JP2008226124A - Printing system, control method of printing system, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing system for enabling a user to add a desired change to a printing target character string included in print data generated by any of a plurality of print data generation programs and enabling the user or the like to relatively easily confirm whether the change as the user intends is added to the print target character string. <P>SOLUTION: A changing means (first print data changing/storing program 35a) adds a change to the printing target character string included in the print data. A request for a printout is made to a print output means on the basis of the print data changed by the changing means. A print data output means (first print data changing/storing program 35a) outputs contents of the print data before changed by the changing means and contents of the print data after changed by the changing means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, a printing system control method, and a program.

  A printing system that causes a printer to print out a document or an image created by an application program is generally known. For example, in the case of merchandise sales, a printing system that uses a printer to print out a receipt generated by a POS (Point Of Sales) application program is used.

  For example, in a printing system used in the merchandise sales place as described above, a function that allows a user to make a desired change to a receipt generated by a POS application program in order to improve its convenience. It can be realized. Specifically, for example, it is conceivable to realize a function of replacing a predetermined character string included in a receipt generated by a POS application program with another character string. In this way, for example, if the letter “Thank you for your purchase” included in the receipt generated by the POS application program is tomorrow is a sale day, “Tomorrow is a sale day !!” It becomes possible to replace with the character string. Further, for example, when a receipt generated by the POS application program includes a specific character string, a function of adding a predetermined character string may be realized. In this way, for example, when a specific product name is included in the receipt generated by the POS application program, a character string indicating an advertisement or coupon of the product or a related product of the product may be added to the receipt. It becomes possible. That is, it becomes possible to relatively easily distribute advertisements or coupons for the product or related products of the product to customers who have purchased the specific product.

  In realizing the functions as described above, the user, the system provider (developer), etc. can confirm relatively easily whether or not a change as intended by the user has been made to the receipt. There is a need.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to allow a user to make a desired change to a print target character string included in print data generated by any one of a plurality of print data generation programs. A printing system that allows the user to check relatively easily whether or not a change intended by the user has been added to the print target character string, To provide a control method and program for a printing system.

  In order to solve the above problems, a printing system according to the present invention generates a print output to a print output unit based on print data generated by any one of a plurality of print data generation programs and including a print target character string. In the printing system to be executed, change control data storage means for storing change control data for controlling a change to be applied to the print target character string, and a print target character string included in the print data based on the change control data A change means for changing the print data, a print output request means for requesting the print output means for print output based on the print data after the change by the change means, and the contents of the print data before the change by the change means And print data output means for outputting the contents of the print data after being changed by the changing means. .

  Also, the printing system control method according to the present invention is a print that is generated by any one of a plurality of print data generation programs and causes a print output unit to execute print output based on print data including a print target character string. In the system control method, based on the change control data, the step of reading the change control data from change control data storage means for storing change control data for controlling the change to be applied to the character string to be printed, A change step for changing a print target character string included in the print data; a print output request step for requesting print output to the print output means based on the print data after the change in the change step; and the change The contents of the print data before the change by the step and the print data after the change by the changing means Characterized in that it comprises a print data output step of outputting the contents, and the.

  The program according to the present invention is a computer as a printing system that is generated by any one of a plurality of print data generation programs and causes a print output unit to execute print output based on print data including a print target character string. A program for causing the change control data to read out the change control data from a change control data storage means for storing change control data for controlling a change applied to the character string to be printed; A change means for changing a print target character string included in the print data, a print output request means for requesting a print output to the print output means based on the print data after the change by the change means, and The contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the print data after the change by the change means Is a program for causing the computer to function print data output means for outputting the contents of the data, and as.

  An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing the above program.

  The present invention relates to a printing system that causes a print output unit to execute print output based on print data that is generated by any one of a plurality of print data generation programs and includes a print target character string. In the present invention, change control data for controlling a change to be made to a print target character string is stored. Based on the change control data, the print target character string included in the print data is changed. Then, based on the changed print data, a print output is requested to the print output means. In the present invention, the contents of the print data before the change and the contents of the print data after the change are output. Here, “output” includes, for example, print output, display output, storage in a nonvolatile storage unit, and the like. According to the present invention, a user can make a desired change to a print target character string included in print data generated by any of a plurality of print data generation programs. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to make it relatively easy for the user, the system provider, and the like to confirm whether or not a change as intended by the user has been made to the character string to be printed. Become.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the print data output means stores the contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the contents of the print data after the change by the change means in a nonvolatile storage means. You may make it include the preservation | save means to preserve | save.

  In the aspect of the invention, the storage unit may store the content of the print data before the change by the change unit and the content of the print data after the change by the change unit in n-ary notation. It may be.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the storage unit is used as the content of the print data before the change by the change unit, the content of the print data after the change by the change unit, and the basis of the change. The contents of the change control data may be associated with each other and stored in the nonvolatile storage means.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the print data output means prints out the contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the contents of the print data after the change by the change means. A second print output requesting unit that requests the print output unit may be included.

  In the aspect of the invention, the second print output requesting unit may express the content of the print data before the change by the change unit and the content of the print data after the change by the change unit in n-ary notation. It is also possible to request the print output means to perform print output.

  In the aspect of the invention, the second print output request unit may include the content of the print data before the change by the change unit, the content of the print data after the change by the change unit, and the basis of the change. It is also possible to request the print output means to print out the contents of the change control data used as.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the printing system includes a printer device and a print output requesting device connected to the printer device, the print output unit is included in the printer device, and the change control is performed. The data storage means, the change means, the print output request means, and the print data output means may be included in the print output request apparatus.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the print data generated by any one of the plurality of print data generation programs is first print data conforming to a first data format, and the changing unit includes Based on the change control data, the print target character string included in the first print data is changed, and the print output requesting unit performs a second operation based on the first print data changed by the changing unit. Means for generating second print data according to a data format may be included, and the second print data may be supplied to the printer device.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a POS computer 10 (print output request device) and a printer device 20.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the POS computer 10 includes a control unit 11, a main storage unit 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13 (nonvolatile storage means), an input unit 14, a display unit 15, an optical disc reading unit 16, and an interface (I / F). 17 is a computer system including 17.

  The control unit 11 executes various types of information processing according to the operating system and other programs read to the main storage unit 12. The main storage unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory). The main storage unit 12 stores programs and data read from the auxiliary storage unit 13 and the optical disc. The main storage unit 12 is also used as a work memory for storing various data necessary for the process. The auxiliary storage unit 13 includes a nonvolatile storage medium. The auxiliary storage unit 13 includes, for example, a hard disk device and a memory card.

  The input unit 14 inputs data corresponding to a user operation input to the control unit 11. The input unit 14 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse. The display unit 15 displays information according to instructions input from the control unit 11. The display unit 15 is a display, for example. The optical disk reading unit 16 reads a program and data stored on an optical disk (information storage medium) according to an instruction from the control unit 11. The optical disk is, for example, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk) -ROM (Read Only Memory).

  The interface 17 is an interface for connecting various peripheral devices to the POS computer 10. The interface 17 outputs data input from the peripheral device to the control unit 11. Further, the interface 17 outputs various data to the peripheral device in accordance with instructions input from the control unit 11. The POS computer 10 is provided with one or a plurality of connection ports (hereinafter referred to as “USB ports”) conforming to, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface standard.

  In the present embodiment, Windows (registered trademark) manufactured by Microsoft Corporation is installed in the POS computer 10 as an operating system. A POS application program (hereinafter referred to as “POS application”) is installed in the POS computer 10. The POS application has a function for generating a receipt. FIG. 2 shows an example of a receipt generated by the POS application.

  The printer device 20 is connected to the POS computer 10 via the interface 17 so as to be able to exchange data with each other. The printer device 20 is used to print a receipt generated by a POS application. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a print output unit 23, and an interface (I / F) 24.

  The control unit 21 controls the entire printer device 20. The storage unit 22 includes a RAM and a ROM. The storage unit 22 stores various programs and data necessary for executing print output. The interface 24 receives data transmitted from the POS computer 10 and outputs it to the control unit 21. The printer device 20 is provided with, for example, a USB port as the interface 24. The print output unit 23 executes print output. That is, the print output unit 23 forms an image on an image recording medium such as paper based on the data supplied from the control unit 21.

  In the present embodiment, the printer device 20 receives raster image data of a predetermined data format (more specifically, data indicating coloring information for each pixel constituting the image) from the POS computer 10. The printer device 20 (print output unit 23) forms the raster image data on an image recording medium. The printer device 20 receives control command data for controlling the operation of each mechanism from the POS computer 10. The printer device 20 controls the operation of each mechanism in accordance with the control command data. For example, the printer device 20 receives control command data for instructing cutting of paper from the POS computer 10. The printer device 20 (print output unit 23) cuts the paper according to the control command data.

  Next, the operation of the POS computer 10 when receipt printing is requested from the POS application will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the POS computer 10. 3 shows the POS applications 30a and 30b, but actually, at least one of the POS applications 30a and 30b is installed in the POS computer 10.

  First, a case where receipt printing is requested from the POS application 30a will be described. When printing of a receipt is requested from the POS application 30a, metadata representing a drawing command for the receipt is generated by a GDI (Graphic Device Interface) program 31. The GDI program 31 is a program provided as part of the operating system. The metadata is data that does not depend on the device.

  The metadata generated by the GDI program 31 is supplied to the first print data generation program (printer driver) 33a via the spooler 32. The first print data generation program 33a generates print data in a predetermined data format (herein described as “first data format”) based on the metadata. For example, the print data in the first data format is print data in a data format that cannot be interpreted by the printer device 20, for example. In other words, the print data in the first data format is, for example, print data in a data format corresponding to a printer device having a different specification from the printer device 20. More specifically, the print data in the first data format is, for example, print data in a data format corresponding to the printer device used for printing the receipt before starting to use the printer device 20.

  FIG. 4 shows an example of print data in the first data format. The print data shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to the receipt shown in FIG. In FIG. 4, for example, control characters such as ESC and half-width space (SP) are shown with parentheses <>. In FIG. 4, “<SP>... <SP>” indicates that a plurality of half-width spaces are continuous.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the print data in the first data format is text format data. The print data in the first data format includes a start command data portion 40 for instructing the start of printing of a receipt, a print content data portion 41 mainly indicating the contents of the receipt, and a command for instructing the end of printing of the receipt. And an end command data portion 42. The start command data portion 40 includes, for example, a character string “<ESC> @” that represents control command data for initializing print settings, and a character string “that represents control command data for setting the format to be center aligned. <ESC> <GS> a1 ”is included. The print content data portion 41 includes character strings to be printed such as “A store”, “banana”, “¥ 100”, “Thank you for your purchase”. The print content data portion 41 also includes a character string “<CR> <LF>” representing control command data for a line break. The end command data portion 42 includes a character string “<ESC> a” representing control command data for executing a predetermined amount of paper feed, and a character string “<ESC> representing control command data for cutting paper. d3 "is included. Hereinafter, the character string representing the control command data is referred to as “control command character string”.

  Here, a case where receipt printing is requested from the POS application 30b will also be described. When receipt printing is requested from the POS application 30b, receipt print data (print data in the first data format) is generated by the first print data generation program 33b. The first print data generation program 33b is a program called by a name other than “printer driver”. The first print data generation program 33b is provided as a part of the POS application 30b, for example. Hereinafter, the print data of the first data format generated by the first print data generation program 33a or 33b is referred to as “first print data”.

  The first print data generated by the first print data generation program 33a or 33b is supplied to the spooler 32. The spooler 32 temporarily holds the first print data. The spooler 32 supplies the first print data to the port driver 34 while monitoring the state of the printer device 20.

  The language monitor program 36 monitors the supply of the first print data from the spooler 32 to the port driver 34. Here, the language monitor program 36 is a program generally used to supply status information supplied from the printer device 20 via the port driver 34 to a predetermined program (for example, a status reference program). When the language monitor program 36 detects the supply of the first print data from the spooler 32 to the port driver 34, the language monitor program 36 restricts (suppresses) the supply of the first print data to the port driver 34. The language monitor program 36 then supplies the first print data to the first print data conversion program 35.

  The language monitor program 36 and the first print data conversion program 35 are provided by, for example, a developer, manufacturer, or distributor of the printer device 20. The language monitor program 36 and the first print data conversion program 35 are, for example, a POS computer by executing a predetermined installation program in a state where an optical disc storing these programs is set in the optical disc reading unit 16. 10 auxiliary storage units 13 are installed.

  The first print data conversion program 35 plays a role of processing the receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b and a role of converting the data format of the print data. The first print data conversion program 35 includes a first print data change / save program 35a and a second print data generation program 35b.

  The first print data change / save program 35a changes the first print data generated by the first print data generation program 33a or 33b.

  For example, when the first print data changing / saving program 35a includes a predetermined character string in the first print data, the first print data changing / saving program 35a replaces the character string with another character string. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as a “text replacement function”. For example, the text replacement function is used to replace the character string “Thank you for your purchase” included in the receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b with “Tomorrow is a special sale day !!” . Details will be described later (see S107 in FIG. 7).

  Further, for example, when the first print data change / save program 35a includes a specific character string (product name) in the first print data, it is described as a character string indicating a coupon (hereinafter referred to as “coupon character string”). .) Is added to the first print data. Hereinafter, this function is referred to as a “coupon grant function”. For example, the coupon grant function is used to add a banana discount coupon to the receipt of a customer who purchased the banana. Details will be described later (see S112 in FIG. 8).

  The first print data change / save program 35 a saves the first print data before and after the change in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Details will be described later (see S104 in FIG. 7 and S109 and S114 in FIG. 8).

  The second print data generation program 35b converts the first print data into print data having a predetermined data format (herein referred to as “second data format”). The print data in the second data format is print data in a data format corresponding to the printer device 20, for example. In other words, the print data in the second data format is, for example, print data in a data format that can be interpreted by the printer device 20. Hereinafter, the print data in the second data format is referred to as “second print data”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the print data that can be interpreted by the printer device 20 is raster image data in a predetermined data format. Therefore, the second print data generation program 35b generates receipt raster image data based on the first print data. Details will be described later (see S118, S121, and S122 in FIG. 9).

  The second print data generation program 35b processes the second print data. For example, the second print data generation program 35b processes the second print data in order to add a logo image to the receipt. For example, the second print data generation program 35b processes the second print data in order to add a background image to the receipt. Hereinafter, both of the above functions are referred to as “logo image addition function” and “background image addition function”. Details of these functions will be described later (see S119 and S120 in FIG. 9).

  The user needs to set data as a basis for processing of the first print data conversion program 35 in advance. FIG. 5 shows an example of a setting screen for the user to set data that is the basis of the processing of the first print data conversion program 35.

  On the setting screen 50 shown in FIG. 5, the user sets the processing mode of the first print data conversion program 35. In this embodiment, five processing modes A to E are prepared. Processing mode A is a processing mode for executing normal printing. When the processing mode A is selected, a receipt processed according to the user setting is printed out by the printer device 20. The processing mode B is a processing mode for executing normal printing and storing the first print data. When the processing mode B is selected, a receipt processed according to the user setting is printed out by the printer device 20. Further, the first print data before and after the change by the first print data change / save program 35 a is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. The processing mode C is a processing mode for executing printing of the first print data itself. When the processing mode C is selected, the receipt is not printed out by the printer device 20, and instead, the first print data itself before and after the change by the first print data change / save program 35a is printed by the printer device 20. Is output. Details will be described later (see S106 in FIG. 7 and S111 and S116 in FIG. 8). The processing mode D is a processing mode for executing printing of the first print data itself and storage of the first print data. When the processing mode D is selected, the first print data itself before and after the change by the first print data change / save program 35a is printed out by the printer device 20. Further, the first print data before and after the change by the first print data change / save program 35 a is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Also in this case, the receipt is not printed out by the printer device 20. The processing mode E is a processing mode in which only the storage of the first print data is executed. When the processing mode E is selected, the first print data before and after the change by the first print data change / save program 35 a is saved in the auxiliary storage unit 13. At this time, the printer device 20 does not execute print output.

  In the setting screen 50, the user performs settings related to the text replacement function, the coupon grant function, the logo image addition function, and the background image addition function.

  For example, regarding the text replacement function, the user sets a replacement source character string and a replacement destination character string. In the setting screen 50 shown in FIG. 5, “Thank you for your purchase” is set as the replacement source character string. Also, “Tomorrow is a special sale date !!” is set as the replacement character string. Note that a plurality of combinations of replacement source character strings and replacement destination character strings may be set.

  Further, for example, with respect to the coupon grant function, the user sets a product name to be given a coupon and a coupon character string. In the setting screen shown in FIG. 5, “banana” is set as the product name to be given a coupon. Further, “*** Banana ¥ 10 discount ***” is set as a coupon character string. In addition, you may enable it to set multiple combinations of the goods name of coupon grant object, and a coupon character string.

  For example, regarding the logo image addition function and the background image addition function, the user designates logo image data and background image data.

  When the user presses the registration button 51 on the setting screen 50, setting data (change control data) indicating the contents set on the setting screen 50 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 (change control data storage means). The setting data is, for example, data in XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. The setting data is stored in a predetermined directory. FIG. 6 shows an example of a portion related to the first print data conversion program 35 in the directory tree structure of the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the POS computer 10. As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the file name of the setting data is set to “config.xml”. The setting data is stored in the “C: ¥ XXXX” directory.

  Next, the process of the first print data conversion program 35 will be described. 7 to 9 are flowcharts showing processing executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with the first print data conversion program 35. S101 to S116 are processes of the first print data change / save program 35a. S117 to S122 are processes of the second print data generation program 35b.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 11 first determines whether or not the processing mode set by the user is processing mode B, D, or E (S101). This determination is made based on the setting data. When the processing mode is processing mode B, D, or E, the control unit 11 newly creates a directory for storing the first print data (hereinafter referred to as “storage directory”) (S102). ). At this time, the storage directory is created in a predetermined directory. In the present embodiment, the storage directory is created in the “C: ¥ XXXX ¥ Data” directory (see FIG. 6). The name of the storage directory is determined based on the current date and time, for example. In the present embodiment, for example, when S102 is executed at 10: 25: 56.15 seconds on March 16, 2007, the name of the storage directory is set to “2007031610255615” (see FIG. 6).

  Next, the control unit 11 copies the setting data (config.xml) at that time to the storage directory created in S102 (S103). At this time, the file name of the setting data copied to the storage directory is set to, for example, “config0.xml” (see FIG. 6). The control unit 11 (print data output means (save means)) also saves the first print data at that time in the save directory created in S102 (S104). At this time, the file name of the first print data is set to, for example, “data1.dmp” (see FIG. 6). The first print data is saved as hexadecimal data (dump data). That is, the first print data stored in the storage directory is data in which a print target character string and a control command character string are represented by a hexadecimal value string. FIG. 10 shows an example of the first print data stored in the storage directory. FIG. 10 shows a part of the first print data (start command data part 40) stored in the storage directory.

  When S102 to S104 are executed, or when it is determined in S101 that the processing mode is not processing mode B, D, or E, the control unit 11 determines whether the processing mode is processing mode C or D ( S105). When the processing mode is processing mode C or D, the control unit 11 (print data output means (second print output request means)) requests the printer device 20 to output the first print data itself at that time. (S106). Here, the print output of the first print data itself means to print out the contents of the first print data. More specifically, the print output of the first print data itself is to print out a control command character string and a print target character string included in the first print data. FIG. 11 shows a print output example of the first print data itself. In the print output example shown in FIG. 11, the first print data (control command character string and print target character string) is expressed in hexadecimal notation 60, and the first print data (command character string and print). And a text notation portion 61 in which the target character string) is expressed in a text format. In S106, the control unit 11 first generates print data (print data in the first data format) for executing print output as shown in FIG. Next, the control unit 11 generates raster image data based on the print data. Then, the control unit 11 supplies the raster image data to the printer device 20 via the language monitor program 36 and the port driver 34. In this case, the printer device 20 prints out raster image data (see FIG. 11) representing the first print data itself.

  When S106 is executed, or when it is determined in S105 that the processing mode is not processing modes C and D, the control unit 11 (changing unit) executes text replacement processing (S107). In S107, the control unit 11 first reads the setting data, and acquires a combination of the replacement source character string and the replacement destination character string from the setting data. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a replacement source character string is included in the first print data. When the replacement source character string is included in the first print data, the control unit 11 replaces the replacement source character string with the replacement destination character string. FIG. 12 shows the first print data after the text replacement process is performed on the first print data shown in FIG. In the first print data shown in FIG. 12, the character string “Thank you for your purchase” is replaced with the character string “Tomorrow is a special sale day !!”.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether the processing mode is processing mode B, D, or E (S108). When the processing mode is processing mode B, D, or E, the control unit 11 (print data output unit (storage unit)) stores the first print data at that time in the storage directory created in S102 ( S109). That is, the first print data after the text replacement process is performed is stored in the storage directory. At this time, the file name of the first print data is set to, for example, “data2.dmp” (see FIG. 6). As in S104, the first print data is stored as hexadecimal data.

  When S109 is executed, or when it is determined in S108 that the processing mode is not processing mode B, D, or E, the control unit 11 determines whether the processing mode is processing mode C or D (S110). . When the processing mode is processing mode C or D, the control unit 11 (print data output means (second print output request means)) requests the printer device 20 to print the first print data itself at that time ( S111). S111 is executed in the same manner as S106. In this case, the printer device 20 prints out raster image data representing the first print data itself after the text replacement process is executed.

  When S111 is executed, or when it is determined in S110 that the processing mode is not the processing modes C and D, the control unit 11 (changing unit) executes a coupon grant process (S112). In S112, first, the control unit 11 reads the setting data, and acquires the product name to be given a coupon and the coupon character string from the setting data. Next, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the product name to be given a coupon is included in the first print data. And when the product name of coupon grant object is contained in the 1st print data, control part 11 inserts a coupon character string in the predetermined position of the 1st print data. For example, the control unit 11 inserts a coupon character string at the end of the print content data portion 41 of the first print data. FIG. 13 shows the first print data after the coupon giving process is executed on the first print data shown in FIG. The first print data shown in FIG. 12 includes the product name “banana” to be given a coupon. As a result, in the first print data shown in FIG. 13, the coupon character string “*** Banana ¥ 10 discount ***” is added to the end of the print content data portion 41.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 determines whether the processing mode is processing mode B, D, or E (S113). When the processing mode is processing mode B, D, or E, the control unit 11 (print data output unit (storage unit)) stores the first print data at that time in the storage directory created in S102 ( S114). That is, the first print data after the coupon giving process is executed is stored in the storage directory. At this time, the file name of the first print data is set to, for example, “data3.dmp” (see FIG. 6). As in S104, the first print data is stored as hexadecimal data.

  When S114 is executed, or when it is determined in S113 that the processing mode is not processing mode B, D, or E, the control unit 11 determines whether the processing mode is processing mode C or D (S115). . When the processing mode is processing mode C or D, the control unit 11 (print data output means (second print output request means)) requests the printer device 20 to print the first print data itself at that time ( S116). S116 is executed in the same manner as S106. In this case, the printer device 20 prints out raster image data representing the first print data itself after the coupon giving process is executed.

  When S116 is executed, or when it is determined in S115 that the processing mode is not processing mode C or D, the control unit 11 determines whether the processing mode is processing mode A or B (S117). If the processing mode is not processing mode A or B, this processing ends.

  On the other hand, when the processing mode is processing mode A or B, the control unit 11 (print output request unit) generates receipt raster image data based on the first print data at that time (S118). The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores data for interpreting the first print data. In step S118, the raster image data of the receipt is generated by referring to the data. FIG. 14 shows an example of raster image data generated in S118. The raster image data shown in FIG. 14 corresponds to the first print data shown in FIG.

  Then, the control part 11 performs a logo image addition process (S119). In step S119, the control unit 11 first reads the setting data, and acquires the logo image data path from the setting data. Then, the control unit 11 reads the logo image data from the auxiliary storage unit 13. Further, the control unit 11 cuts out a portion having a predetermined width from the upper end of the raster image data generated in S118. Then, the control unit 11 combines the logo image data with the upper end of the raster image data. FIG. 15 shows an example of raster image data after the logo image addition processing is executed on the raster image data shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 executes background image addition processing (S120). In S120, the control unit 11 first reads the setting data, and acquires the background image data path from the setting data. Next, the control unit 11 reads background image data from the auxiliary storage unit 13. Then, the control unit 11 performs translucent synthesis of the background image data with the raster image data. FIG. 16 shows an example of raster image data after the background image addition processing is executed on the raster image data shown in FIG.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 (print output request means) generates second print data based on the raster image data (S121). The second print data includes raster image data and control command data for controlling the operation of each mechanism of the printer device 20. Control command data for controlling the operation of each mechanism of the printer device 20 is generated based on the control command data included in the first print data. For example, when control command data for cutting a sheet is included in the first print data, the control command data is converted from the first data format to the second data format. The converted control command data is included in the second print data.

  Thereafter, the control unit 11 (print output request means) supplies the second print data to the printer device 20 via the language monitor program 36 and the port driver 34 (S122). In this case, the printer 20 prints out a receipt (see FIG. 16) according to the second print data.

  As described above, the printing system 1 converts the first print data generated by the first print data generation program 33a or 33b into the second data format corresponding to the printer device 20 according to the first data format. It has a function of converting to the second print data in conformity.

  For example, a case where the printer device used for printing the receipt is replaced from the printer device A that accepts the first print data according to the first data format to the printer device B that accepts the second print data according to the second data format. Suppose. In such a case, conventionally, the first print data generation program 33a or 33b has been replaced with a program that generates second print data in accordance with the second data format. In this case, the printer device B may not reproduce the same print output as the printer device A. For this reason, conventionally, in order for the printer apparatus B to reproduce the same print output as that of the printer apparatus A, there have been cases in which changes have been made to the specifications and settings on the POS application 30a or 30b side. In this regard, in the printing system 1, the data format of the print data is converted by the first print data conversion program 35. For this reason, according to the printing system 1, it is possible to reproduce the same print output as that of the printer apparatus A in the printer apparatus B without changing the specification or setting on the POS application 30a or 30b side. Further, according to the printing system 1, it is not necessary to prepare a different program (first print data conversion program 35) for the POS applications 30a and 30b in which receipt printing is performed by different printing routes.

  The printing system 1 also has a function of processing a receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b. That is, the printing system 1 has a text replacement function, a coupon grant function, a logo image addition function, and a background image addition function.

  For example, the text replacement function can replace a predetermined character string included in a receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b with another character string. For example, if the character string “Thank you for your purchase” included in the receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b is tomorrow is a special sale day, the character “Tomorrow is a special sale day !!” It becomes possible to replace it with a column.

  In addition, according to the coupon grant function, when a specific product name is included in the receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b, it is possible to add a coupon of the product or a related product of the product to the receipt. . For example, when the product name “banana” is included in the receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b, a discount coupon of “banana” can be added to the receipt. Note that an advertisement for a product may be added to the receipt instead of the coupon.

  Further, according to the logo image addition function and the background image addition function, it is possible to add a logo image and a background image to the receipt generated by the POS application 30a or 30b.

  The text replacement function, coupon grant function, logo image addition function, and background image addition function are realized by the first print data conversion program 35. For this reason, according to the printing system 1, it is not necessary to change the POS applications 30a and 30b when processing the receipt.

  Conventionally, it has been impossible to print out receipts in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or the like using the POS application 30a or 30b that supports only English. In order to print out receipts in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, etc., there was nothing but to improve the POS application 30a or 30b to be compatible with Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or the like. In this regard, according to the printing system 1, the English character string included in the receipt can be replaced with a character string such as Japanese, Chinese, or Korean by using the text replacement function. Therefore, according to the printing system 1, for example, a receipt in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, or the like can be printed out using the POS application 30a or 30b that supports only English. That is, even if the POS application 30a or 30b does not support a certain language, the receipt printout of the language can be performed using the POS application 30a or 30b.

  In the printing system 1, when the processing mode is set to the processing mode B, D, or E, each time the first print data is changed, the first print data before and after the change is associated with the auxiliary storage unit. 13 is stored. For example, the first print data before the change by the text replacement function (data1.dmp; see S104 in FIG. 7) and the first print data after the change by the text replacement function (data2.dmp; figure) 8 is stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 in association with each other. For this reason, the user or the provider of the printer device 20 (print data conversion program 35) compares the first print data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 so that the text replacement function operates normally. It becomes possible to confirm whether or not it is relatively easy. Further, for example, the first print data before the change by the coupon grant function (data2.dmp; refer to S109 in FIG. 8) and the first print data after the change by the coupon grant function (data3.dmp; Are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 in association with each other. For this reason, the user or the provider of the printer device 20 (print data conversion program 35) compares the first print data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 so that the coupon grant function operates normally. It becomes possible to confirm whether or not it is relatively easy.

  In particular, in the printing system 1, the first print data stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 is data representing a character string to be printed and a control command character string in hexadecimal notation (see FIG. 10). For this reason, the user, the provider of the printer device 20 (print data conversion program 35), etc. can use the existing tool for referring to the data representing the character string in hexadecimal notation, and change the text replacement function or the coupon grant function. The first print data before and after can be compared.

  In the printing system 1, when the processing mode is set to the processing mode C or D, the first print data itself before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon giving function is printed out from the printer device 20 (FIG. 11). reference). Therefore, the user, the provider of the printer device 20 (print data conversion program 35), and the like can relatively easily compare the first print data before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon grant function.

  In the printing system 1, the first print data before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon giving function and the setting data at the time when the change is made are stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 in association with each other. Therefore, the user, the provider of the printer device 20 (print data conversion program 35), etc., together with the first print data before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon grant function, the setting data at the time when the change was made Will be able to confirm. As a result, for example, when the text replacement function or the coupon grant function does not operate as intended by the user, the user, the provider of the printer device 20 (print data conversion program 35), etc. It is possible to relatively easily determine whether there is a problem with the setting data or a problem with the setting data.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, in S102 of FIG. 7, the storage directory is created in a hard disk device (nonvolatile storage unit) of another computer connected to the POS computer 10 via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). It may be.

  In addition, for example, the mode of storing the first print data before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon giving function and the setting data at the time when the change is performed in association with each other is limited to the mode described above. Absent. For example, in S102, the control unit 11 may acquire the current date and time instead of creating a new storage directory. In S103, S104, S109, and S114, the setting data and the first print data are stored in a predetermined directory (for example, “c: ¥ XXXX ¥ Data” directory), and the setting data and the first print data file are stored. The name may be determined based on the current date and time acquired in S102. For example, when the current date and time when S102 is executed is 10: 25: 56.15 seconds on March 16, 2007, the file name of the setting data is set to “20070316105556config0.xml” in S103. You may do it. Similarly, in S104, the file name of the first print data may be set to “2007031610255615data1.dmp”. In S109, the file name of the first print data may be set to “20070316105255615data2.dmp”. In step S114, the file name of the first print data may be set to “20070316105255615data3.dmp”. Even in this case, the first print data before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon giving function and the setting data at the time when the change is made are stored in association with each other.

  Further, for example, the first print data before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon addition function and the setting data at the time when the change is made are at a specific timing, the printer device 20 (print data conversion program 35). It may be transmitted by e-mail or the like to the provider.

  For example, the first print data change / save program 35a may have a font conversion function. The font conversion function is a function for converting the font type of characters included in the receipt. For example, when a control command character string specifying a font type is not included in the first print data, a control command character string specifying a font type may be added to a predetermined position of the first print data. Good. In addition, for example, when a control command character string specifying a font type is included in the first print data, the font type specified in the control command character string may be changed to another font type. Even in such a case, the first print data before and after the change by the font conversion function may be stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Further, the first print data itself before and after the change by the font conversion function may be printed out by the printer device 20.

  Further, for example, the second print data generation program 35b may have a function of inverting the raster image data by 180 degrees and a function of cutting out the upper and / or lower margins of the raster image data. For example, the coupon grant function may be realized by the second print data generation program 35b. That is, the coupon image data designated by the user may be added to, for example, the lower end of the raster image data of the receipt by the second print data generation program 35b.

  Further, for example, the operating system executed on the POS computer 10 is not limited to Microsoft Windows (registered trademark). The application program executed by the POS computer 10 is not limited to the POS applications 30a and 30b. That is, the documents and images printed out by the printer device 20 are not limited to receipts generated by the POS applications 30a and 30b, and may be documents and images generated by other application programs.

  Further, for example, the POS computer 10 and the printer device 20 may be connected for communication via a communication network such as a LAN. In this case, the interfaces 17 and 24 may be configured as communication interfaces for connecting to a communication network.

  For example, instead of the language monitor program 36, a program called by a name other than the “language monitor program” (for example, “port emulator”) may be used.

  Further, for example, all or part of the functions realized by the first print data conversion program 35 may be realized by a program stored in the printer device 20. That is, the control unit 21 of the printer device 20 may correspond to “change means”, “print output request means”, and “print data output means (storage means, second print output request means)”. Further, the storage unit 22 of the printer device 20 may correspond to “change control data storage unit” or “nonvolatile storage unit”.

  For example, when the processing mode is set to the processing mode C or D, the contents of the setting data (config.xml) at that time may be printed out from the printer device 20. Even in this case, the user, the provider of the printer device 20 (the print data conversion program 35), etc., together with the first print data before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon grant function, the setting data at the time when the change was made. Will be able to confirm.

  Further, for example, instead of printing out the first print data itself before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon giving function by the printer device 20, the first print data itself before and after the change by the text replacement function or the coupon giving function is used. May be displayed on the display unit 15. Further, the contents of the setting data (config.xml) at that time may be displayed on the display unit 15.

1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a receipt. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of a POS computer. It is a figure which shows an example of 1st print data. It is a figure which shows an example of a setting screen. An example of a directory tree structure is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a 1st print data conversion program. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a 1st print data conversion program. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a 1st print data conversion program. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st print data preserve | saved in the preservation | save directory. It is a figure which shows the example of a print output of 1st print data itself. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st print data after the change by a text conversion function. It is a figure which shows an example of the 1st print data after the change by a coupon provision function. It is a figure which shows an example of the raster image data of a receipt. It is a figure which shows an example of the raster image data of the receipt to which the logo image was added. It is a figure which shows an example of the raster image data of the receipt to which the background image was added.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing system, 10 POS computer, 11 Control part, 12 Main memory part, 13 Auxiliary memory part, 14 Input part, 15 Display part, 16 Optical disk reading part, 17 Interface, 20 Printer apparatus, 21 Control part, 22 Storage part, 23 Print Output Unit, 24 Interface, 30a, 30b POS Application, 31 GDI Program, 32 Spooler, 33a, 33b First Print Data Generation Program, 34 Port Driver, 35 First Print Data Conversion Program, 35a First Print Data Change / Save program, 35b Second print data generation program, 36 language monitor program, 40 start command data part, 41 print content data part, 42 end command data part, 50 setting screen, 51 registration button, 60 1 Hexadecimal notation, 61 text notation.

Claims (11)

In a printing system that causes a print output unit to execute print output based on print data that is generated by one of a plurality of print data generation programs and includes a print target character string,
Change control data storage means for storing change control data for controlling changes to be made to the character string to be printed;
Based on the change control data, changing means for changing a print target character string included in the print data;
Print output requesting means for requesting print output to the print output means based on the print data changed by the changing means;
Print data output means for outputting the contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the contents of the print data after the change by the change means;
A printing system comprising: The printing system according to claim 1,
The print data output means includes storage means for storing the contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the contents of the print data after the change by the change means in a nonvolatile storage means. And printing system. The printing system according to claim 2,
The storage system stores the contents of the print data before being changed by the changing means and the contents of the print data after being changed by the changing means in n-ary notation. The printing system according to claim 2 or 3,
The storage means includes the contents of the print data before the change by the change means, the contents of the print data after the change by the change means, and the contents of the change control data used as the basis of the change. A printing system characterized by being stored in association with the non-volatile storage means. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The print data output means requests the print output means to print out the contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the contents of the print data after the change by the change means. A printing system comprising a print output requesting means. The printing system according to claim 5, wherein
The second print output request means prints out the contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the contents of the print data after the change by the change means in n-ary notation. A printing system characterized by requesting means. The printing system according to claim 5 or 6,
The second print output request means includes the contents of the print data before the change by the change means, the contents of the print data after the change by the change means, and the change control data used as the basis of the change. A printing system which requests the print output means to print out the contents. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The printing system includes a printer device, and a print output request device connected to the printer device for communication,
The print output means is included in the printer device,
The change control data storage means, the change means, the print output request means, and the print data output means are included in the print output request device.
A printing system characterized by that. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The print data generated by any one of the plurality of print data generation programs is first print data according to a first data format,
The changing unit changes the print target character string included in the first print data based on the change control data,
The print output request means includes means for generating second print data in accordance with a second data format based on the first print data changed by the changing means, and the second print data is sent to the printer device. To supply,
A printing system characterized by that. In a control method of a printing system that causes a print output unit to execute print output based on print data that is generated by one of a plurality of print data generation programs and includes a print target character string,
Reading the change control data from change control data storage means for storing change control data for controlling changes to be applied to the print target character string;
Based on the change control data, a change step for changing a print target character string included in the print data;
A print output requesting step for requesting print output to the print output means based on the print data after the change in the changing step;
A print data output step for outputting the content of the print data before the change by the change step and the content of the print data after the change by the change step;
A control method for a printing system, comprising: A program for causing a computer to function as a printing system that causes a print output unit to execute print output based on print data including a print target character string generated by any one of a plurality of print data generation programs,
Means for reading out the change control data from change control data storage means for storing change control data for controlling a change to be applied to the character string to be printed;
Based on the change control data, change means for changing a print target character string included in the print data,
Based on the print data after the change by the change means, a print output request means for requesting the print output means for print output, and
Print data output means for outputting the contents of the print data before the change by the change means and the contents of the print data after the change by the change means;
A program for causing the computer to function as

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