JP4320232B2 - Tape printing system, tape printing method, and tape printing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape printing system, a tape printing method, and a tape printing program, and in particular, a barcode (the term “barcode” appropriately includes not only a general barcode but also a two-dimensional code). It relates to the improvement of the input function.

  Many tape printers have a barcode printing function. A bar code is a code that defines a thin line, a thick line, and an interval between them, and corresponds to the input character string (character code string) and converts each character code (hereinafter referred to as “character” as appropriate). It is a thing. There are various types (standards) of bar codes, and each bar code type defines character types and the number of characters that can be converted into bar codes. For example, “JAN-13” allows only a character string that is a 12-digit number.

  Therefore, when the entire character string to be converted into a barcode is input and the key for instructing the input operation is operated, whether or not the character input conditions for the character type and the number of characters specified in the barcode type are satisfied. An apparatus has already been proposed for determining and displaying the condition when the condition is not satisfied (see Patent Document 1).

A general procedure when inputting a barcode is the order of setting a barcode type, inputting a character string, and converting the barcode into a barcode (barcode image) based on the operation of a key for instructing input termination.
JP-A-6-89355

  However, in the above-described conventional device, the user cannot recognize whether or not the character input condition defined by the barcode type is satisfied until the key for instructing the input is operated, and performs an input that does not satisfy the condition. In such a case, there is a problem that most character string input operations are wasted.

  Here, there are two cases where the character input conditions are not satisfied: a case where a character string is input while the barcode type setting is missed, and a case where the barcode type is set correctly but the character itself is missed. is there. In the former case, even if the input character string is correct, it corresponds to the display that the condition is not met, and if the barcode type setting is changed, all input character strings are deleted, and characters from the beginning I had to do column input.

  Moreover, since only the character input condition is displayed or the character input condition is not satisfied, the user cannot immediately recognize which character does not satisfy the condition.

  Furthermore, since the character input conditions differ depending on each barcode type, the barcode type must be specified in advance before inputting the character string, and there is a problem that the operation procedure is restricted.

  Therefore, a tape printing system, a tape printing method, and a tape printing program that further improve operability when inputting a character string related to a barcode are desired.

  In order to solve such a problem, the tape printing system of the first aspect of the present invention is to capture a print image and print it on a tape to form a label, and a barcode type setting means for setting a barcode type, Barcode information input means for capturing a character string related to a barcode image to be included in a print image, character string display means for displaying the captured character string, and barcode image formation for converting the captured character string into a barcode image When the barcode type change setting is made by the means and the barcode type setting means, the barcode information input means determines whether or not the character string has already been captured. It has a type change collation means that collates the character input condition of the barcode type after the change setting and the character string already captured. To.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tape printing method for capturing a print image and printing it on a tape to form a label, a barcode type setting step for setting a barcode type, and a bar included in the print image. A barcode information input process for capturing a character string related to a code image, a character string display process for displaying the captured character string, a barcode image forming process for converting the captured character string into a barcode image, and the bar When the barcode type change setting is made in the code type setting process, it is determined whether or not the character string has already been taken in by the barcode information input step. It includes a collation process at the time of type change that collates a character input condition of a code type with a character string that has already been captured.

  Further, the tape printing program of the third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that each step of the tape printing method of the second aspect of the present invention is described by a code executable by a computer.

  According to the present invention, even if the barcode type is changed, part or all of the input characters are validated, so that waste of character input can be eliminated as much as possible. The operability during input can be improved.

(A) First Embodiment Hereinafter, a tape printing system, a tape printing method, and a tape printing program according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the tape printing system of the first embodiment.

  In the tape printing system 1 of the first embodiment, a stand-alone personal computer, a notebook personal computer, or the like is connected to an information processing apparatus 2 and a cable connection to the information processing apparatus 2 (even by connection via a wireless line). It is composed of a label printer 3 as a peripheral device of the information processing apparatus 2.

  The information processing apparatus 2 includes a control unit 10, a keyboard unit 11, a mouse unit 12, a display unit 13, a large-capacity storage unit 14, a recording medium access unit 15, an input / output interface unit 16, and the like. A unit 11, a mouse unit 12, a display unit 13, a mass storage unit 14, a recording medium access unit 15, and the like are connected via an input / output interface unit 16. The label printer 3 is also connected to the control unit 10 via the input / output interface unit 16 that accommodates the cable 4. Although omitted in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 2 also has an acoustic notification means such as a buzzer.

  The label printer 3 includes a control unit 20, a communication unit 21, a print head 22, a print head drive unit 23, a tape feed mechanism 24, a tape feed drive unit 25, and the like.

  The control unit 10 in the information processing apparatus 2 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a CG-ROM, and the like, and the CPU performs processing while using the RAM as a working memory or a main memory according to a program stored in the ROM, the RAM, or the like. In the display output process and the print output process, the data stored in the CG-ROM is also used as appropriate, and the display buffer and the print buffer are appropriately set in the RAM or the like.

  The keyboard unit 11 is provided integrally with the apparatus housing or as a separate body, and is used for inputting input characters and control information. The mouse unit 12 is cable-connected to the apparatus housing and is used for cursor movement instructions, icon selection instructions, and the like. Instead of the mouse unit 12, another pointing device may be applied. In the case of another pointing device, it may be provided integrally with the apparatus housing.

  The display unit 13 corresponds to a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, or the like, and displays an image under the control of the control unit 10.

  The large-capacity storage unit 14 corresponds to, for example, a hard disk device, stores various programs and data, and stores installed applications and the like. The large-capacity storage unit 14 also functions as a working memory that interpolates the RAM in the control unit 10 depending on the processing load.

  In the case of the first embodiment, a tape printing program P is stored in the large-capacity storage unit 14.

  The recording medium access unit 15 corresponds to, for example, an external or built-in access device such as a CD-ROM or a flexible disk. The recording medium access unit 15 is loaded with a recording medium for inputting / outputting file data and a recording medium for storing an application program and causing the apparatus to install it. Among such recording media, there is also a recording medium 5 that stores the tape printing program P. A plurality of recording medium access units 15 may be provided for each type of recording medium.

  Note that copying (installation) of the tape printing program P to the large-capacity storage unit 14 may be performed not only by reading and storing from the recording medium 5 but also by downloading from another device.

  The input / output interface unit 16 is responsible for an interface function between the control unit 10 and other processing units. Although not clearly shown in FIG. 1, an interface unit exists for each processing unit. The input / output interface unit 16 shown in FIG. 1 also includes communication units such as a driver and a receiver that communicate with the label printer 3.

  The control unit 20 in the label printer 3 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and performs a control to print on the loaded tape while buffering the print image data transferred from the information processing apparatus 2. It is.

  The communication unit 21 includes, for example, a communication driver and receiver, and performs communication with the information processing apparatus 2 side under the control of the control unit 20.

  The print head 22 is, for example, a thermal head, and transfers the ink ribbon ink to the tape. The print head drive unit 23 appropriately drives each heating element of the print head 22 under the control of the control unit 20.

  The tape feeding mechanism 24 is a mechanism for running and stopping a tape and an ink ribbon in a tape cassette (not shown) loaded in the label printer 3. The tape is run from the inside of the tape cassette to the outside, and the ink ribbon is run in the tape cassette (note that the position facing the print head 22 is a window).

  The tape feed drive unit 25 drives the tape feed mechanism 24 under the control of the control unit 20.

  Note that the label printer 3 may also be provided with a mechanism for automatically cutting a printed tape, its driving unit, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tape printing program P stored in the recording medium 5 and copied (installed) in the large-capacity storage unit 14 is roughly divided into a label creation editor unit P1 and a printer driver unit P2. Become. The label creation editor unit P1 has an editing function such as inputting or modifying the content to be printed on the label, and inputting or outputting the content as a file. As one of the processing routines of the label creation editor unit P1, a barcode input routine P1a (see FIG. 4 described later) is provided. The printer driver unit P2 is a program that performs a driving process for the label printer 3. The printer content data is converted into print image data by performing dot expansion on the print content data, and the print image data is labeled according to the specifications of the label printer 3. It has a function of transferring data to the printer 3.

  The first embodiment is characterized by a barcode input function, in other words, a barcode input routine P1a. For details of the label creation editor unit P1 including the barcode input routine P1a, refer to FIG. It will be clarified in the explanation of the operation described later.

  Hereinafter, the operation (tape printing method) of the tape printing system 1 of the first embodiment will be described. In the following, a case will be described in which the tape printing program P is already installed in the large-capacity storage unit 14, and the label creation editor unit P1 of the tape printing program P is selected as the application program to be executed. At the time of execution of the tape printing program P, a part of the tape printing program P is transferred to the RAM area functioning as the main memory in the control unit 10 to execute high-speed processing.

  The label creation editor unit P1 also includes fixed data such as setting display image data, and the processing is sequentially switched by an icon operation on the display image, a signal from the keyboard unit 11, or the like. ing.

  Immediately after the label creation editor unit P1 selects, the control unit 10 displays an initial image (not shown) including option icons of “new creation”, “open file”, “create with design form”, and “cancel”. It is displayed on the display unit 13. The “cancel” icon terminates the application.

  Here, the “new creation” icon represents a processing mode in which the content to be printed on the label is input from the beginning. When the “new creation” icon is clicked by the mouse unit 12, the control unit 10 displays an attribute (not shown). An image for setting is displayed on the display unit 13, and the model of the label printer 3, the tape width, the tape length, the margin length on the label, and the placement of the tape on the display screen (input image screen) (vertical, 3), when the user clicks on the “OK” icon on the attribute setting screen with the mouse unit 12, the control unit 10 is shown in FIG. Such an input image PIC1 is displayed.

  The input image PIC1 includes a work area WR and various bars such as a title bar B1, a menu bar B2, a standard tool bar B3,... Provided above and below the work area WR. A print image PRE of a label is displayed in the work area WR, and the print image PRE includes, for example, a print range BR surrounded by a red broken line.

  In addition, an “open file” icon in an initial image (not shown) represents a processing mode obtained from file data stored in the past, and the “open file” icon is clicked by the mouse unit 12. Then, the control unit 10 displays a file selection screen (not shown) on the display unit 13 and allows the user to select file data. At this time, the control unit 10 displays an input image PIC1 as shown in FIG. Note that a print image related to the selected file data is also displayed in the print range BR of the input image PIC1 displayed by opening the file.

  In addition, the “Create with design form” icon in the initial image (not shown) represents a processing mode for obtaining the content to be printed on the label using a design form prepared in advance such as for an address or for a VTR tape. When the “create with design form” icon is clicked by the mouse unit 12, the control unit 10 displays a design form selection screen (not shown) on the display unit 13 and allows the user to select a design form. Have the form visually confirmed. The user who has finished the visual confirmation instructs selection confirmation. At this time, the control unit 10 displays an input image PIC1 as shown in FIG. Note that a print image related to the selected design form is also displayed in the print range BR in the input image PIC1 displayed by selecting the design form.

  When one of the “Create New”, “Open File”, or “Create with Design Form” icons is clicked, processing in each mode is performed, and the input image PIC1 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed, The user newly inputs or modifies the content (print image) to be printed on the label.

  In the case of the first embodiment, a barcode (barcode image) can also be included in the print image. The procedure of the user and the process of the control unit 10 at this time are as follows. FIG. 4 shows a user procedure when a barcode is included in a print image and a general processing flow of the control unit 10.

  The user clicks the “insert” icon B2-1 in the menu bar B2 of the input image PIC1 with the mouse unit 12, and at this time, the control unit 10 displays the menu window image WIN1 for insertion processing as shown in FIG. Are superimposed on the input image PIC1 (S1).

  Next, the user selects the “barcode” option in the menu window image WIN1 for insertion processing using the keyboard unit 11 or the mouse unit 12, and at this time, the control unit 10 displays the barcode as shown in FIG. The input window image WIN2 is displayed superimposed on the input image PIC1 (S2).

  A window image WIN2 for barcode input includes a pop-up menu WIN2a for selecting a barcode type (barcode standard), an input field WIN2b for a code string (for example, an alphanumeric character string) represented by the barcode, The height input field WIN2c, the narrow bar width input field WIN2d, the character string font input field WIN2e to be included in the barcode image, the character size input field WIN2f to be included in the barcode image, and the barcode WIN2g for instructing whether or not to include a check digit in a code string to be included (a radio button may be used), check box WIN2h for instructing whether or not to include left and right margins in the barcode image area, and a character string in the barcode image Include the notation It includes a check box WIN2i for whether or not, an input field WIN2j for the front margin of the barcode, an input field WIN2k for the rear margin of the barcode, and further includes an “OK” icon WIN2l, a “cancel” icon WIN2m, and a “help” icon WIN2n. It is out.

  When displaying the window image WIN2 for barcode input, default contents are displayed. In the default content, the code string input field WIN2b is blank. Note that the content at the time of the previous barcode input may be displayed.

  The user performs an operation for inputting barcode information to such a barcode input window image WIN2, and the control unit 10 buffers the input content (S3).

  In the barcode information input operation, the user generally selects a barcode type, inputs a code string (alphanumeric character string) represented by the barcode, and then clicks an “OK” icon WIN2l. It will be. The user can perform various other attribute settings before operating the “OK” icon WIN2l. Further, the barcode input mode can be canceled by operating the “cancel” icon WIN2m. Furthermore, information such as operational guidance can be obtained by operating the “help” icon WIN2n.

  When the barcode type is selected, standard values for the type are initially displayed in the barcode height input field WIN2c and the narrow bar width input field WIN2d. The height of the bar code and the width of the thin bar can be changed by inputting numbers using the keyboard unit 11 or gradually increasing or decreasing by a predetermined unit using the mouse unit 12.

  Depending on the barcode type, a check digit is always included. When such a barcode type is selected, the check box WIN2g related to the check digit is invalid and the device automatically checks the check digit. It becomes a state to be added to. On the other hand, when a bar code type that may or may not be added with a check digit is selected, the check box WIN2g related to the check digit becomes valid, and the apparatus responds to the check state (on / off state) of the check box WIN2g. Check digit is added or not added.

  As described above, the check box WIN2h instructs whether to include left and right margins in the barcode image area. When instructed to include a margin, the barcode image area includes the left and right margins. When instructed not to include a margin, the barcode image area does not include the left and right margins. It will be a thing. As described above, the user can select whether to include left and right margins in the barcode image area. Immediately after the window image WIN2 for barcode input is displayed, for example, the check box WIN2h related to the left and right margins is checked (on), and the user who does not need the left and right margins is left and right. The check box WIN2h related to the margin is turned off.

  Only when the check box WIN2h related to the left and right margins is checked (turned on), the input fields WIN2j and WIN2k for the left margin and the right margin of the barcode are valid. In the input fields WIN2j and WIN2k immediately after being enabled, for example, the length of the quiet zone of the selected barcode type is displayed, and the user can arbitrarily change this. That is, the user can arbitrarily specify the left and right margins of the barcode image area, and can specify different lengths (one may be 0) for the left margin and the right margin. Note that the length of the left and right margins may be automatically determined by the apparatus according to the barcode type so that the user cannot set the margin length.

  As described above, the check box WIN2i instructs the user whether or not to include a character code string (for example, an alphanumeric character string) represented by the barcode in the barcode image area. FIG. 7 shows an example of a barcode image including a character code string (character string) “123... 128”. When the check box WIN2i is not checked (when it is off), the barcode image is displayed. Does not include the character code string “123... 128”.

  Only when the check box WIN2i relating to the character code string notation is checked (ON), the character string font input field WIN2e and the character string character size input field WIN2f are valid, and the character string font and character size are changed. Can be specified arbitrarily by the user.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing when a certain character (code) is input to the code string input field WIN2b.

  When a character in the input field WIN2b is input, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the current character input exceeds the number of characters determined by the selected barcode type (barcode standard) (S10). ). For example, “JAN-13” defines a character string input of 12 digits and “JAN-8” defines a character string input of 7 digits. Therefore, for example, when “JAN-13” is selected and a 13th digit number is input, the input exceeds the prescribed number of characters.

  If the current character input is an input exceeding the number of characters determined by the selected barcode type (barcode standard), the control unit 10 ignores the current input character (S11; input character string until then). 9 is displayed, and a window WIN3 for notifying the character input condition (for example, prompting for 12-digit number input in JAN-13) as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed as shown in FIG. (S12) When the display end matter occurs (S13), the display of the window WIN3 is ended (S14), and the process returns to the main routine. The display end matter is that the “OK” icon in the window WIN3 is operated or the display time exceeds a predetermined time. Note that, instead of or in addition to the display of the window WIN3, a sound indicating that the current character input is ignored may be sounded.

  When the character input condition regarding the number of characters is satisfied, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the character type of the current input character matches the character type determined by the selected barcode type (S15). For example, in “JAN-13”, only numbers can be entered, and in “Code 39”, numbers, letters and symbols (in addition, start and stop codes are determined; start and stop codes are automatically added by the device. Can be input). Therefore, for example, when an alphabetic character is input in a state where “JAN-13” is selected, the input is performed with a character type other than the specified character type.

  If the character type of the current input character is different from the character type determined by the selected barcode type, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S11 described above and performs processing such as ignoring the current input character.

  If the character type of the current input character matches the character type determined by the selected barcode type, the control unit 10 additionally displays the current input character in the input field WIN2b of the code string (S16), Return to the main routine.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, each time a character is input, the character input condition determined by the barcode type is checked, and character input that does not satisfy the condition is ignored.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing processing when a barcode type change operation is performed. Note that the barcode type change operation may be executed as the first operation immediately after the barcode input window image WIN2 is displayed, or the character input condition is not satisfied when the character code is input. The window WIN3 notifying the input condition is displayed, and it may be executed when the user notices an error in setting the barcode type.

  When the barcode type is changed, the control unit 10 appropriately displays various input fields (in this case, except for the input field WIN2b of the code string (character string)) and check boxes according to the changed barcode type. Change (S20). For example, the contents of the character string font input field WIN2e and the character size input field WIN2f are changed to the default values for the changed barcode type, or the check digit WIN2g related to the check digit is changed to the changed barcode. Valid / invalid conversion is performed according to the check digit specification for each type.

  Thereafter, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a character string has been input in the input field WIN2b of the code string (character string) at the time of the change instruction (S21). If no character string is input in the input field WIN2b, the control unit 10 returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, if a character string is input in the input field WIN2b, the control unit 10 collates the character string with the character input condition for the changed barcode type (S22). It is displayed in a manner that clearly indicates it (S23), and the process returns to the main routine. For example, a character string portion that exceeds the specified number of characters is displayed in a first color that is different from the display color of the matching character, and the character type is in violation of the characters in the character string portion that is less than the specified number of characters. Objects are displayed in a second color different from the display color of the matching characters. If there is an inconsistent portion, the character input condition of the changed barcode type may be notified using the window WIN3 (FIG. 9).

  Here, the character string in the input field WIN2b can be erased at once by the clear instruction key of the keyboard unit 11, and can be erased by one character unit by the deletion instruction key of the keyboard unit 11.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, it is also possible to input a character string in the procedure of selecting the original bar code type after inputting a character string with the bar code type set as default. Even if the type is changed, the input character string can be used as it is or in part. Incidentally, in the conventional apparatus, when the barcode type is changed, even if a character string is input, the character string is automatically deleted.

  When the barcode information is input and the “OK” icon WIN2l in the window image WIN2 for barcode input is clicked, the control unit 10 confirms whether the input content is appropriate (S4 in FIG. 4).

  In this confirmation process, for example, it is confirmed whether or not the codes of the character types permitted by the number of codes defined by the selected barcode type are input.

  If the content related to the barcode input is appropriate, the control unit 10 determines the size of the barcode image area based on the specified barcode height, thin line width, left and right margins, etc. In order to designate the position of the code image area BRA, an input image PIC2 as shown in FIG. 11 (corresponding to the input image PIC1 of FIG. 3) is displayed, and the user designates the position of the barcode image area BRA (S5). ). For example, the user designates by moving the cursor CUR representing the center position of the barcode image area BRA as appropriate using the mouse unit 12 and clicking.

  As a result, the control unit 10 displays an input image (not shown) having a printed image of the label including the barcode image (S6). Note that character strings other than character strings related to barcodes are also managed in the area, and when the barcode image area and the character string area overlap, for example, in the print image of the label, Only the barcode image is displayed. Although the illustration of the barcode image area and the character string area in the input print image is omitted, the position can be changed by area movement processing.

  Regardless of whether the barcode image is included or not, when the printing is instructed in the input image (see PIC1 and PIC2), the control unit 10 prints the printed image according to the printer driver unit P2. After the data is formed, it is transferred to the label printer 3 to print the print image.

  According to the first embodiment, each time a character represented by a barcode is input, the character input condition for the selected barcode type is collated, and notification is given when there is a mismatch. Therefore, the user can immediately recognize an input mistake or the like. The input mistake here includes not only a mistake in the character type but also a mistake in setting the barcode type although the character input is correct.

  In addition, according to the first embodiment, the barcode type can be changed after the character string represented by the barcode is input, and the degree of freedom of the input procedure can be increased. This makes it possible to respond by changing the barcode type in accordance with the mismatch notification after character input. In addition, since it matches with the character input condition in the barcode type after the change and the condition mismatch part is displayed differently from the matching part, the whole or part of the input character string is used as it is You can also

  For example, a 7-digit number was input while selecting “JAN-13” with the intention of “JAN-8”, and then the user noticed that and changed the barcode type to “JAN-8”. In this case, the already input character string can be used as it is. On the other hand, when a number is input in the selection state of “JAN-8” with the intention of “JAN-13”, a window that notifies the character input condition of “JAN-8” when the eighth digit is input Even if WIN3 (see FIG. 9) is displayed and a barcode type setting error is noticed and the barcode type is changed to “JAN-13”, the 7-digit number input so far can be used as it is.

(B) Second Embodiment Next, a tape printing system, a tape printing method, and a tape printing program according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The hardware configuration of the tape printing system of the second embodiment can also be represented in FIG. 1 according to the first embodiment.

  The tape printing program for realizing the tape printing method of the second embodiment also includes a label creation editor unit and a printer driver unit, and the label creation editor unit has a bar code input routine.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the character string input process represented by the bar code in the bar code input routine is different from that of the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing in the second embodiment when a certain character (code) is input to the code string input field WIN2b (see FIG. 6). It is drawing corresponding to FIG. 8 which concerns on a form.

  When a character in the input field WIN2b is input, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the current character input is an input exceeding the number of characters determined by the selected barcode type (barcode standard) (S30). ).

  When the current character input is an input exceeding the number of characters determined by the selected barcode type, the control unit 10 inputs the current input character in the code string input field WIN2b exceeding the number of characters. Additional display is performed in a display mode indicating this (S31). Thereafter, the window WIN3 (see FIG. 9) for notifying the character input condition for the selected barcode type is displayed (S32), and when the display end matter occurs (S33), the display of the window WIN3 is ended. The process returns to the main routine (S34).

  If the character input condition regarding the number of characters is satisfied, the control unit 10 determines whether or not the character type of the current input character matches the character type determined by the selected barcode type (S35).

  If the character type of the current input character is different from the character type determined by the selected barcode type, the control unit 10 determines that the character type of the current input character is different from the input field WIN2b of the code string. The additional display is performed in the display mode (S36), and then the process proceeds to step S32 described above.

  If the character type of the current input character matches the character type determined by the selected barcode type, the control unit 10 additionally displays the current input character in the normal display mode in the input field WIN2b of the code string. (S37), and then returns to the main routine.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, every time a character is input, the character input condition determined by the barcode type is confirmed. However, an input character that does not satisfy the condition is also accepted. This corresponds to the fact that the barcode type may be changed later.

  Also in the second embodiment, it is permitted to change the barcode type after the input processing of the character string represented by the barcode. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing processing in the second embodiment when a barcode type change operation is performed, and corresponds to FIG. 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

  When the barcode type is changed, the control unit 10 appropriately displays various input fields (in this case, except for the input field WIN2b of the code string (character string)) and check boxes according to the changed barcode type. Change (S40). Thereafter, the control unit 10 determines whether or not a character string is input to the input field WIN2b of the code string (character string) at the time of the change instruction (S41). If no character string is input in the input field WIN2b, the control unit 10 returns to the main routine.

  On the other hand, if a character string is input in the input field WIN2b, the control unit 10 collates the character string with the character input condition for the changed barcode type (S42).

  If there is no mismatched part, the control unit 10 displays the character string in a normal manner (S43). On the other hand, if there is an inconsistent portion, it is displayed in a mode that clearly indicates it (for example, the mode is changed depending on the number of characters and the character type difference) (S44). Then, the control unit 10 returns to the main routine.

  According to the second embodiment, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained. According to the second embodiment, when the cause of the error display of the character input representing the barcode is a setting error of the barcode type, the character input condition for the barcode type in which the input character is set incorrectly is satisfied. Since the input can be accepted even if it is not, there is also an advantage that the input characters can be utilized when the barcode type is changed.

(C) Other Embodiments In the above embodiments, the tape printing system 1 including the information processing device 2 such as a personal computer and the label printer 3 as a peripheral device of the information processing device 2 has been described. The present invention can also be applied to a tape printing system (tape printing apparatus) as a machine.

  In each of the above embodiments, the barcode of a one-dimensional code is targeted. However, the present invention can also be applied to a system compatible with a two-dimensional code.

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, the barcode information input image (FIG. 6) is shown as a single image. However, the image configuration is two or more, and the image is switched according to the user operation. You may make it input. Here, for example, an item for setting whether or not to inherit a character string representing a barcode that has already been input when the barcode type is changed may be provided as an item based on an image in a lower hierarchy (the above-described implementation) Such a modification may also be applied to a one-image configuration such as a form).

  Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when the barcode type is changed, the character string representing the already input barcode is inherited regardless of the relationship between the barcode types before and after the change. Define the relationship between the barcode type before and after the change that inherits the character string that represents the code, and when changing the barcode type that does not satisfy the relationship, the character string that represents the already entered barcode is automatically deleted. May be. For example, between “JAN-13” and “JAN-8”, which have the same character type but different numbers of characters, the inheritance of the character string representing the barcode that has already been input is recognized, and “JAN-13” and “Code39” that have different character types and the same number of characters. ”May not be allowed to inherit the character string representing the barcode that has already been input.

  In each of the above embodiments, each time a character representing a barcode is input, it is determined whether or not the character input condition is met. However, each time a character is input, the determination cycle is increased. (The determination cycle may be arbitrarily set.) Also, the character type is not determined when a number is input, and the character type is determined when an alphabetic character or symbol is input. May be. Furthermore, it may be set as a setting item whether or not it is determined whether or not a character input condition is met every time a character representing a barcode is input.

  Furthermore, even if the barcode type as in each of the above embodiments is changed, the technical idea of making it possible to use the character string input before the change does not execute the character input condition and collation for each character input, The present invention can also be applied to a case where collation with a character input condition is performed when a key representing the end of character string input is operated.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the tape printing system of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the tape printing program of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the image for input of the printing content of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the input procedure of the barcode information of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the method of entering into the image for bar code information input of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the image for bar code information input of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the barcode image in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the character input which concerns on the barcode of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the warning image when not satisfy | filling the character input conditions of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of barcode type change of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the position setting method of the barcode image area | region of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of the character input which concerns on the barcode of 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of barcode type change of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tape printing system, 2 ... Information processing apparatus, 3 ... Label printer, P ... Tape printing program, P1 ... Label production editor part, P1a ... Barcode input routine, WIN2 ... Window image for barcode input, WIN2a ... Bar code type setting menu, WIN2b... Input field for character strings related to bar codes.

Claims (13)

In a tape printing system that takes a printed image and prints it on a tape to form a label.
Barcode type setting means for setting the barcode type;
Barcode information input means for capturing a character string related to a barcode image to be included in a print image;
A character string display means for displaying the captured character string;
Barcode image forming means for converting the captured character string into a barcode image;
When the bar code type setting is changed by the bar code type setting unit, the bar code information input unit determines whether or not the character string has already been captured. A tape printing system comprising: a character input condition of the bar code type and a type change collating means for collating a character string already captured.   The type change collation means includes a character that does not satisfy the character input condition for the barcode type changed and set by the barcode type setting means, and a character that satisfies the character input condition among the character strings that have already been captured. 2. The tape printing system according to claim 1, wherein the character string display means displays the data in different display modes.   3. The bar code information input unit, when a character is input, performs collation with a character input condition for the bar code type set by the bar code type setting unit. The tape printing system described in 1.   The bar code information input unit ignores the input when the input character does not satisfy the character input condition for the bar code type set by the bar code type setting unit. Item 4. The tape printing system according to item 3.   When the input character does not satisfy the character input condition for the barcode type set by the barcode type setting unit, the barcode information input unit inputs the input character to the character string display unit. 4. The tape printing system according to claim 3, wherein the tape printing system is displayed in a display mode different from characters that satisfy the character input condition.   6. The tape printing system according to claim 1, wherein the character input conditions are a specified number of characters and an allowable character type. In a tape printing method for capturing a print image and printing it on a tape to form a label,
A barcode type setting process for setting a barcode type;
A barcode information input step for capturing a character string related to the barcode image to be included in the print image;
A character string display process for displaying the captured character string;
A barcode image forming step of converting the captured character string into a barcode image;
When the barcode type is changed by the barcode type setting process, it is determined whether or not the character string has already been captured by the barcode information input process. A tape printing method comprising: a character input condition of the bar code type and a type-change collation step for collating a character string that has already been captured.   In the type change collation step, characters that do not satisfy the character input condition for the barcode type changed and set by the barcode type setting step and characters that satisfy the character input condition among the character strings that have already been captured are selected. The tape printing method according to claim 7, wherein the display is performed by the character string display step in a different display mode.   9. The bar code information input step, when a character is input, performs collation with a character input condition for the bar code type set by the bar code type setting step. The tape printing method as described in 2.   The barcode information input step ignores the input when the input character does not satisfy the character input condition for the barcode type set by the barcode type setting step. 10. The tape printing method according to 9.   In the barcode information input step, when the input character does not satisfy the character input condition for the barcode type set by the barcode type setting step, the input character is displayed by the character string display step. The tape printing method according to claim 9, wherein the display is performed in a display mode different from characters that satisfy the character input condition.   The tape printing method according to claim 7, wherein the character input conditions are a specified number of characters and an allowable character type. 13. A tape printing program, wherein each step of the tape printing method according to claim 7 is described by a code executable by a computer.

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