Information processing device, tape printing system, control method of information processing device, and storage medium

An information processing device includes an attached-cartridge information obtainer configured to, for a plurality of tape printing apparatuses with which the information processing device is able to communicate, obtain attached-cartridge information indicating types of tape cartridges respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses, a target tape information obtainer configured to obtain target tape information indicating a type of a target tape desired as a printing target by a user, a first determiner configured to determine, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include an attached-tape printing apparatus to which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is attached, and a display controller configured to, when it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include the attached-tape printing apparatus, cause attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus to be displayed.

BACKGROUND

The present application is based on, and claims priority from JP Application Serial Number 2021-024016, filed Feb. 18, 2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a tape printing system, a control method of an information processing device, and a storage medium.

2. Related Art

As disclosed in JP-A-2014-203436, there is known an information processing device that is communicably connected to a plurality of tape printing apparatuses, that obtains respective pieces of identification information of the tape printing apparatuses and medium information indicating tapes respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses, and that displays a list of the obtained respective pieces of identification information of the plurality of tape printing apparatuses and medium information.

In the document mentioned above, when a large number of tape printing apparatus are connected to an information processing device, the information processing device takes a long time to find a tape printing apparatus to which a tape desired as a printing target by the user is attached.

SUMMARY

An information processing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is an information processing device to which a plurality of tape printing apparatuses, to which tape cartridges are able to be attached, are communicably connected. The information processing device includes an attached-cartridge information obtainer configured to, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses, obtain attached-cartridge information indicating types of the tape cartridges respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses, a target tape information obtainer configured to obtain target tape information indicating a type of a target tape that is a tape desired as a printing target by a user, a first determiner configured to determine, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include an attached-tape printing apparatus to which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is attached, and a display controller configured to, when it is determined by the first determiner that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include the attached-tape printing apparatus, cause a display to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus.

A tape printing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of tape printing apparatuses to which tape cartridges are able to be attached, and an information processing device to which the plurality of tape printing apparatuses are communicably connected. The information processing device includes an attached-cartridge information obtainer configured to, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses, obtain attached-cartridge information indicating types of the tape cartridges respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses, a target tape information obtainer configured to obtain target tape information indicating a type of a target tape that is a tape desired as a printing target by a user, a first determiner configured to determine, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include an attached-tape printing apparatus to which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is attached, and a display controller configured to, when it is determined by the first determiner that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include the attached-tape printing apparatus, cause a display to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus.

A control method of an information processing device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is a control method of an information processing device to which a plurality of tape printing apparatuses, to which tape cartridges are able to be attached, are communicably connected. The control method includes obtaining, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses, attached-cartridge information indicating types of the tape cartridges respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses, obtaining target tape information indicating a type of a target tape that is a tape desired as a printing target by a user, determining, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include an attached-tape printing apparatus to which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is attached, and causing a display to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus, when it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include the attached-tape printing apparatus.

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to an aspect of the present disclosure stores a program that causes an information processing device to execute a process. A plurality of tape printing apparatuses, to which tape cartridges are able to be attached, are communicably connected to the information processing device. The process includes obtaining, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses, attached-cartridge information indicating types of the tape cartridges respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses, obtaining target tape information indicating a type of a target tape that is a tape desired as a printing target by a user, determining, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include an attached-tape printing apparatus to which a target tape cartridge containing the target tape is attached, and causing a display to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus, when it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses include the attached-tape printing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an information processing device, a tape printing system, a control method of an information processing device, and a storage medium will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.FIG.1is a system configuration diagram of a tape printing system SY. The tape printing system SY includes a portable terminal1and a plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, which are communicably connected via a network NW. The portable terminal1is an example of an “information processing device”. The network NW is, for example, wireless local area network (LAN).

As illustrated inFIG.3, a label production application30with which the portable terminal1cooperating with the tape printing apparatus2produces a label is installed in the portable terminal1. The label production application30is an example of a “program”.

In producing a label, a user operating the portable terminal1launches the label production application30and inputs target tape information indicating the type of a target tape T, which is a tape T desired as a printing target. The portable terminal1determines, based on the target tape information input by the user, whether the plurality of printing apparatuses2include one or more tape printing apparatuses2to each of which a tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached, as illustrated inFIG.2. When it is determined that the one or more tape printing apparatuses2to each of which the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached are included, the portable terminal1notifies the user of the one or more tape printing apparatuses2. The user selects the tape printing apparatus2for carrying out printing from among the notified tape printing apparatuses2. According to a printing instruction of the user, the portable terminal1generates print data for producing a label and transmits the generated print data to the tape printing apparatus2selected by the user.

The tape printing apparatus2to which the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached will be referred to as an “attached-tape printing apparatus2a” hereinbelow. A “corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b” described later is also illustrated inFIG.1.

AlthoughFIG.1illustrates a smartphone as the portable terminal1, another device such as a tablet computer or a notebook personal computer (PC) may be used. AlthoughFIG.1illustrates three tape printing apparatuses2as the tape printing apparatuses2communicable with the portable terminal1, any number of tape printing apparatuses2may be used.

FIG.2is a pictorial representation of the tape printing apparatus2and the tape cartridge C. The tape printing apparatus2includes a keyboard21, a display22, a cartridge attachment portion23, and a tape outlet24.

The keyboard21receives various operations, such as editing of an image to be printed. The display22displays various types of information, such as an editing screen for editing an image to be printed. The tape cartridge C is detachably attached to the cartridge attachment portion23. In the tape cartridge C, a tape T and an ink ribbon R are contained within the case.

The cartridge attachment portion23is provided with a thermal head25. The thermal head25, with the tape cartridge C attached to the cartridge attachment portion23, performs heat generation driving in accordance with an edited result of an image to be printed. Thereby, ink of the ink ribbon R is transferred onto the tape T, with the result that the image to be printed is printed on the tape T.

The tape T on which printing has been carried out is exhausted from the tape outlet24. A cutter26is provided between the cartridge attachment portion23and the tape outlet24. The cutter26cuts the tape T in its width direction. Thus, the printed portion is cut off from the tape T. The cut-off printed portion is used as a label.

The tape printing apparatus2is capable of carrying out printing based on an edit result of an image to be printed using the keyboard21as well as carrying out printing based on print data transmitted from the portable terminal1. In the present embodiment, description is given of the latter case in which the tape printing apparatus2carries out printing based on print data transmitted from the portable terminal1.

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating hardware configurations of the portable terminal1and the tape printing apparatus2. The portable terminal1includes a touch panel11, a portable terminal communicator12, and a portable terminal controller13. The touch panel11is an example of a “display”.

The touch panel11receives various operations performed by a user and displays various types of information. For example, the touch panel11displays screens, such as a target tape information input screen D1illustrated inFIG.6and another drawing, an attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2illustrated inFIG.7, a corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3illustrated inFIG.9, and a no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4illustrated inFIG.10.

The portable terminal communicator12communicates with the tape printing apparatus2via the network NW. For example, the portable terminal communicator12transmits print data to the tape printing apparatus2and receives, from the tape printing apparatus2, attached-cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge C attached to the tape printing apparatus2.

The portable terminal controller13includes a portable terminal central processing unit (CPU)13a, a portable terminal read-only memory (ROM)13b, and a portable terminal random-access memory (RAM)13c.

The portable terminal CPU13aloads, on the portable terminal RAM13c, various control programs stored in the portable terminal ROM13band executes the various control programs, thereby performing various types of control. The portable terminal controller13may use, as the processor, hardware circuitry, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), instead of the portable terminal CPU13a. The processor may have a configuration in which one or more CPUs and hardware circuitry, such as the ASIC, operate in cooperation with each other.

The portable terminal ROM13b, which is a writable ROM, stores various control programs and various types of control data. For example, the portable terminal ROM13bstores the label production application30. The label production application30is an application program for implementing various functions related to label production illustrated inFIG.4.

The label production application30includes corresponding-cartridge information indicating, for each model of the tape printing apparatus2, conditions under which the tape cartridge C is able to be used with the model. For example, the corresponding-cartridge information includes information indicating available tape types and available tape widths. The tape types refer to types such as a standard tape and a die-cut tape. The standard tape is a long tape T including a printing layer serving as a printing face and a release paper layer to be removed prior to attachment of the tape T. The die-cut tape is the tape T in which label materials die cut into a predetermined size are arranged at regular intervals on a long mount tape.

When the label production application30is started, the portable terminal CPU13atransmits, to the tape printing apparatuses2with which the portable terminal1is able to communicate, a model information request signal for requesting model information indicating the model of each of the tape printing apparatuses2and obtains the model information from each of the tape printing apparatuses2. Then, the portable terminal CPU13aobtains, from the label production application30, the corresponding-cartridge information for the model information obtained from each of the tape printing apparatuses2and determines, based on the obtained corresponding-cartridge information, whether the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T desired as a printing target by the user is usable with each of the tape printing apparatuses2.

The tape printing apparatus2includes a printing apparatus communicator41, an attached-cartridge information reader42, a printing section43, and a printing apparatus controller44.

The printing apparatus communicator41communicates with the portable terminal1via the network NW.

The attached-cartridge information reader42optically reads a code image affixed as a label on the tape cartridge C attached into the cartridge attachment portion23or reads out attached-cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge C from a circuit board including a memory element (both not illustrated) provided in the tape cartridge C. The attached-cartridge information includes information indicating the tape width, tape color, and tape type of the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C.

The printing section43is a mechanism for carrying out printing on the tape T and includes the thermal head25, a feed motor43a, and a cutter motor43b. The thermal head25includes a plurality of heating elements and carries out printing by thermally transferring ink from the ink ribbon R onto the tape T. The feed motor43ais a drive source that feeds the tape T and the ink ribbon R. The cutter motor43bis a drive source for driving the cutter26.

The printing apparatus controller44includes a printing apparatus CPU44a, a printing apparatus ROM44b, and a printing apparatus RAM44c.

The printing apparatus CPU44aperforms various types of control by loading, on the printing apparatus RAM44c, various control programs stored in the printing apparatus ROM44band executing the various control programs. The printing apparatus controller44may use, as a processor, hardware circuitry, such as an ASIC, instead of the printing apparatus CPU44a. The processor may have a configuration in which one or more CPUs and hardware circuitry, such as an ASIC, operate in cooperation with each other.

The printing apparatus ROM44bstores various control programs such as firmware. The printing apparatus CPU44auses a control program stored in the printing apparatus ROM44bto carry out printing on the tape T unreeled from the tape cartridge C based on print data transmitted from the portable terminal1. In response to receiving an attached-cartridge information request signal from the portable terminal1and in response to replacement of the tape cartridge C, the printing apparatus CPU44aobtains the attached-cartridge information from the circuit board of the tape cartridge C via the attached-cartridge information reader42and transmits the obtained attached-cartridge information to the portable terminal1.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the portable terminal1. The portable terminal1includes, as a functional configuration, an attached-cartridge information obtainer110, a corresponding-cartridge information obtainer120, a target tape information obtainer130, a first determiner140, a second determiner150, a replacement completion information obtainer160, and a display controller170. All of these functions are functions implemented by the portable terminal CPU13aexecuting the label production application30.

Regarding the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1, the attached-cartridge information obtainer110obtains attached-cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge C attached to each of the tape printing apparatuses2. In the present embodiment, when an image to be printed is edited by the user and an instruction to print the image to be printed is issued, the attached-cartridge information obtainer110transmits an attached-cartridge information request signal to the plurality of printing apparatuses2and thus obtains attached-cartridge information from each of the tape printing apparatuses2. In addition, when replacement completion information is obtained by the replacement completion information obtainer160described later, the attached-cartridge information obtainer110transmits an attached-cartridge information request signal again to the plurality of printing apparatuses2and thus obtains attached-cartridge information from each of the tape printing apparatuses2.

Regarding the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1, the corresponding-cartridge information obtainer120obtains corresponding-cartridge information indicating the conditions of the tape cartridges C respectively usable with the tape printing apparatuses2. When the label production application30is started, the corresponding-cartridge information obtainer120transmits a model information request signal to the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1and thus obtains model information from each of the tape printing apparatuses2and obtains corresponding-cartridge information associated with the obtained model information.

The target tape information obtainer130obtains target tape information indicating the type of the target tape T desired as a printing target by the user. The target tape information obtainer130obtains, as the target tape information, information input to the target tape information input screen D1illustrated inFIG.6and another drawing.

The first determiner140determines, based on the attached-cartridge information of the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2obtained by the plurality of attached-cartridge information obtainer110and the target tape information obtained by the target tape information obtainer130, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, which is the tape printing apparatus2to which the target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached. Each time the attached-cartridge information is obtained by the attached-cartridge information obtainer110, the first determiner140determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a.

When it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the second determiner150determines, based on the respective pieces of corresponding-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and the target tape information obtained by the target tape information obtainer130, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b(refer toFIG.1), which is the tape printing apparatus2with which the target tape cartridge C is usable.

The replacement completion information obtainer160obtains replacement completion information indicating that a user replaced the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. In the present embodiment, the replacement completion information obtainer160obtains, as the replacement completion information, an operation signal indicating that a third OK button74of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3illustrated inFIG.9is selected.

When it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the display controller170causes the touch panel11to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus2a. The display controller170causes the attached-apparatus information to be displayed on the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2illustrated inFIG.7.

When it is determined by the second determiner150that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, the display controller170causes the touch panel11to display corresponding apparatus information indicating the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2band replacement notification information prompting replacement of the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. The display controller170causes the corresponding apparatus information and replacement notification information to be displayed on the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3illustrated inFIG.9.

With reference toFIG.6toFIG.10, various screens provided by the label production application30will be described with specific display examples.FIG.5is a table illustrating corresponding-cartridge information and attached-cartridge information that are prerequisites for display examples illustrated inFIG.7,FIG.9, andFIG.10.

As illustrated inFIG.5, the portable terminal1is communicably connected to three tape printing apparatuses2of different models. The portable terminal1stores corresponding-cartridge information indicating the conditions of the tape cartridge C usable with each model of the tape printing apparatus2in association with the model name of the tape printing apparatus2. The corresponding-cartridge information includes information indicating the corresponding tape type, standard tape width, and die-cut tape width. The corresponding tape type refers to an available tape type. The standard tape width refers to the available tape width of a standard tape. The die-cut tape width refers to the available tape width of a die-cut tape. For example, the corresponding cartridge information indicates that, regarding the tape printing apparatus2of model name “PR-1”, the corresponding tape type is only “standard tape”, and the tape T with a tape width “24 mm or less” is able to be used for a standard tape. Examples of the model for which a die-cut tape is not able to be used may include the tape printing apparatus2on which a sensor for detecting the location of a label material in a die-cut tape is not mounted.

The portable terminal1stores the attached-cartridge information obtained from each tape printing apparatus2in association with the model name of the tape printing apparatus2. The portable terminal1stores the attached-cartridge information in a given area within the portable terminal RAM13cillustrated inFIG.3. The attached-cartridge information includes information indicating the attached-tape width, attached-tape color, and attached-tape type. The attached-tape width, attached-tape color, and attached-tape type respectively refer to the width, color, and type of the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C attached to each of the tape printing apparatuses2. For example, the attached-cartridge information indicates that the tape cartridge C containing the tape T with an attached-tape width “18 mm”, attached-tape color “white”, and attached-tape type “standard tape” is attached to the tape printing apparatus2of a model name “PR-1”.

FIG.6is a diagram illustrating a display example of the target tape information input screen D1. In the target tape information input screen D1illustrated inFIG.6, target tape information serving as prerequisites for the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2illustrated inFIG.7is input. The target tape information input screen D1is a screen displayed when the user issues a printing instruction after editing of an image to be printed on the editing screen. The target tape information input screen D1displays a tape width entry field61, a tape color entry field62, a tape type entry field63, a first cancel button64, and a first OK button65.

The tape width of the target tape T desired as a printing target by the user is input to the tape width entry field61. The tape color of the target tape T desired as the printing target by the user is input to the tape color entry field62. The tape type of the target tape T desired as the printing target by the user is input to the tape type entry field63. In the target tape information input screen D1illustrated inFIG.6, a tape width “18 mm”, a tape color “white” and a tape type “standard tape” are input. When the first cancel button64is selected, the portable terminal1invalidates information input to the target tape information input screen D1and displays the editing screen displayed prior to the display of target tape information input screen D1. When the first OK button65is selected, the portable terminal1obtains, as the target tape information, information input to the target tape information input screen D1.

On the target tape information input screen D1, information is not necessarily needed to be input to all of the tape width entry field61, the tape color entry field62, and the tape type entry field63but may be input to at least one of the fields.

FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a display example of the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2. In response to obtaining the attached-cartridge information illustrated inFIG.5and the target tape information illustrated inFIG.6, the portable terminal1displays the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2illustrated inFIG.7. The attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2displays an attached-tape printing apparatus display field67, a second cancel button68, and a second OK button69.

In the attached-tape printing apparatus display field67, a list of model names of the attached-tape printing apparatuses2ais displayed. As illustrated inFIG.5, the attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato each of which the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T that matches the target tape information illustrated inFIG.6is attached are two tape printing apparatuses2of a model name “PR-1” and a model name “PR-3”. The model name “PR-1” and the model name “PR-3” are examples of “attached-apparatus information”. The portable terminal1determines, as the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the tape printing apparatus2from which attached-cartridge information satisfying the AND condition of one or more information items input among three information items, the tape width, tape color, and tape type included in the target tape information is obtained.

In the attached-tape printing apparatus display field67illustrated inFIG.7, of the model name “PR-1” and the model name “PR-3”, the model name “PR-1” is selected. When the second OK button69is selected under this condition, the portable terminal1determines that the tape printing apparatus2of the model name “PR-1” is selected as the tape printing apparatus2for carrying out printing. When the second cancel button68is selected, the portable terminal1hides the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2and displays the target tape information input screen D1illustrated inFIG.6, which is displayed prior to the display of the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2.

FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a display example of the target tape information input screen D1, which is different from the example inFIG.6. In the target tape information input screen D1illustrated inFIG.8, a tape width “24 mm”, a tape color “red”, and a tape type “die-cut tape” are input as target tape information serving as prerequisites for the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3illustrated inFIG.9.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating a display example of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3. In response to obtaining the attached-cartridge information illustrated inFIG.5and the target tape information illustrated inFIG.8, the portable terminal1displays the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3illustrated inFIG.9. The corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3displays a corresponding-tape printing apparatus display field71, a first message72, a third cancel button73, and the third OK button74.

In the corresponding-tape printing apparatus display field71, information regarding the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bis displayed. As illustrated inFIG.5, the three tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T that matches the target tape information illustrated inFIG.8is attached. However, the three tape printing apparatuses2includes the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bwith which the tape cartridge C containing the target tape T that matches the target tape information illustrated inFIG.8is usable.

When it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2that are able to communicate with the portable terminal1include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, the portable terminal1displays the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3and displays information regarding the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bin a corresponding-tape printing apparatus display field71. In the corresponding-tape printing apparatus display field71illustrated inFIG.8, a model name “PR-2”, an attached-tape width “40 mm”, an attached-tape color “red”, and an attached-tape type “die-cut tape” are displayed as the information regarding the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. The model name “PR-2” is an example of “corresponding apparatus information”. Of the information items displayed in the corresponding-tape printing apparatus display field71, the attached-tape width, the attached-tape color, and the attached-tape type are information items included in the attached-cartridge information of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b.

The first message72is a message prompting the user for replacement of the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. The first message72is an example of “replacement notification information”. According to the first message72, the user replaces the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2band then selects the third OK button74. In response to selection of the third OK button74, the portable terminal1obtains an operation signal of the third OK button74band determines that the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bhas been replaced. The operation signal of the third OK button74is an example of “replacement completion information”. Alternatively, when the third cancel button73is selected, the portable terminal1hides the corresponding tape printing apparatus screen D3and displays the target tape information input screen D1(refer toFIG.8) displayed prior to the display of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating a display example of the no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4. When it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicable with the portable terminal1include neither the attached-tape printing apparatus2anor the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, the portable terminal1displays the no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4. The no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4displays a second message76and a fourth OK button77.

The second message76includes a message notifying the user that there is neither the attached-tape printing apparatus2anor the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, and a message prompting the user to input the target tape information again. After confirming the second message76, the user selects the fourth OK button77. When the fourth OK button77is selected, the portable terminal1hides the no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4and displays the target tape information input screen D1displayed prior to the display of the no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4.

With reference to the flowcharts inFIG.11andFIG.12, the flow of a printing instruction process executed by the portable terminal1will be described. The printing instruction process begins when the label production application30is started.

In step S01, the portable terminal1obtains the corresponding-cartridge information regarding the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1. The portable terminal1transmits a model information request signal to the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, so that the portable terminal1obtains model information from each of the tape printing apparatuses2and obtains corresponding-cartridge information associated with the obtained model information from the label production application30.

In step S02, the portable terminal1displays, on the touch panel11, an editing screen for editing an image to be printed.

In step S03, the portable terminal1receives an editing operation of the user on the editing screen.

In step S04, the portable terminal1receives a printing instruction of the user on the editing screen.

In step S05, the portable terminal1obtains the attached-cartridge information regarding the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1. The portable terminal1transmits an attached-cartridge information request signal to the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2so that the portable terminal1obtains attached-cartridge information from each of the tape printing apparatuses2.

In step S06, the portable terminal1displays the target tape information input screen D1on the touch panel11.

In step S07, the portable terminal1obtains target tape information in response to an input operation of the user on the target tape information input screen D1.

In step S08, the portable terminal1determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a. Using the attached-cartridge information obtained in step S05and the target tape information obtained in step S07, the portable terminal1determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a. When the portable terminal1determines that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the portable terminal1proceeds to step S09. When the portable terminal1determines that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the portable terminal1proceeds to step S12illustrated inFIG.12.

In step S09, the portable terminal1displays the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2on the touch panel11.

In step S10, the portable terminal1receives selection of the tape printing apparatus2by the user on the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2.

In step S11, the portable terminal1transmits, to the selected tape printing apparatus2, print data generated based on an editing result of the image to be printed. The portable terminal1may generate print data in step S11, that is, when the portable terminal1receives selection of the tape printing apparatus2, or may generate print data after step S04, that is, when the portable terminal1receives a printing instruction. After step S11, the portable terminal1terminates the printing instruction process.

In step S12inFIG.12, the portable terminal1determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. The portable terminal1determines, based on the corresponding-cartridge information obtained in step S01and the target tape information obtained in step S07, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. When it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, the portable terminal1proceeds to step S13. When it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, the portable terminal1proceeds to step S16.

In step S13, the portable terminal1displays the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3on the touch panel11.

In step S14, in response to selection of the third OK button74of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus screen D3by the user, the portable terminal1obtains replacement completion information indicating that the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bhas been replaced.

In step S15, the portable terminal1obtains the attached-cartridge information regarding the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1. The portable terminal1transmits an attached-cartridge information request signal to the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2so that the portable terminal1obtains attached-cartridge information from each of the tape printing apparatuses2. After step S15, the portable terminal1proceeds to step S08inFIG.11.

In step S16, the portable terminal1displays the no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4on the touch panel11.

In step S17, in response to selection of the fourth OK button77by the user on the no tape printing apparatus notification screen D4, the portable terminal1receives a message confirmation operation. After step S17, the portable terminal1proceeds to step S06inFIG.11.

As described above, the portable terminal1according to the present embodiment determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1include the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T desired as a printing target by the user is attached. When it is determined that the attached-tape printing apparatus2ais included, the portable terminal1displays the model name of the attached-tape printing apparatus2a. With this configuration, the user may rapidly find the tape printing apparatus2to which the target tape cartridge C is attached among the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2.

In addition, when it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the portable terminal1determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. When it is determined that the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bis included, the portable terminal1displays the model name of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2band the first message72prompting replacement of the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. With this configuration, even when the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the user may confirm that replacement of the tape cartridge C in the tape printing apparatus2of the displayed model name enables printing on the tape T desired by the user.

In response to obtaining the replacement completion information indicating that the user replaced the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, the portable terminal1obtains again the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a. With this configuration, even when the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the user may replace the tape cartridge C of the tape printing apparatus2of the displayed model name and thus confirm the tape printing apparatus2to which the target tape cartridge C is attached, on the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2.

Despite the embodiment described above, modifications described below may be employed.

First Modification

When it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1include a plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2a, the display controller170of the portable terminal1may determine, based on a tape-related item included in the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses, priorities of the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2aand, according to the determined priorities, cause a plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed on the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2. In this case, the attached-cartridge information obtainer110may obtain, from the circuit board, attached-cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge C and the residual amount of the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C. The residual amount of the tape T is an example of the “tape-related item”. In this case, each time the tape printing apparatus2carries out printing, the tape printing apparatus2may calculate the residual amount of the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C after the printing by subtracting the tape usage from the residual amount of the tape T before the printing and write the calculated residual amount of the tape T in the circuit board provided in the tape cartridge C. The display controller170of the portable terminal1may cause a plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed in order from the smallest residual amount of the tape T in the tape cartridge C attached to the attached-tape printing apparatus2, that is, such that the attached-tape printing apparatus2awith a smaller residual amount of the tape T has a higher priority.

The attached-cartridge information obtainer110may obtain attached-cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge C and the manufacturing timing of the tape cartridge C. The manufacturing timing of the tape cartridge C is an example of the “tape-related item”. This case is based on the premise that the manufacturing timing, such as the date of manufacture, of the tape cartridge C is written on the circuit board provided in the tape cartridge C. The display controller170of the portable terminal1may cause the plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed in order from the oldest manufacturing timing of the tape cartridge C attached to the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, that is, such that the attached-tape printing apparatus2awith an older manufacturing timing of the tape cartridge C has a higher priority.

In this way, the plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2aare displayed with priorities on the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2, which enables the user to rapidly select the tape printing apparatus2for carrying out printing.

Second Modification

When it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1include a plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2a, the display controller170of the portable terminal1may determine, based on respective pieces of attached-cartridge information of the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2aand an image to be printed, priorities of the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2aand cause the plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed according to the determined priorities on the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2. More specifically, when the image to be printed includes specific text or a specific image, the display controller170may cause a plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed such that the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the tape cartridge C containing the tape T of a specific type is attached has a high priority. For example, when the image to be printed includes the text “prohibit”, the display controller170may cause a plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed such that the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the tape cartridge C containing the tape T of a specific tape color is attached has a high priority.

In addition, when the image to be printed is created using a specific template or a specific format, the display controller170may cause a plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed on the attached-tape printing apparatus screen D2such that the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the tape cartridge C containing the tape T of a specific type is attached has a high priority. For example, when the image to be printed is created using a template prompting the user to use caution and warning, the display controller170may cause a plurality of model names corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2ato be displayed such that the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the tape cartridge C containing the tape T in a specific tape color is attached has a high priority.

Third Modification

The display controller170of the portable terminal1causes the model name of the tape printing apparatus2to be displayed as the attached-apparatus information as well as the corresponding apparatus information but may cause the apparatus name or address of the tape printing apparatus2to be displayed. The apparatus name is, for example, a name given to the tape printing apparatus2by the user. Thereby, the user uniquely identify the tape printing apparatuses2even though they are of the same model. The address is, for example, a MAC address.

Fourth Modification

The portable terminal1may obtain attached-cartridge information by transmitting an attached-cartridge information request signal to the tape printing apparatus2when the label production application30is started or when the editing screen is displayed other than when a printing instruction is given by the user. Alternatively, the portable terminal1may obtain attached-cartridge information by routinely transmitting an attached-cartridge information request signal to the tape printing apparatus2while the label production application30is active. Alternatively, the tape printing apparatus2may voluntarily and routinely transmit attached-cartridge information to the portable terminal1.

Fifth Modification

The portable terminal1may be configured to display the target tape information input screen D1prior to displaying of the editing screen and to determine the tape printing apparatus2for carrying out printing prior to editing of an image to be printed. Alternatively, the portable terminal1may be configured to call the target tape information input screen D1from the editing screen and may be configured to determine the tape printing apparatus2for carrying out printing while editing an image to be printed.

Sixth Modification

The portable terminal1may allow a plurality of pieces of information indicating each of a tape width, a tape color, and a tape type to be input to the target tape information input screen D1and, using the plurality of pieces of information as the OR condition, determine whether there is the attached-tape printing apparatus2aand whether there is the corresponding tape printing apparatus2b. For example, when “18 mm” and “24 mm” are input as information indicating a tape width, the portable terminal1may determine the tape printing apparatus2to which the tape cartridge C containing the tape T with a tape width of “18 mm” or “24 mm” is attached, as the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, among a plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1. The portable terminal1may allow information indicating a tape material, tape thickness, tape hardness, and other conditions to be input as the target tape information to the target tape information input screen D1.

In addition, the portable terminal1may display a target label information input screen (not illustrated) to which target label information including the target tape information and information indicating the color of the ink ribbon R is input, instead of the target tape information input screen D1. The target label information is information indicating the type of a target label, which is a label that the user desires to produce. In addition, the portable terminal1may allow the size of a label material of a die-cut tape to be input as the target tape information. The size of a label material refers to the length in the tape-width direction of the label material and the length in the tape-length direction. Furthermore, the portable terminal1may allow the label shape of a die-cut tape to be input as the target label information.

Seventh Modification

The replacement completion information obtainer160of the portable terminal1may obtain replacement completion information from the tape printing apparatus2. In the present modification, routinely or in response to detecting that the tape cartridge C is attached to the cartridge attachment portion23, the tape printing apparatus2reads out the attached-cartridge information from the circuit board of the tape cartridge C, determines whether the attached-cartridge information read out previously and the attached-cartridge information read out currently match each other, and, if it is determined that they do not match each other, determines that the tape cartridge C has been replaced. Upon determining that the tape cartridge C has been replaced, the tape printing apparatus2transmits replacement completion information to the portable terminal1. When a replacement completion information determiner (not illustrated) of the portable terminal1receives the replacement completion information from the tape printing apparatus2while displaying the corresponding tape printing apparatus screen D3, the replacement completion information determiner determines whether the tape printing apparatus2from which the replacement completion information was transmitted is the corresponding tape printing apparatus2b. If it is determined by the replacement completion information determiner that the tape printing apparatus2from which the replacement completion information was transmitted is the corresponding tape printing apparatus2b, the replacement completion information obtainer160obtains the replacement completion information transmitted from the tape printing apparatus2.

Eighth Modification

The portable terminal1may concurrently transmit a model information request signal and an attached-cartridge information request signal to a plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1. In this case, the portable terminal1concurrently obtains the corresponding cartridge information and the attached-cartridge information.

Ninth Modification

The tape printing apparatus2may include a detector that detects whether there is a recess or protrusion formed in the tape cartridge C, instead of the attached-cartridge information reader42, and obtain attached-cartridge information from a detection result of the detector.

Other Modifications

In the embodiment described above, the tape printing apparatus2carries out printing by a thermal transfer method. However, the tape printing apparatus2may carry out printing by another printing method such as an ink jet method. In the embodiment described above, the tape printing apparatus2unreels the tape T contained in the case of the tape cartridge C to carry out printing. However, the tape printing apparatus2may unreel the tape T that is not contained in the case of the tape cartridge C to carry out printing. In addition, various changes may be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Appendices

Hereinafter, appendices for an information processing device, a tape printing system, a control method of an information processing device, and a storage medium will be provided.

The portable terminal1is the portable terminal1to which a plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, to which the tape cartridges C are able to be attached, are communicably connected. The portable terminal1includes the attached-cartridge information obtainer110configured to, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, obtain attached-cartridge information indicating types of the tape cartridges C respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses2, the target tape information obtainer130configured to obtain target tape information indicating the type of the target tape T that is the tape T desired as a printing target by a user, the first determiner140configured to determine, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached, and the display controller170configured to, when it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, cause the touch panel11to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus2a.

The tape printing system SY is the tape printing system SY including a plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, to which the tape cartridges C are able to be attached, and the portable terminal1to which the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2are communicably connected. The portable terminal1includes the attached-cartridge information obtainer110configured to, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, obtain attached-cartridge information indicating types of the tape cartridges C respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses2, the target tape information obtainer130configured to obtain target tape information indicating the type of the target tape T that is the tape T desired as a printing target by a user, the first determiner140configured to determine, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached, and the display controller170configured to, when it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, cause the touch panel11to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus2a.

A control method of the portable terminal1is a control method of the portable terminal1to which a plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, to which the tape cartridges C are able to be attached, are communicably connected. The control method includes obtaining, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, attached-cartridge information indicating the types of the tape cartridges C respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses2, obtaining target tape information indicating the type of the target tape T that is the tape T desired as a printing target by a user, determining, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached, and causing the touch panel11to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, when it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a.

The label production application30causes the portable terminal1to execute a process. A plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, to which the tape cartridges C are able to be attached, are communicably connected to the portable terminal1. The process includes obtaining, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, attached-cartridge information indicating types of the tape cartridges C respectively attached to the tape printing apparatuses2, obtaining target tape information indicating the type of the target tape T that is the tape T desired as a printing target by a user, determining, based on the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T is attached, and causing the touch panel11to display attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, when it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a.

The portable terminal1determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1include the attached-tape printing apparatus2ato which the target tape cartridge C containing the target tape T desired as a printing target by the user. When it is determined that the attached-tape printing apparatus2ais included, the portable terminal1displays the attached-apparatus information indicating the attached-tape printing apparatus2a. With this configuration, the user may rapidly find the tape printing apparatus2to which the target tape cartridge C is attached among the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2.

The portable terminal1described above may further include the corresponding-cartridge information obtainer120configured to, for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, obtain corresponding-cartridge information indicating conditions of the tape cartridges C respectively usable with the tape printing apparatuses2, and the second determiner150configured to, when it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, determine, based on the corresponding-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and on the target tape information, whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bwith which the target tape cartridge C is usable. The display controller170may be configured to, when it is determined by the second determiner150that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, cause the touch panel11to display corresponding apparatus information indicating the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2band replacement notification information prompting replacement of the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b.

When it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2communicably connected to the portable terminal1do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the portable terminal1determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. When it is determined that the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2bis included, the portable terminal1displays the corresponding apparatus information indicating the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2band the exchange notification information prompting replacement of the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. With this configuration, even when the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the user may confirm that replacement of the tape cartridge C in the tape printing apparatus2indicated by the displayed corresponding apparatus information enables printing on the tape T desired by the user.

The portable terminal1described above may further include the replacement completion information obtainer160configured to obtain replacement completion information indicating that a user replaced the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b. The attached-cartridge information obtainer110may be configured to, when the replacement completion information is obtained by the replacement completion information obtainer160, obtain again the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2, and the first determiner140may be configured to, whenever the attached-cartridge information is obtained by the attached-cartridge information obtainer110, determine whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a.

In response to obtaining the replacement completion information indicating that the user replaced the tape cartridge C of the corresponding-tape printing apparatus2b, the portable terminal1obtains again the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2and determines whether the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a. With this configuration, even when the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2do not include the attached-tape printing apparatus2a, the user may replace the tape cartridge C of the tape printing apparatus2indicated by the displayed corresponding apparatus information and thus confirm the tape printing apparatus2to which the target tape cartridge C is attached.

In the portable terminal1described above, the attached-cartridge information obtainer110may be configured to obtain the attached-cartridge information indicating the type of the tape cartridge C and a tape-related item that is a residual amount of the tape T contained in the tape cartridge C or the manufacturing timing of the tape cartridge C, and the display controller170may be configured to, when it is determined by the first determiner140that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include a plurality of the attached-tape printing apparatuses2a, determine, based on a tape-related item included in the attached-cartridge information for the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2a, priorities of the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2aand to cause the touch panel11to display, according to the determined priorities, a plurality of pieces of the attached-apparatus information corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2a.

When it is determined that the plurality of tape printing apparatuses2include a plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2a, the portable terminal1determines, based on a tape-related item included in the attached-cartridge information for the attached-tape printing apparatuses2a, priorities of the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2aand, according to the determined priorities, displays a plurality of pieces of the attached-apparatus information corresponding to the plurality of attached-tape printing apparatuses2a. With this configuration, the user may rapidly select the tape printing apparatus2for carrying out printing.