area TB2 is set as described above, the print content setting input in the input area TB2 is performed. In FIG. 15, “¥ 1980 (with strikethrough) ¥ 1480” is applied to the input area TB <b> 2 set as shown in FIG. 14 by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118 b (for example, a keyboard) by the operator. A state in which a text image TX2 is formed is shown. At that time, the text image TX2 is input in the horizontal direction corresponding to the print direction of “¥ 1980 (with strikethrough) ¥ 1480” formed on the print label L2 in FIG. A character string is arranged in TB2.
 このように、操作者が適宜の入力エリアの設定操作を行うことにより、印字形成範囲としての入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3がそれぞれ設定され、さらにその入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3に対し操作者が適宜の印字内容の入力操作を行うことにより、各入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3の印字内容が設定される。この例では、3つの入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3すべての印字内容が設定されることにより、3つのラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3を含む所定範囲に対する全印字イメージIPが設定される。 As described above, when the operator performs an appropriate input area setting operation, the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3 as the print formation ranges are respectively set, and the operator further sets the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3. By performing an appropriate print content input operation, the print content of each input area TB1, TB2, TB3 is set. In this example, all print images IP for a predetermined range including the three label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 are set by setting the print contents of all three input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3.
 <印字データの決定>
 以上のようにして、第1ラベルイメージIL1、第2ラベルイメージIL2、第3ラベルイメージIL3を含む所定範囲に形成される印字内容のトータルの姿(入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3の印字内容の総和である、全印字イメージIP)が決定される。この結果、各印字ラベルL1~L3ごとに(言い換えれば各ラベルイメージIL1~IL3ごとに)分担すべき印字内容が決定される。
<Determination of print data>
As described above, the total print contents formed in a predetermined range including the first label image IL1, the second label image IL2, and the third label image IL3 (the sum of the print contents of the input areas TB1, TB2, and TB3) , All print images IP) are determined. As a result, the print contents to be shared are determined for each of the print labels L1 to L3 (in other words, for each of the label images IL1 to IL3).
 すなわち、図16(a)に示すように、第1ラベルイメージIL1には、上記「おでかけ向き!使い捨てないカイロ」のテキストイメージTX1のうちの上半分イメージTX1aが抽出されて割り当てられる。この結果、上記上半分イメージTX1aに対応した印字データが作成され、印字ラベルL1を作成するための印字データとして、ラベル作成装置1Aに出力される。 That is, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), the upper half image TX1a of the text image TX1 of the above “outing direction! Non-disposable warmer” text image TX1 is extracted and assigned to the first label image IL1. As a result, print data corresponding to the upper half image TX1a is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1A as print data for creating the print label L1.
 同様に、図16(b)に示すように、第2ラベルイメージIL2には、上記「おでかけ向き!使い捨てないカイロ」のテキストイメージTX1のうちの下半分イメージTX1bと、上記「¥1980(取消線付き) ¥1480」のテキストイメージTX2とが抽出されて割り当てられる。この結果、当該上記下半分イメージTX1b及びテキストイメージTX2に対応した印字データが作成され、印字ラベルL2を作成するための印字データとして、ラベル作成装置1Bに出力される。 Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), the second label image IL2 includes the lower half image TX1b of the text image TX1 of “Odekake! Append) \ 1480 "text image TX2 is extracted and assigned. As a result, print data corresponding to the lower half image TX1b and the text image TX2 is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1B as print data for creating the print label L2.
 同様に、図16(c)に示すように、第3ラベルイメージIL3には、上記「←激安!」のテキストイメージTX3が抽出されて割り当てられる。この結果、当該テキストイメージTX3に対応した印字データが作成され、印字ラベルL3を作成するための印字データとして、ラベル作成装置1Cに出力される。 Similarly, as shown in FIG. 16C, the text image TX3 of “← Cheap!” Is extracted and assigned to the third label image IL3. As a result, print data corresponding to the text image TX3 is created and output to the label creating apparatus 1C as print data for creating the print label L3.
 以上のような、各ラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cそれぞれに対する印字データの割り当て及び出力により、図17に示すように、各ラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3に対応した各印字ラベルL1,L2,L3がラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cで作成される。操作者が、作成された3つの印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を組み合わせることにより、先に図5(a)に示した、印字ラベルL1の上に、幅方向位置をほぼ合わせるように印字ラベルL2が貼り付けられ、さらにそれら印字ラベルL1及び印字ラベルL2の右端からはみ出すように、斜め方向に印字ラベルL3が貼り付けられたラベル体LLを形作ることができる。 By assigning and outputting the print data to the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C as described above, as shown in FIG. 17, the print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3, respectively. Are produced by the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C. By combining the three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 created by the operator, the printed label L2 so that the position in the width direction is substantially aligned with the printed label L1 shown in FIG. Can be formed, and a label body LL to which the print label L3 is attached in an oblique direction can be formed so as to protrude from the right ends of the print label L1 and the print label L2.
 <制御内容>
 上記手法を実現するために、操作端末118の制御回路130によって実行される制御内容を図18により説明する。なお、制御回路130は、例えば操作者により適宜のラベル編集開始指示の操作入力が行われた際に、このフローを開始する。
<Control details>
Control contents executed by the control circuit 130 of the operation terminal 118 in order to realize the above-described method will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit 130 starts this flow when, for example, an operator inputs an appropriate label editing start instruction.
 図18において、まずステップS1で、制御回路130は、表示部118aに表示信号を出力する。これにより、表示部118aは、上記編集画面上に、複数種類の素材イメージ(前述の例では第1素材イメージM1、第2素材イメージM2、第3素材イメージM3)を表示する。 In FIG. 18, first, in step S1, the control circuit 130 outputs a display signal to the display unit 118a. Thereby, the display unit 118a displays a plurality of types of material images (first material image M1, second material image M2, and third material image M3 in the above example) on the editing screen.
 その後、ステップS2に移り、制御回路130は、操作者による操作部118bでの適宜の操作により、表示部118aの編集画面上で、前述のようにしていずれかの素材イメージM1,M2,M3等に対しドラッグアンドドロップ操作がなされたかどうかを判定する。ドラッグアンドドロップ操作がなされない間は判定が満たされずループ待機し、ドラッグアンドドロップ操作がなされたら判定が満たされ、ステップS3に移る。 Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S2, and the control circuit 130 performs any of the material images M1, M2, M3, etc. as described above on the editing screen of the display unit 118a by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 118b by the operator. It is determined whether a drag-and-drop operation has been performed on the. While the drag-and-drop operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. When the drag-and-drop operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S3.
 ステップS3では、制御回路130は、表示部118aに表示信号を出力し、これによって、上記ドロップ操作がなされた位置に上記ドラッグ操作された素材イメージM1,M2,M3等がラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3等として表示される(上記図6~図9参照)。なおこの際、操作部118bを介し操作者により前述のようにして長さや向きを変更したり、あるいは幅を変更する(上記図7参照)操作がなされた場合には、当該操作に対応するようにイメージを加工して表示が行われる。前述したように、この際、各ラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3等が互いに重なり合うように配置して表示することもできる。その後、ステップS4に移る。 In step S3, the control circuit 130 outputs a display signal to the display unit 118a, so that the material images M1, M2, M3 and the like that have been dragged to the position where the drop operation has been performed become the label images IL1, IL2, and so on. Displayed as IL3 or the like (see FIGS. 6 to 9). At this time, when the operator changes the length or direction or changes the width (see FIG. 7) as described above, the operator responds to the operation via the operation unit 118b. The image is processed and displayed. As described above, at this time, the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. can be arranged and displayed so as to overlap each other. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S4.
 ステップS4では、制御回路130は、操作部118bを介した操作者の適宜の操作により、すべてのラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3等の配列が終了した旨の指示入力があったかどうかを判定する。当該指示入力がない場合は判定が満たされず、ステップS1に戻って同様の手順を繰り返す。上記指示入力があった場合はステップS4の判定が満たされ、ステップS5に移る。 In step S4, the control circuit 130 determines whether or not an instruction input indicating that the arrangement of all the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. has been completed is made by an appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b. If there is no instruction input, the determination is not satisfied and the process returns to step S1 and the same procedure is repeated. If the instruction is input, the determination at step S4 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S5.
 ステップS5では、制御回路130は、操作部118bを介した操作者の適宜の操作(前述の図10、図12、図14参照)により、前述の入力エリアの設定操作があったかどうかを判定する。入力エリアの設定操作がなされない間は判定が満たされずループ待機し、入力エリアの設定操作がなされると判定が満たされ、ステップS6に移る。 In step S5, the control circuit 130 determines whether or not the input area setting operation has been performed by an appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 described above). While the input area setting operation is not performed, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. When the input area setting operation is performed, the determination is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S6.
 ステップS6では、制御回路130は、上記入力エリア設定操作に対応して、編集画面中における入力エリアを決定し、対応する表示信号を表示部118aに出力する。これによって、編集画面中の対応する位置に入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等が表示される(前述の図10、図12、図14参照)。 In step S6, the control circuit 130 determines an input area in the editing screen in response to the input area setting operation, and outputs a corresponding display signal to the display unit 118a. As a result, the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. are displayed at corresponding positions in the editing screen (see FIGS. 10, 12, and 14 described above).
 その後、ステップS7で、制御回路130は、操作者の操作部118bを介した操作により、上記入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等に対する印字内容の設定入力があったかどうかを判定する。印字内容の入力がない場合は判定が満たされずループ待機し、印字内容の入力があると判定が満たされ、ステップS8に移る。 Thereafter, in step S7, the control circuit 130 determines whether or not a print content setting input has been made for the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc., by an operation via the operator's operation unit 118b. If there is no input of print content, the determination is not satisfied and the process stands by in a loop. If there is an input of print content, the determination is satisfied, and the routine goes to Step S8.
 ステップS8では、制御回路130は、上記ステップS8で入力された印字内容を、ステップS6で決定された入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等に対する印字内容として決定する。 In step S8, the control circuit 130 determines the print content input in step S8 as the print content for the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. determined in step S6.
 その後、ステップS9で、制御回路130は、上記ステップS8で決定された上記印字内容に対応した印字イメージを生成し、対応する表示信号を表示部118aに出力する。これにより、生成された印字イメージが上記編集画面の対応する入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等の内部に表示される(上記図11、図13、図15参照)。また当該印字イメージは、操作端末118に備えられた上記メモリに一時的に格納される。その後、ステップS10に移る。 Thereafter, in step S9, the control circuit 130 generates a print image corresponding to the print content determined in step S8, and outputs a corresponding display signal to the display unit 118a. As a result, the generated print image is displayed in the corresponding input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. of the editing screen (see FIGS. 11, 13, and 15). The print image is temporarily stored in the memory provided in the operation terminal 118. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S10.
 ステップS10では、制御回路130は、操作部118bを介した操作者の適宜の操作により、すべての入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等に対する印字内容の入力が終了し上記所定範囲に対する全印字内容を確定する等の指示入力があったかどうかを判定する。当該指示入力がない場合は判定が満たされず、ステップS5に戻って同様の手順を繰り返す。上記指示入力があった場合はステップS10の判定が満たされ、ステップS11に移る。 In step S10, the control circuit 130 completes the input of the print contents for all the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. by the appropriate operation of the operator via the operation unit 118b, and determines all the print contents for the predetermined range. It is determined whether there is an instruction input such as If there is no instruction input, the determination is not satisfied, and the process returns to step S5 and the same procedure is repeated. If there is an instruction input, the determination at step S10 is satisfied, and the routine goes to step S11.
 ステップS11では、制御回路130は、上記ステップS5~ステップS10の繰り返しにおいてステップS9で上記メモリに順次格納されたすべての入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等に対する印字イメージからなる全印字イメージIP(図15参照)を、当該メモリから取得する。これにより、前述のようにしてステップS1~ステップS4の繰り返しにより順次配列された複数のラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3等を含む所定範囲に対する上記全印字イメージIPが取得されたことになる。 In step S11, the control circuit 130 repeats the above steps S5 to S10, and the entire print image IP (FIG. 15) is formed of the print images for all the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. sequentially stored in the memory in step S9. Is obtained from the memory. As a result, the entire print image IP for the predetermined range including the plurality of label images IL1, IL2, IL3 and the like sequentially arranged as described above is obtained by repeating the steps S1 to S4.
 その後、ステップS12に移り、制御回路130は、上記ステップS11で取得された全印字イメージIPのうち、配列された各ラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3のそれぞれの配列領域に相当する部分を抽出する。この抽出された部分は、すなわち、上記所定範囲全体において表現すべき全印字イメージIPのうち、各ラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3等が分担すべきイメージ部分である。そして、制御回路130は、抽出された各部分を、対応する配列領域に配列されたラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3に対応した印字ラベルL1,L2,L3の印字内容として割り当てる。 Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S12, and the control circuit 130 extracts a portion corresponding to each arrangement area of each of the arranged label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 from the entire print image IP acquired in step S11. In other words, the extracted portion is an image portion to be shared by the label images IL1, IL2, IL3, etc. among all the print images IP to be expressed in the entire predetermined range. Then, the control circuit 130 assigns the extracted portions as the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 arranged in the corresponding arrangement region.
 そして、ステップS13で、制御回路130は、上記ステップS12で各ラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3ごとにそれぞれ抽出された全印字イメージIPの各部分に対応した印字データを生成し、生成された各印字データを、複数の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3それぞれに対応した印字データとして決定する。これにより、上記ステップS12で各ラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3ごとに割り当てられた上記イメージ部分が、それぞれに対応した印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を作成するときの印字内容となり、この印字内容を実現すべく当該印字ラベル印字ラベルL1,L2,L3の印字データが決定されるのである。 In step S13, the control circuit 130 generates print data corresponding to each portion of the entire print image IP extracted for each of the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 in step S12. The data is determined as print data corresponding to each of the plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3. As a result, the image portion allocated to each of the label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 in step S12 becomes the print content when the corresponding print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created, and this print content is realized. Accordingly, the print data of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 is determined.
 ステップS14では、制御回路130は、上記ステップS13での決定結果に基づき、印字ラベルL1,L2,L3に対応づけてそれぞれ決定された印字データを、上記ラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cに分配して出力する。すなわち印字ラベルL1に対応した印字データ(前述の上半分イメージTX1aに対応した印字データ)がラベル作成装置1Aに出力され、印字ラベルL2に対応した印字データ(前述の下半分イメージTX1b及びテキストイメージTX2に対応した印字データ)がラベル作成装置1Bに出力され、印字ラベルL3に対応した印字データ(前述のテキストイメージTX3に対応した印字データ)がラベル作成装置1Cに出力される。この結果、各印字データにそれぞれ対応した3つの印字ラベルL1,L2,L3が、3つのラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cで並行して作成される。この結果、操作者は、作成された印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を適宜な態様で組み合わせて貼り付け、上記ラベル体LLを形作ることができる。以上により、このフローを終了する。 In step S14, the control circuit 130 distributes the print data determined in association with the print labels L1, L2, and L3 to the label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C based on the determination result in step S13. Output. That is, print data corresponding to the print label L1 (print data corresponding to the above-described upper half image TX1a) is output to the label producing apparatus 1A, and print data corresponding to the print label L2 (the above-described lower half image TX1b and text image TX2). Is output to the label creating apparatus 1B, and print data corresponding to the print label L3 (print data corresponding to the text image TX3) is output to the label creating apparatus 1C. As a result, three print labels L1, L2, and L3 corresponding to the respective print data are created in parallel by the three label producing devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. As a result, the operator can form the label body LL by combining and pasting the produced print labels L1, L2, and L3 in an appropriate manner. Thus, this flow is finished.
 以上説明したように、本実施形態では、前述のようにして向きや長さを自在に選択した形で印字内容を設定した複数枚の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等を作成する。そして、それら印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等を適宜に組み合わせて貼り付けることで、所望のラベル体LLを形作ることができる。これにより、ラベル体LLに含まれる印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等の全体により、前述の所定範囲への全印字イメージIPに近い、印字による表示を行うことができる。この結果、操作者の意図する所望の態様の印字表示を多種多様に実現することができる。この結果、複数の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等を活用した表現性を幅広く拡張することができ、操作者の利便性を向上することができる。 As described above, in this embodiment, a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc., in which the print contents are set in the form in which the orientation and length are freely selected as described above, are created. Then, a desired label body LL can be formed by attaching the print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like in an appropriate combination. As a result, it is possible to perform display by printing that is close to the entire print image IP in the above-described predetermined range by the entirety of the print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. included in the label body LL. As a result, it is possible to realize a wide variety of print display in a desired mode intended by the operator. As a result, the expressiveness utilizing a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. can be widely expanded, and the convenience for the operator can be improved.
 また、本実施形態では特に、操作者が操作部118bにより適宜の操作を行うことにより、編集画面において上記所定範囲中の入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等が設定され、さらにその入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等に対し操作者が適宜の印字内容を入力することにより、各入力エリアTB1,TB2,TB3等に印字内容が設定される(図18のステップS7参照)。これにより、操作者が上記所定範囲に対し印字形成で表現したいと思う全印字イメージIPを、手際よくかつ容易に形作ることができる。 In the present embodiment, in particular, when the operator performs an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b, the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3 and the like within the predetermined range are set on the editing screen, and the input areas TB1, TB2 are further set. , TB3, etc., when the operator inputs appropriate print contents, the print contents are set in the input areas TB1, TB2, TB3, etc. (see step S7 in FIG. 18). As a result, the entire print image IP that the operator wants to express by print formation with respect to the predetermined range can be formed neatly and easily.
 また、本実施形態では特に、複数の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を複数のラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cで並行して作成する。これにより、ラベル作成時間を短くすることができる。また、互いにテープ幅や色等の属性が異なる複数種類の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等を用いてラベル体LLを形作る場合、1つのラベル作成装置1でそれら複数種類の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3すべてを作成する場合には、カートリッジ7の交換等が必要となる場合がある。しかしながら、本実施形態では、複数のラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cを用いることで、上記のようなカートリッジ7カバーフィルム103の交換等を不要とすることができ、これによってもラベル作成時間を短くすることができる。 In this embodiment, in particular, a plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3 are created in parallel by a plurality of label creation apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C. Thereby, the label production time can be shortened. In addition, when a label body LL is formed using a plurality of types of print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like having mutually different attributes such as tape width and color, the plurality of types of print labels L1, L2, and the like are formed by a single label producing device 1. When all L3s are created, it may be necessary to replace the cartridge 7 or the like. However, in the present embodiment, by using a plurality of label producing apparatuses 1A, 1B, 1C, the replacement of the cartridge 7 cover film 103 and the like as described above can be made unnecessary, and this also shortens the label producing time. can do.
 また、本実施形態では特に、上記図7に示したように、予め幅方向寸法及び長さ方向寸法が定められた少なくとも1つの素材イメージ(上記の例では素材イメージM1)を所定の位置に表示しておき、その幅方向寸法を、操作者の操作に応じて段階的に変更可能としている。これにより、図6のように互いに幅方向寸法が異なる複数種類の素材イメージを複数種類(前述の例では素材イメージM1,M2,M3の3種類)用意しておかなくても、操作者が当該少なくとも1つの素材イメージ(上記の例では素材イメージM1)の幅方向寸法を適宜に変更することで、互いに幅方向寸法が異なる複数のラベルイメージIL1,IL2,IL3を画面上で重なり合い可能に配列して表示することができる。 In the present embodiment, particularly, as shown in FIG. 7, at least one material image (the material image M1 in the above example) in which the width direction dimension and the length direction dimension are determined in advance is displayed at a predetermined position. In addition, the width direction dimension can be changed step by step according to the operation of the operator. Thus, even if a plurality of types of material images having different width-direction dimensions as shown in FIG. 6 (three types of material images M1, M2, and M3 in the above example) are not prepared, the operator can By appropriately changing the widthwise dimension of at least one material image (the material image M1 in the above example), a plurality of label images IL1, IL2, and IL3 having different widthwise dimensions are arranged on the screen so as to overlap each other. Can be displayed.
 なお、本発明は、上記実施形態に限られるものではなく、その趣旨及び技術的思想を逸脱しない範囲内で種々の変形が可能である。以下、そのような変形例を順を追って説明する。 The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea thereof. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.
(1)1台のラベル作成装置のみを用いる場合
 すなわち、上記のように複数の印字データを、複数のラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cに分配して出力する代わりに、それら複数の印字データを、いずれか1つのラベル作成装置1に対し一括して(又は順次)出力し、当該ラベル作成装置1が3つの印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を順次作成するようにしてもよい。この場合、この例では前述したように印字ラベルL1については幅24mmの被印字テープ103及び基材テープ101を収納したカートリッジ7が用いられ、印字ラベルL2については幅12mmの被印字テープ103及び基材テープ101を収納したカートリッジ7が用いられ、印字ラベルL3については幅9mmの被印字テープ103及び基材テープ101を収納したカートリッジ7が用いられる。すなわち、印字ラベルLごとに互いに異なる3種類のカートリッジ7が交換して用いられる。この場合、1つの印字データで1つの印字ラベルLを作成するごとに、カートリッジ7の交換を促すような適宜の表示を行うようにしてもよい。
(1) When using only one label producing device In other words, instead of distributing a plurality of print data to the plurality of label producing devices 1A, 1B, and 1C and outputting them as described above, Alternatively, the labels may be output collectively (or sequentially) to any one of the label producing apparatuses 1, and the label producing apparatus 1 may sequentially produce the three print labels L1, L2, and L3. In this case, in this example, as described above, the print label L1 uses the print-receiving tape 103 having a width of 24 mm and the cartridge 7 containing the base tape 101, and the print label L2 uses the print-receiving tape 103 and the base having a width of 12 mm. A cartridge 7 containing a material tape 101 is used, and a cartridge 7 containing a print-receiving tape 103 and a base tape 101 having a width of 9 mm is used for the print label L3. That is, three different types of cartridges 7 are exchanged for each print label L. In this case, an appropriate display that prompts replacement of the cartridge 7 may be performed every time one print label L is created with one print data.
 本変形例においては、複数のラベル作成装置1A,1B,1Cを用意することなく、1つの印字ラベル作成装置1Aのみを利用して、複数の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を作成することができる。なお、互いにテープ幅や色等の属性が異なる複数種類の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等を用いてラベル体LLを形作る場合であっても、カートリッジ7の交換等を適宜行うことで、1つのラベル作成装置1で複数の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等のすべてを作成することができる。 In this modification, a plurality of print labels L1, L2, and L3 can be created using only one print label creation device 1A without preparing a plurality of label creation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C. . Even when the label body LL is formed by using a plurality of types of print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like having different attributes such as tape width and color, it is possible to replace one cartridge 7 and the like as needed. The label producing apparatus 1 can produce all of the plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like.
(2)複数のラベルが互いに離れている部分を空白を挟んで連続するように印字する場合
 すなわち、この変形例では、操作者の意図により、複数の印字ラベルLが、互いに少なくとも一部が離れるようにして組み合わされ貼り付けられることで、ラベル体LLが形作られる。この場合の上記編集画面に表示されるラベルイメージの一例を、図19に示す。
(2) In the case where printing is performed such that portions where a plurality of labels are separated from each other are continuous across a blank, that is, in this modification, a plurality of print labels L are separated from each other at least partially by the operator's intention. Thus, the label body LL is formed by combining and sticking. An example of a label image displayed on the editing screen in this case is shown in FIG.
 図19に示す例では、上記所定範囲AR(この例ではラベルイメージ外の部分を含んでいる)に配置された2つのラベルイメージ(第1ラベルイメージILa及び第2ラベルイメージILb)は、互いの配列領域が二股状に離れて存在する離隔部R1,R2をそれぞれ含んでいる。そして、文字「SALE」からなる上記全印字イメージIPは、文字「E」の部分に、第1ラベルイメージILaの上記離隔部R1と第2ラベルイメージILbの上記離隔部R2とに連続する連続イメージ部分IS(言い換えれば2つのラベルイメージILa,ILbのいずれにも属さずそれらラベルイメージILa,ILbの間の非ラベル部NLに含まれる部分)を備えている。 In the example shown in FIG. 19, two label images (a first label image ILa and a second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image in this example) are The arrangement regions each include separation portions R1 and R2 that exist in a bifurcated manner. Then, the entire print image IP made up of the characters “SALE” is a continuous image continuous with the separation portion R1 of the first label image ILa and the separation portion R2 of the second label image ILb in the portion of the character “E”. A portion IS (in other words, a portion that does not belong to either of the two label images ILa and ILb and is included in the non-label portion NL between the label images ILa and ILb) is provided.
 これにより、本変形例では、上記ラベルイメージILa,ILbにそれぞれ対応した印字データを用いて上記印字ラベルL1,L2が作成されたとき、上記ラベル体LLにおいて、印字ラベルL1の印字内容と印字ラベルL2の印字内容とが、上記非ラベル部NLに対応した間隙(図示省略)を挟んで連続する態様となる。すなわち、実際にできあがったラベル体LLにおいては「SALE」の「E」の文字の真ん中の横棒「-」部分は存在しない(代わりに上記間隙が存在する)にもかかわらず、当該ラベル体LLを見た観察者に対しては、当該真ん中の横棒「-」部分を含む「E」の文字を感覚的に認識させ、かつ、全体として「SALE」の文字を識別させることができる。 Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data corresponding to the label images ILa and ILb, the print contents of the print label L1 and the print label are printed in the label body LL. The print content of L2 is continuous with a gap (not shown) corresponding to the non-label portion NL. That is, in the actually produced label body LL, the horizontal bar “-” portion in the middle of the character “E” of “SALE” does not exist (instead of the gap), the label body LL The observer who has seen the “E” character including the middle horizontal bar “-” can be recognized sensuously, and the character “SALE” can be identified as a whole.
 図20(a)及び図20(b)に別の例を示す。この例では、図20(a)に示すように、上記所定範囲AR(ラベルイメージ外の部分を含む)に配置された2つのラベルイメージ(矩形状の第1ラベルイメージILa及び第2ラベルイメージILb)は、互いの配列領域が上下に離れて存在する離隔部R1,R2をそれぞれ含んでいる。そして、文字「Happy Birthday」からなる上記全印字イメージIPは、文字「Happy Birthday」の上下方向略中央部分に、第1ラベルイメージILaの離隔部R1と第2ラベルイメージILbの離隔部R2とに連続する連続イメージ部分IS(ラベルイメージILa,ILbの間の非ラベル部NLに含まれる部分)が存在している。 20 (a) and 20 (b) show another example. In this example, as shown in FIG. 20A, two label images (a rectangular first label image ILa and a second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image). ) Includes the separation portions R1 and R2 in which the arrangement regions are separated from each other in the vertical direction. Then, the entire print image IP made up of the characters “Happy Birthday” is provided at the substantially central portion of the character “Happy Birthday” in the vertical direction at the separation portion R1 of the first label image ILa and the separation portion R2 of the second label image ILb. There is a continuous image portion IS (a portion included in the non-label portion NL between the label images ILa and ILb).
 これにより、本変形例では、上記ラベルイメージILa,ILbにそれぞれ対応した印字データを用いて上記印字ラベルL1,L2が作成されたとき、図20(b)に示すように当該印字ラベルL1,L2を組み合わせた上記ラベル体LL(この例では印字ラベルL1,L2が完全に離れた状態で貼り付け対象物に貼り付けられることで形作られる)において、印字ラベルL1の印字内容と印字ラベルL2の印字内容とが、上記非ラベル部NLに対応した間隙SPを挟んで連続する態様となる。すなわち、実際にできあがったラベル体LLにおいては「Happy Birthday」の上下方向略中央部分は存在しない(代わりに上記間隙SPが存在する)にもかかわらず、当該ラベル体LLを見た観察者に対しては、当該上下方向略中央部分を含む「Happy Birthday」の文字を感覚的に認識させることができる。 Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data corresponding to the label images ILa and ILb, as shown in FIG. 20B, the print labels L1 and L2 are created. In the above-described label body LL (in this example, the print labels L1 and L2 are formed by being attached to the object to be attached in a completely separated state), the print contents of the print label L1 and the print of the print label L2 The content is continuous with the gap SP corresponding to the non-label portion NL. In other words, in the label body LL that is actually produced, the viewer has seen the label body LL despite the fact that the “Happy Birthday” does not have a substantially central portion in the vertical direction (there is the gap SP instead). Thus, the characters “Happy Birthday” including the substantially central portion in the vertical direction can be recognized sensuously.
 図21(a)及び図21(b)にさらに別の例を示す。この例では、図21(a)に示すように、上記所定範囲AR(ラベルイメージ外の部分を含む)に配置された4つのラベルイメージ(正方形状の第1ラベルイメージILa、第2ラベルイメージILb、第3ラベルイメージILc、第4ラベルイメージILd)は、互いの配列領域が上下又は左右に離れて存在する離隔部R1,R2,R3,R4,R5,R6,R7,R8をそれぞれ含んでいる。そして、図像の一種である「☆」マークによる全印字イメージIPに、各離隔部R1,R2,R3,R4,R5,R6,R7,R8に連続する連続イメージ部分IS(ラベルイメージILa,ILb,ILc,ILdの間の非ラベル部NLに含まれる部分)が「☆」マークのうち4か所に存在している。 FIG. 21 (a) and FIG. 21 (b) show still another example. In this example, as shown in FIG. 21A, four label images (square-shaped first label image ILa and second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR (including a portion outside the label image). , The third label image ILc, the fourth label image ILd) include separation portions R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 in which the arrangement regions are separated from each other in the vertical and horizontal directions. . Then, a continuous image portion IS (label images ILa, ILb,...) That is continuous with each of the separation portions R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 is added to the entire print image IP by the “☆” mark which is a kind of image. (Parts included in the non-labeled portion NL between ILc and ILd) are present at four locations among the “☆” marks.
 これにより、本変形例では、上記ラベルイメージILa,ILb,ILc,ILdにそれぞれ対応した印字データを用いて上記印字ラベルL1,L2,L3,L4が作成されたとき、図21(b)に示すように当該印字ラベルL1,L2,L3,L4を組み合わせた上記ラベル体LL(この例では印字ラベルL1,L2,L3,L4が完全に離れた状態で貼り付け対象物に貼り付けられることで形作られる)において、印字ラベルL1,L2,L3,L4それぞれの印字内容どうしが、上記非ラベル部NLに対応した間隙SPを挟んで連続する態様となる。すなわち、実際にできあがったラベル体LLにおいては「☆」の一部に空白部(間隙SP)が存在するにもかかわらず、当該ラベル体LLを見た観察者に対しては、当該空白のない「☆」マークを感覚的に認識させることができる。 Thus, in this modification, when the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are created using print data corresponding to the label images ILa, ILb, ILc, and ILd, respectively, as shown in FIG. Thus, the label body LL (in this example, the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are formed on the object to be pasted in a completely separated state by combining the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4. In other words, the print contents of the print labels L1, L2, L3, and L4 are continuous with the gap SP corresponding to the non-label portion NL interposed therebetween. That is, in the actually produced label body LL, although there is a blank portion (gap SP) in a part of “☆”, the observer who viewed the label body LL does not have the blank. The "☆" mark can be recognized sensuously.
 以上のようにして、上記変形例においては、離隔部Rにおいて互いに離れて貼り付けられる複数の印字ラベルLにおいて、当該離隔部Rどうしの組合せで表現する予定の印字表示を、間隙SP等を介在させつつ確実に実現することができる。 As described above, in the above-described modification, in the plurality of print labels L that are pasted apart from each other in the separation portion R, the print display that is to be expressed by the combination of the separation portions R is interposed via the gap SP or the like. Can be realized reliably.
(3)2枚のラベルが重ね合わされる部分を内容が一部重複するように印字する場合
 すなわち、この変形例では、操作者の意図により、少なくとも2枚の印字ラベルLが重ね合わされるようにして貼り付けられて、ラベル体LLが形作られる。この場合の上記編集画面に表示されるラベルイメージの一例を、図22に示す。
(3) When printing a part where two labels are overlapped so that the contents partially overlap. That is, in this modification, at least two print labels L are overlapped for the operator's intention. And a label body LL is formed. An example of the label image displayed on the editing screen in this case is shown in FIG.
 図22に示す例では、上記所定範囲ARに配置された2つのラベルイメージ(第1ラベルイメージILa及び第2ラベルイメージILb)は、上記の印字ラベルの配置に対応して、一部が重ね合わされるように配置されている。そして、「♪♪Merry Christmas!♪♪♪♪♪♪」からなる全印字イメージIPは、文字「M」の部分が、2つのラベルイメージIL1,IL2の配列領域に跨って連続する連続イメージ部分ISとなっている。 In the example shown in FIG. 22, the two label images (first label image ILa and second label image ILb) arranged in the predetermined range AR are partially overlapped in accordance with the arrangement of the print labels. It is arranged so that. The entire print image IP consisting of “♪♪ Merry Christmas! ♪♪♪♪♪♪” is a continuous image portion IS in which the character “M” is continuous across the array region of the two label images IL1 and IL2. It has become.
 本変形例では、上記の「M」の配置に対応し、第1ラベルイメージILaに対応して「M」の下半分及び「erry Christmas!」を印字するための第1印字ラベルL1の印字データと、第2ラベルイメージILbに対応して「M」の上半分及び「♪♪」「♪♪♪♪♪♪」を印字するための第2印字ラベルL2の印字データとを生成する際、上記連続イメージ部分ISである文字「M」の少なくとも一部が重複するよう、各印字データを決定する。この例では、例えば、第1印字ラベルL1の印字データを「M」の全部と「erry Christmas!」を印字するような印字データとする。この場合「M」の上半分については、第1印字ラベルL1の印字データと第2印字ラベルL2の印字データとの両方に重複することとなる。これにより、本変形例では、上記印字データを用いて上記印字ラベルL1,L2が作成されたとき、上記ラベル体LLにおいて、印字ラベルL1の印字内容と印字ラベルL2の印字内容とが、上記「M」の文字において重複する態様となる。 In the present modification, the print data of the first print label L1 for printing the lower half of “M” and “erry Christmas!” Corresponding to the first label image ILa, corresponding to the arrangement of “M” described above. And the print data of the second print label L2 for printing the upper half of “M” and “♪♪” “♪♪♪♪♪♪” corresponding to the second label image ILb, Each print data is determined so that at least a part of the character “M” which is the continuous image portion IS overlaps. In this example, for example, the print data of the first print label L1 is set to print data that prints all “M” and “erry Christmas!”. In this case, the upper half of “M” overlaps both the print data of the first print label L1 and the print data of the second print label L2. Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data, the print contents of the print label L1 and the print contents of the print label L2 in the label body LL It becomes the aspect which overlaps in the character of "M".
 図23に別の例を示す。この例では、図示のように、上記所定範囲ARに配置された9つのラベルイメージのうちの2つのラベルイメージ(第1ラベルイメージILa及び第2ラベルイメージILb)は、印字ラベルの配置に対応して、第1ラベルイメージILa上に第2ラベルイメージILbを重ね合わされるように配置されている。そして、「おまんじゅう 100えん! おすすめします」からなる全印字イメージIPのうち、文字「おまんじゅう」の部分が、2つのラベルイメージILa,ILbの配列領域に跨って連続する連続イメージ部分ISとなっている。 Fig. 23 shows another example. In this example, as shown in the figure, two label images (first label image ILa and second label image ILb) of the nine label images arranged in the predetermined range AR correspond to the arrangement of the print labels. Thus, the second label image ILb is arranged on the first label image ILa. And, among all print images IP consisting of “Omanju 100en! Recommended”, the character “Omanju” is a continuous image portion IS that is continuous across the array area of the two label images ILa and ILb. It has become.
 本変形例では、上記の「おまんじゅう」の配置に対応し、第1ラベルイメージILaに対応して「おまんじゅう」の上半分及び「100えん!」を印字するための第1印字ラベルL1の印字データと、第2ラベルイメージILbに対応して「おまんじゅう」の下半分を印字するための第2印字ラベルL2の印字データとを生成する際、上記連続イメージ部分ISである文字「おまんじゅう」の少なくとも一部が重複するよう、各印字データを決定する。この例では、例えば、第1印字ラベルL1の印字データを「おまんじゅう」の全部と「100えん!」を印字するような印字データとする。この場合「おまんじゅう」の下半分については、第1印字ラベルL1の印字データと第2印字ラベルL2の印字データとの両方に重複することとなる。これにより、本変形例では、上記印字データを用いて上記印字ラベルL1,L2が作成されたとき、上記ラベル体LLにおいて、印字ラベルL1の印字内容と印字ラベルL2の印字内容とが、上記「おまんじゅう」の文字において重複する態様となる。 In this modified example, the first print label L1 for printing the upper half of “Omanju” and “100 yen!” Corresponding to the first label image ILa, corresponding to the arrangement of “Omanju” described above. When generating the print data and the print data of the second print label L2 for printing the lower half of “Omanju” corresponding to the second label image ILb, the character “Omanju” is the continuous image portion IS. Each print data is determined so that at least a part of "" overlaps. In this example, for example, the print data of the first print label L1 is set to print all “Omanju” and “100 yen!”. In this case, the lower half of “Omanju” overlaps both the print data of the first print label L1 and the print data of the second print label L2. Thereby, in this modification, when the print labels L1 and L2 are created using the print data, the print contents of the print label L1 and the print contents of the print label L2 in the label body LL It becomes an aspect which overlaps in the character of "Omanju".
 以上のような本変形例においては、重ね合わされて貼り付けられる2つの印字ラベル(第1印字ラベルL1と第2印字ラベルL2)の貼り付け時において、当該2つの印字ラベル貼り付け位置や相対位置関係に若干の狂いが生じたとしても、それら貼り付けられた2つの印字ラベルL1,L2の組合せで表示する予定の印字表示(上記の例では「M」の文字や「おまんじゅう」の文字)を、空白を生じることなく確実に実現することができる。 In the present modification as described above, when two print labels (first print label L1 and second print label L2) to be attached in a superimposed manner are attached, the two print label attaching positions and relative positions are attached. Even if there is a slight deviation in the relationship, the print display that is planned to be displayed in combination with the two printed labels L1 and L2 pasted (in the above example, the letter “M” or the letter “Omanju”) Can be reliably realized without generating a blank.
 なお、上記の手法を、上記実施形態において第1ラベルイメージIL1及び第2ラベルイメージIL2にまたがって存在する、「おでかけ向き!使い捨てないカイロ」の文字のうちの「でかけ」「捨てな」の文字に適用してもよい。この場合も上記同様の効果を得る。 In the above-described embodiment, the characters “outing” and “discarding” among the characters “outing direction! Non-disposable body warmer” existing across the first label image IL1 and the second label image IL2 in the above embodiment. You may apply to. In this case, the same effect as described above can be obtained.
(4)互いに接するように配置される複数のラベルにわたって連続するように印字する場合 (4) When printing continuously over a plurality of labels arranged in contact with each other
 本変形例では、図24に示すように、略長方形の3つの印字ラベルL1,L2,L3が互いの短辺どうしを接するように配置されることで、全体として横長長尺長方形のラベル体LLが形作られる。そして、ラベル体LL全体で、「Happy BIRTHDAY!」の文字を印字により表現する。文字「Happ」及び文字「y」のほとんどの部分の印字を含む印字ラベルL1は、ラベル作成装置1Aによって作成される。文字「y」の残りの部分、文字「BIRT」、及び文字「H」の左半分を含む印字ラベルL2は、ラベル作成装置1Bによって作成される。文字「H」の右半分及び文字「DAY!」を含む印字ラベルL3は、ラベル作成装置1Cによって作成される。 In this modification, as shown in FIG. 24, three substantially rectangular print labels L1, L2, and L3 are arranged so that their short sides are in contact with each other, so that a label body LL that is a horizontally long long rectangle as a whole. Is formed. Then, the characters “Happy BIRTHDAY!” Are expressed by printing throughout the label body LL. The print label L1 including the prints of most parts of the characters “Happ” and “y” is created by the label creating apparatus 1A. The print label L2 including the remaining part of the character “y”, the character “BIRT”, and the left half of the character “H” is created by the label creating apparatus 1B. The print label L3 including the right half of the letter “H” and the letter “DAY!” Is created by the label creating apparatus 1C.
 上記のような印字ラベルL1,L2,L3からなるラベル体LLを作成するために、操作端末118によって実行される編集操作手順は、上記実施形態において図6~図15を用いて説明した内容とほぼ同様である。 The edit operation procedure executed by the operation terminal 118 to create the label body LL composed of the print labels L1, L2, and L3 as described above is the same as the contents described with reference to FIGS. It is almost the same.
 すなわち、図6~図9を用いて説明したように、操作者が、操作部118b(例えばマウス)での適宜の操作によって第1~第3素材イメージM1~M3をそれぞれ左へドラッグアンドドロップし、上記印字ラベルL1,L2,L3に対応した第1ラベルイメージILa、第2ラベルイメージILb、第3ラベルイメージILbを互いに接触するように配置する。その後、図10及び図14を用いて前述した手法(又は図12で前述した手法でもよい)により、3つのラベルイメージILa,ILb,ILcに跨るとともにそれら3つのラベルイメージILa,ILb,ILcの結合体とほぼ同等の大きさの入力エリアTBを形成する。図25はこのときの状態を表している。 That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, the operator drags and drops the first to third material images M1 to M3 to the left by an appropriate operation with the operation unit 118b (for example, a mouse). The first label image ILa, the second label image ILb, and the third label image ILb corresponding to the print labels L1, L2, and L3 are arranged so as to contact each other. Thereafter, the method described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 14 (or the method described with reference to FIG. 12) may be used to straddle the three label images ILa, ILb, and ILc and to combine these three label images ILa, ILb, and ILc. An input area TB having a size substantially equal to that of the body is formed. FIG. 25 shows the state at this time.
 その後、図11、図13、図15で前述したのと同様、入力エリアTBに対し、操作者の操作部118b(例えばキーボード)での適宜の操作によって、上記「Happy BIRTHDAY!」のテキストイメージTXが形成される。 Thereafter, in the same manner as described above with reference to FIGS. 11, 13, and 15, the text image TX of “Happy Birthday!” Is applied to the input area TB by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 118b (for example, a keyboard) by the operator. Is formed.
 以上のようにして、第1ラベルイメージILa、第2ラベルイメージILb、第3ラベルイメージILcの印字内容のトータルの姿(この例では入力エリアTBの印字内容に等しい全印字イメージIP)が決定される。この結果、図26に示すように、第1ラベルイメージILaには、上記「Happ」及び「y」のほとんどの部分のテキストイメージが抽出されて割り当てられ、当該テキストイメージに対応した印字データが作成され、ラベル作成装置1Aに出力される。第2ラベルイメージILbには、上記「y」の残りの部分、「BIRT」、及び「H」の左半分のテキストイメージが抽出されて割り当てられ、当該テキストイメージに対応した印字データが作成され、ラベル作成装置1Bに出力される。第3ラベルイメージILcには、上記「H」の右半分及び「DAY!」のテキストイメージが抽出されて割り当てられ、当該テキストイメージに対応した印字データが作成され、ラベル作成装置1Cに出力される。この結果、操作者が、作成された3つの印字ラベルL1,L2,L3を組み合わせることにより、先に図24に示した、略長方形の3つの印字ラベルL1,L2,L3が互いの短辺どうしを接するように配置され、全体で、「Happy BIRTHDAY!」の文字を印字により表現したラベル体LLを形作ることができる。 As described above, the total printed contents of the first label image ILa, the second label image ILb, and the third label image ILc (all printed images IP equal to the printed contents of the input area TB in this example) are determined. The As a result, as shown in FIG. 26, the first label image ILa is extracted and assigned the text image of most of the above “Happ” and “y”, and print data corresponding to the text image is created. And output to the label producing apparatus 1A. In the second label image ILb, the remaining part of the “y”, the text image of the left half of “BIRT”, and “H” are extracted and assigned, and print data corresponding to the text image is created. It is output to the label producing apparatus 1B. The third label image ILc is extracted and assigned the right half of “H” and the text image “DAY!”, Print data corresponding to the text image is created, and output to the label creating apparatus 1C. . As a result, the operator combines the three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 so that the substantially rectangular three printed labels L1, L2, and L3 shown in FIG. As a whole, it is possible to form a label body LL in which characters of “Happy BIRTHDAY!” Are expressed by printing.
 本変形例においても、上記実施形態と同様、操作者の意図する所望の態様の印字表示を多種多様に実現することができるので、複数の印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等を活用した表現性を幅広く拡張することができ、操作者の利便性を向上することができる。 Also in this modified example, as in the above-described embodiment, a variety of print display in a desired mode intended by the operator can be realized, so that expression using a plurality of print labels L1, L2, L3, etc. is achieved. It can be expanded widely and the convenience of the operator can be improved.
 (5)その他
 以上においては、主として文字が印字形成された印字ラベルL1,L2,L3等を用いたラベル体LLが形作られたが、これに限られない。すなわち、文字以外の適宜の図像やマーク(図21(a)及び図21(b)の変形例参照)、さらには写真その他の画像等を印刷した印字ラベルLを用いてラベル体LLを形作るようにしてもよい。これらの場合も同様の効果を得る。
(5) Others In the above, the label body LL using the print labels L1, L2, L3 and the like on which characters are mainly printed is formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the label body LL is formed by using a print label L on which an appropriate icon or mark other than characters (see the modified example of FIGS. 21A and 21B), a photograph, or other images is printed. It may be. In these cases, the same effect is obtained.
 なお、以上において、図4中に示す矢印は信号の流れの一例を示すものであり、信号の流れ方向を限定するものではない。 In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of the signal flow, and does not limit the signal flow direction.
 また、図18に示すフローチャートは本発明を上記フローに示す手順に限定するものではなく、発明の趣旨及び技術的思想を逸脱しない範囲内で手順の追加・削除又は順番の変更等をしてもよい。 Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 18 does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-described flow, and the procedure may be added or deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. Good.
 また、以上既に述べた以外にも、上記実施形態や各変形例による手法を適宜組み合わせて利用しても良い。 In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.
 その他、一々例示はしないが、本発明は、その趣旨を逸脱しない範囲内において、種々の変更が加えられて実施されるものである。 Other than that, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.
 1A,1B,1C ラベル作成装置
 23       サーマルヘッド
 101      基材テープ
 103      カバーフィルム
 118      操作端末
 118a     表示部
 118b     操作部
 130      制御回路
 IL1~3    ラベルイメージ
 IP       全イメージ
 L1,L2,L3 印字ラベル
 IS       連続イメージ部分
 TB       入力エリア
1A, 1B, 1C Label production device 23 Thermal head 101 Base tape 103 Cover film 118 Operation terminal 118a Display unit 118b Operation unit 130 Control circuit IL1-3 Label image IP All images L1, L2, L3 Print label IS Continuous image part TB Input area

Claims (8)

  1.  表示手段(118a)と演算手段(130)とを備え、作成される印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)の印字内容の編集操作を実行可能な操作端末(118)の前記演算手段(130)に対し、
     前記表示手段(118a)に表示される所定の編集画面上に、複数のラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)を、それぞれ自在な方向設定及び自在な長さ設定で、互いに重なり合い可能に配列して表示するラベル配列手順(S3)と、
     前記ラベル配列手順(S3)で配列した複数のラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)を少なくとも含む所定範囲(AR)に対する印字形成イメージ(IP)を、操作者の操作入力に基づき取得する印字イメージ取得手順(S11)と、
     前記印字イメージ取得手順(S11)で取得された前記印字形成イメージ(IP)のうち、前記ラベル配列手順(S3)で配列された各ラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)それぞれの配列領域に相当する部分を、当該配列領域に配列されたラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)に対応した印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)の印字内容として抽出し割り当てる複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)それぞれの印字データを決定する印字データ決定手順(S13)と、
     前記印字データ決定手順(S13)で前記複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)それぞれに対し決定された複数の印字データを、少なくとも1つの印字ラベル作成装置(1A,1B,1C;1)に出力し、各印字データに対応した印字が形成された前記複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)を作成するラベル作成指示手順(S14)と、
    を実行させるための、ラベル作成用編集プログラム。
    The calculation means of the operation terminal (118), comprising a display means (118a) and a calculation means (130), and capable of executing an editing operation of the print contents of the print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) to be created. (130)
    A plurality of label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) are respectively displayed on the predetermined editing screen displayed on the display means (118a) with a flexible direction setting and a flexible length setting. A label arrangement procedure (S3) for arranging and displaying such that they can overlap each other;
    A print formation image (IP) for a predetermined range (AR) including at least a plurality of label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) arranged in the label arrangement step (S3) is operated by an operator. A print image acquisition procedure (S11) acquired based on the input;
    Among the print formation images (IP) acquired in the print image acquisition procedure (S11), the label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) arranged in the label arrangement procedure (S3). ) Printed labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) corresponding to the label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) arranged in the array region are assigned to portions corresponding to the respective array regions. ) Print data determination procedure (S13) for determining the print data of each of the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) extracted and assigned as the print content of
    The plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) in the print data determination procedure (S13) is converted into at least one print label producing device (1A, 1B, 1C). A label creation instruction procedure (S14) for creating the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) on which prints corresponding to each print data are formed;
    Editing program for creating labels to execute
  2.  請求項1記載のラベル作成用編集プログラムにおいて、
     前記演算手段(130)に対し、
     前記所定範囲(AR)に含まれる少なくとも1つの印字形成範囲(TB1,TB2,TB3;TB)を、前記操作者の範囲設定操作に基づき決定する印字範囲決定手順(S6)と、
     各印字形成範囲(TB1,TB2,TB3;TB)に形成する印字内容を、前記操作者の印字内容指示操作に基づき決定する印字内容決定手順(S8)と、
    をさらに実行させ、
     前記印字イメージ取得手順(S11)は、
     前記印字内容決定手順(S8)で決定された、前記少なくとも1つの印字形成範囲(TB1,TB2,TB3;TB)に形成する印字内容を取得する
    ことを特徴とするラベル作成用編集プログラム。
    In the label creation editing program according to claim 1,
    For the calculation means (130),
    A print range determination procedure (S6) for determining at least one print formation range (TB1, TB2, TB3; TB) included in the predetermined range (AR) based on a range setting operation of the operator;
    A print content determination procedure (S8) for determining the print content to be formed in each print formation range (TB1, TB2, TB3; TB) based on the operator's print content instruction operation;
    Is executed further,
    The print image acquisition procedure (S11) includes:
    An edit program for creating a label, characterized in that the print content to be formed in the at least one print formation range (TB1, TB2, TB3; TB) determined in the print content determination procedure (S8) is acquired.
  3.  請求項1又は請求項2記載のラベル作成用編集プログラムにおいて、
     前記印字イメージ取得手順(S11)で取得された前記印字形成イメージ(IP)のうち、前記複数のラベルイメージ(ILa,ILb)に含まれる第1及び第2ラベルイメージ(ILa,ILb)の配列領域にわたって連続する連続イメージ部分(IS)が存在した場合には、
     前記印字データ決定手順(S13)は、
     前記第1ラベルイメージ(ILa)に対応した第1印字ラベル(L1)の印字内容と、第2ラベルイメージ(ILb)に対応した第2印字ラベル(L2)の印字内容とが、前記連続イメージ部分(IS)の少なくとも一部で重複する、当該第1及び第2印字ラベル(L1,L2)それぞれの印字データを決定する
    ことを特徴とするラベル作成用編集プログラム。
    In the label creation editing program according to claim 1 or 2,
    Arrangement region of first and second label images (ILa, ILb) included in the plurality of label images (ILa, ILb) of the print formation images (IP) acquired in the print image acquisition procedure (S11) If there is a continuous image portion (IS) that spans
    The print data determination procedure (S13)
    The print contents of the first print label (L1) corresponding to the first label image (ILa) and the print contents of the second print label (L2) corresponding to the second label image (ILb) are the continuous image portion. An editing program for creating a label, characterized in that the print data of each of the first and second print labels (L1, L2) that overlap at least part of (IS) is determined.
  4.  請求項1乃至請求項3のいずれか1項記載のラベル作成用編集プログラムにおいて、
     前記複数のラベルイメージ(ILa~ILd)に含まれる第1及び第2ラベルイメージ(ILa~ILd)は、互いの配列領域が離れて存在する離隔部(R1~R8)を含んでおり、
     前記印字データ決定手順(S13)は、
     前記印字イメージ取得手順(S11)で取得された前記印字形成イメージ(IP)に、第1ラベルイメージ(ILa~ILd)の離隔部(R1~R8)と第2ラベルイメージ(ILa~ILd)の離隔部(R1~R8)とに連続する連続イメージ部分(IS)が存在した場合には、前記第1ラベルイメージ(ILa~ILd)に対応した第1印字ラベル(L1~L4)の印字内容と、第2ラベルイメージ(ILa~ILd)に対応した第2印字ラベル(L1~L4)の印字内容とが、間隙(SP)を挟んで連続する、当該第1及び第2印字ラベル(L1~L4)それぞれの印字データを決定する
    ことを特徴とするラベル作成用編集プログラム。
    In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
    The first and second label images (ILa to ILd) included in the plurality of label images (ILa to ILd) include separation parts (R1 to R8) in which the arrangement regions are separated from each other.
    The print data determination procedure (S13)
    In the print formation image (IP) acquired in the print image acquisition procedure (S11), the separation part (R1 to R8) of the first label image (ILa to ILd) and the separation of the second label image (ILa to ILd). When there is a continuous image portion (IS) continuous with the portions (R1 to R8), the print contents of the first print labels (L1 to L4) corresponding to the first label images (ILa to ILd), The print contents of the second print labels (L1 to L4) corresponding to the second label images (ILa to ILd) are continuous with a gap (SP) therebetween, and the first and second print labels (L1 to L4). An editing program for creating a label, wherein each print data is determined.
  5.  請求項2乃至請求項4のいずれか1項記載のラベル作成用編集プログラムにおいて、
     前記ラベル作成指示手順(S14)は、
     前記複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)それぞれに対し決定された複数の印字データを、複数の前記印字ラベル作成装置(1A,1B,1C)に分配して出力する
    ことを特徴とするラベル作成用編集プログラム。
    In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
    The label creation instruction procedure (S14)
    A plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) is distributed and output to the plurality of print label producing devices (1A, 1B, 1C). Special editing program for creating labels.
  6.  請求項2乃至請求項4のいずれか1項記載のラベル作成用編集プログラムにおいて、
     前記ラベル作成指示手順(S14)は、
     前記複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)それぞれに対し決定された複数の印字データを、1つの前記印字ラベル作成装置(1)に対し一括して又は順次出力する
    ことを特徴とするラベル作成用編集プログラム。
    In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
    The label creation instruction procedure (S14)
    A plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) are collectively or sequentially output to one print label producing apparatus (1). An editing program for creating labels.
  7.  請求項1乃至請求項6のいずれか1項記載のラベル作成用編集プログラムにおいて、
     前記ラベル配列手順(S3)は、
     予め幅方向寸法及び長さ方向寸法が定められた少なくとも1つの基準ラベルイメージ(M1)を、前記編集画面上の所定の位置に表示する基準ラベル表示手順と、
     表示された前記基準ラベルイメージ(M1)の前記幅方向寸法を、前記操作者の幅方向寸法変更操作に応じて段階的に変更した変更ラベルイメージ(IL1)を表示するラベル幅変更手順と
    を備える
    ことを特徴とするラベル作成用編集プログラム。
    In the label creation editing program according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
    The label arrangement procedure (S3)
    A reference label display procedure for displaying at least one reference label image (M1) having predetermined width direction dimensions and length direction dimensions at a predetermined position on the editing screen;
    A label width changing procedure for displaying a changed label image (IL1) in which the width direction dimension of the displayed reference label image (M1) is changed stepwise according to the width direction dimension changing operation of the operator. An editing program for creating labels.
  8.  作成される印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)の印字内容の編集操作を実行するためのラベル編集装置(118)であって、
     前記編集操作を行うための所定の編集画面を表示する表示手段(118a)と、
     前記表示手段(118a)の編集画面上に、複数のラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)を、それぞれ自在な方向設定及び自在な長さ設定で、互いに重なり合い可能に配列して表示するラベル配列手段(S3)と、
     前記ラベル配列手段(S3)により配列された複数のラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)を少なくとも含む所定範囲(AR)に対する印字形成イメージ(IP)を、操作者の操作入力に基づき取得する印字イメージ取得手段(S11)と、
     前記印字イメージ取得手段(S11)により取得された前記印字形成イメージ(IP)のうち、前記ラベル配列手段(S3)により配列された各ラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)それぞれの配列領域に相当する部分を、当該配列領域に配列されたラベルイメージ(IL1,IL2,IL3;ILa,ILb;ILa~ILd)に対応した印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)の印字内容として抽出し割り当てる複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)それぞれの印字データを決定する印字データ決定手段(S13)と、
     前記印字データ決定手段(S13)により前記複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)それぞれに対し決定された複数の印字データを、少なくとも1つの印字ラベル作成装置(1A,1B,1C;1)に出力し、各印字データに対応した印字が形成された前記複数の印字ラベル(L1,L2,L3;L1~L4)を作成するラベル作成指示手段(S14)と、
    を有することを特徴とするラベル編集装置(118)。
    A label editing device (118) for executing an editing operation of the print contents of the generated print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4),
    Display means (118a) for displaying a predetermined editing screen for performing the editing operation;
    On the editing screen of the display means (118a), a plurality of label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) can be overlapped with each other with a flexible direction setting and a flexible length setting. Label arrangement means (S3) for arranging and displaying;
    A print formation image (IP) for a predetermined range (AR) including at least a plurality of label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) arranged by the label arrangement means (S3) is obtained by the operator. Print image acquisition means (S11) for acquiring based on operation input;
    Of the print formation images (IP) acquired by the print image acquisition means (S11), the label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) arranged by the label arrangement means (S3). ) Printed labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) corresponding to the label images (IL1, IL2, IL3; ILa, ILb; ILa to ILd) arranged in the array region are assigned to portions corresponding to the respective array regions. Print data determination means (S13) for determining the print data for each of the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) extracted and assigned as the print content of
    A plurality of print data determined for each of the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) by the print data determining means (S13) is converted into at least one print label producing device (1A, 1B, 1C). A label creation instructing means (S14) for creating the plurality of print labels (L1, L2, L3; L1 to L4) on which the print corresponding to each print data is formed;
    A label editing apparatus (118) characterized by comprising:
PCT/JP2012/058025 2011-06-09 2012-03-27 Editing program for creating labels and label-editing device WO2012169263A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2011128980A JP2012254566A (en) 2011-06-09 2011-06-09 Editing program for creating labels and label-editing device
JP2011-128980 2011-06-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012169263A1 true WO2012169263A1 (en) 2012-12-13

Family

ID=47295836

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2012/058025 WO2012169263A1 (en) 2011-06-09 2012-03-27 Editing program for creating labels and label-editing device

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP2012254566A (en)
WO (1) WO2012169263A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11574157B2 (en) 2020-07-30 2023-02-07 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printer printing sets of print data in order which depends on mounted medium type
US11977790B2 (en) 2021-02-15 2024-05-07 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Storage medium storing computer-readable instructions for information processing device editing image data for creating composite label

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP5924590B2 (en) * 2013-03-06 2016-05-25 ブラザー工業株式会社 Print processing program and print processing method
JP6421946B2 (en) * 2016-03-30 2018-11-14 ブラザー工業株式会社 Printed material creation processing program
JP6853959B2 (en) * 2018-03-30 2021-04-07 ブラザー工業株式会社 Printing equipment
JP7573170B2 (en) 2020-07-30 2024-10-25 ブラザー工業株式会社 Print processing program and print processing method

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2007058384A (en) * 2005-08-23 2007-03-08 Seiko Epson Corp Print control for executing distributed printing
JP2008282364A (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-11-20 Seiko Epson Corp Image data generator, tape printer, printing system, and program
JP2010280206A (en) * 2009-06-08 2010-12-16 Brother Ind Ltd Label producing system

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2004042645A (en) * 1994-11-29 2004-02-12 King Jim Co Ltd Tape printer
JP2004223805A (en) * 2003-01-21 2004-08-12 Canon Semiconductor Equipment Inc Method, system and apparatus for forming image
JP2006007488A (en) * 2004-06-23 2006-01-12 Sony Corp Distributed printing method and printer
JP2009190313A (en) * 2008-02-15 2009-08-27 Brother Ind Ltd Label print system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2007058384A (en) * 2005-08-23 2007-03-08 Seiko Epson Corp Print control for executing distributed printing
JP2008282364A (en) * 2007-05-14 2008-11-20 Seiko Epson Corp Image data generator, tape printer, printing system, and program
JP2010280206A (en) * 2009-06-08 2010-12-16 Brother Ind Ltd Label producing system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11574157B2 (en) 2020-07-30 2023-02-07 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Printer printing sets of print data in order which depends on mounted medium type
US11977790B2 (en) 2021-02-15 2024-05-07 Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Storage medium storing computer-readable instructions for information processing device editing image data for creating composite label

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP2012254566A (en) 2012-12-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2012169263A1 (en) Editing program for creating labels and label-editing device
JP5885122B2 (en) Print label production device
JP2006021432A (en) Printing tape, tape cartridge, and tape printer
JP2014054795A (en) Printing device
JP4582359B2 (en) Print label editing device
JP2011143652A (en) Label forming apparatus, label forming method, and storage medium storing program relating to label forming method
JP5526606B2 (en) Printing device
JP5854309B2 (en) Print creation program
JP5548988B2 (en) Printing device, label producing method, and storage medium storing program relating to label producing method
JP6908895B2 (en) Printing equipment
JP2009255334A (en) Printing device
JP2004291534A (en) Tape printing device and program
JP5920652B2 (en) Editing program for label creation and editing processing method for label creation
JP2014188728A (en) Printer
JP5950148B2 (en) Printing device, printing method, and printing control program
JP6936967B2 (en) Printed matter making device
JP6260861B2 (en) Print production device
JP5552965B2 (en) Tape printer and control method of tape printer
JP2010184356A (en) Tape printing device, method for forming divided label, and recording medium storing program for forming divided label
JP6354625B2 (en) Printing device
JP6476677B2 (en) Print label production apparatus and label production processing program
JP2003320721A (en) Printer
JP6299966B2 (en) Print label production device
JP2019064012A (en) Printer and print program
JP2005288858A (en) Tape cassette

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 12796350

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 12796350

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1