JP2007021960A - Apparatus and method for creating print image, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus and a method for creating a print image, and a program, in which a two-dimensional code image can be placed in a readable state even when the two-dimensional code image has no region to be saved. <P>SOLUTION: An apparatus 2 for creating a print image creates, on a processing tape T, a print image 179 for printing an outer frame image 161 including a closed-line part and a two-dimensional code image 162 including a data region 164 and a margin region 166 surrounding the data region 164. The apparatus has a code-overwriting edit means for overwriting the two-dimensional code image 162 on the outer frame image 161 when the outer frame image 161 and the two-dimensional code image 162 are placed in an overlapped state, on the basis of a position setting means 27 for setting the position of the outer frame image 161 and the two-dimensional code image 162 on the processing tape T. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print image creation apparatus, a print image creation method, and a program for creating a print image to be printed on a processing tape.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as this type of print image creation apparatus, an apparatus having an editing unit that edits print data including a print code such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code is known (see Patent Document 1). This editing means has a line input / editing function for inputting an outer frame surrounding the print data. In this case, since the printing object is printing paper (cut sheet paper), it is possible to avoid the overlap between the printing code and the outer frame by moving the printing code with respect to the outer frame that is fixedly arranged. it can.
JP 2003-84950 A

  However, for example, when the print object is a narrow object such as a tape, if the two-dimensional code image and the outer frame image overlap, it is difficult to secure a retreat area in which the two-dimensional code image is retreated. is there. That is, when the two-dimensional code image and the outer frame image overlap, there is no area in which the two-dimensional code image is saved, so the two-dimensional code image and the outer frame image are overlapped and printed. There was a risk that reading would be hindered. For this reason, there is a problem that a two-dimensional code image cannot be printed while making use of the outer frame image. In order to accurately read a two-dimensional code image, it is necessary to secure a blank area (margin area) called a quiet zone around the area.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a print image creation apparatus, a print image creation method, and a program that can arrange a two-dimensional code image so that the two-dimensional code image can be read even if there is no area for saving the two-dimensional code image.

  The image creating apparatus of the present invention prints a print image for printing an outer frame image made up of an encircling image line portion and a two-dimensional code image made up of a data area and a margin area surrounding the data on a processing tape. In the print image creation apparatus to be created, a storage unit for storing the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image, and the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image on the processing tape are read out from the storage unit. A position setting means for setting the position of the image, and a print image creation means for creating a print image based on the position set by the position setting means. The print image creation means includes an outer frame image by the position setting means. And a code overwriting editing means for overwriting the two-dimensional code image on the outer frame image when the two-dimensional code image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged to overlap each other. .

  Also, the image creating method of the present invention is a print for printing on the processing tape an outer frame image composed of an encircled image line portion and a two-dimensional code image composed of a data region and a margin region surrounding the data region. In the print image creation method for creating an image, when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged to overlap with the position of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image set on the processing tape, the two-dimensional A print image is created by overwriting a code image on an outer frame image.

  According to this configuration, when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image overlap, the two-dimensional code image is overwritten on the outer frame image. At this time, since the two-dimensional code image has already secured a margin area necessary for reading it, the two-dimensional code image is arranged so as to be readable. As a result, a two-dimensional code image can be created across the width of the processing tape while allowing an outer frame image. Note that the two-dimensional code includes a QR code, a Maxi code, a Veri code, a data matrix, PDF417, and the like.

  Another image creation apparatus according to the present invention is arranged so that a two-dimensional code image fits in an outer frame image when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged in an overlapping manner instead of the above-described code overwrite editing unit. And a code reduction / editing means for reducing the size of the code.

  According to another image creating method of the present invention, an outer frame image made up of an encircling image line portion and a two-dimensional code image made up of a data area and a margin area surrounding it are printed on a processing tape. In the print image creation method for creating the print image, when the position of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image on the processing tape is set and the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged to overlap, The print image is created by reducing the two-dimensional code image so that it fits within the outer frame image.

  According to this configuration, when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image overlap, the two-dimensional code image is reduced so as to fit within the outer frame image. As a result, since the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image do not overlap, the two-dimensional code image can be arranged so as to be readable without securing a margin area and deteriorating the decorativeness of the outer frame image. . The parameters for reducing the two-dimensional code image include data amount, cell size, error correction rate, and the like.

  Another image creation apparatus according to the present invention provides a plurality of readable partial codes from a two-dimensional code image when an outer frame image and a two-dimensional code image are arranged in an overlapping manner instead of the code overwriting editing means. It is characterized by having code division editing means for reducing and dividing an image and arranging it so as to fit within an outer frame image.

  According to another image creating method of the present invention, an outer frame image made up of an encircling image line portion and a two-dimensional code image made up of a data area and a margin area surrounding it are printed on a processing tape. In the print image creation method for creating the print image, when the position of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image on the processing tape is set and the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged to overlap, A two-dimensional code image is reduced and divided into a plurality of readable partial code images and arranged so as to fit within an outer frame image, thereby creating a print image.

  According to this configuration, when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image overlap, the two-dimensional code image is reduced and divided so as to fit within the outer frame image. As a result, the outer frame image and the plurality of divided partial code images do not overlap, and the plurality of partial code images are arranged so as to be readable while securing a margin area. For this reason, the decorativeness of the outer frame image is not impaired, and the data stored in the two-dimensional code image is not reduced. As a two-dimensional code that can be divided and connected, there is a QR code.

  Another image creating apparatus according to the present invention prints on a processing tape for printing an outer frame image composed of an encircled image line portion and a two-dimensional code image composed of a data region and a margin region surrounding the data region. In a print image creating apparatus for creating an image, storage means for storing an outer frame image and a two-dimensional code image, and reading out the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image from the storage means, and the outer frame image and the two-dimensional image on the processing tape A position setting unit that sets the position of the code image; and a print image generation unit that generates a print image based on the position set by the position setting unit. Code overwrite editing that overwrites the outer frame image with the two-dimensional code image when the frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged to overlap each other. Code reduction editing that reduces the size of the image to fit within the image Reduces and divides the two-dimensional code image into a plurality of readable partial code images, and executes any of the code division editing that arranges the image to fit within the outer frame image An editing means and a selection means for selecting any one of the editing means are provided.

  According to this configuration, since desired editing can be selected as appropriate, it is possible to cope with a case where it is not desired to change the outer frame image, the two-dimensional code image, or the like. For example, if the tape width of the processing tape is narrow and the created 2D code image cannot be further reduced, select code overwrite editing. If there is room for reduction in the 2D code image, select code reduction editing. To do. If there is room for reduction in the two-dimensional code image and the processing tape has a relatively wide (for example, elongated) space, it is possible to select code division editing and arrange a plurality of partial code images in an elongated manner. .

  In this case, when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged so as to overlap with each other by the position setting unit, a notification unit that notifies that the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image overlap is further provided. ,preferable.

  According to this configuration, the user can recognize that the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image overlap.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as each means in the above-described print image creating apparatus.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to provide a program that can arrange a two-dimensional code image so that the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image overlap each other.

  Hereinafter, a printing system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 of the present embodiment includes a data creation device 2, a printing device 3, and a cable 4 that connects them (via USB), and is created by the data creation device 2. The printed data is supplied to the printing apparatus 3, and the printing apparatus 3 is caused to print a print image based on the printing data. The printing system 1 is configured so that a plurality of types of printing apparatuses 3 can be connected.

  In the present embodiment, the data creation device 2 and the printing device 3 are directly connected via the cable 4. However, the data creation device 2 and the printing device 3 are connected to a network (Internet or local area network) via an interface. ). These are wired communications, but wireless communications can also be used.

  The data creation device 2 is composed of a personal computer or the like, and has a USB interface 11 for connection to the printing device 3 via the cable 4 and a storage area that can be temporarily stored as shown in FIG. The hard disk 13 has a RAM 12 used as a work area for control processing, various storage areas, and stores the created print data and model information of the printing apparatus 3 together with the control program and various data. Based on a stored program and the like, a CPU 14 that performs arithmetic processing on various data, a bus 15 that connects them to each other, an input device 16 such as a keyboard and a mouse, an FD drive 17 and a CD-ROM drive 18 are provided. Monitor displays that display various data and messages such as various print drives and input print data 19 and the like are provided. Software for creating print data (print data creation application 20) is installed in the hard disk 13. In the data creation device 2, an input editing screen displayed on the monitor display 19 when the print data creation application 20 is activated. 21 (see FIG. 3), print data can be created by inputting / editing input data. When the input data is not edited, the input data is treated as print data.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the input editing screen 21 includes a mouse pointer 27, an input editing window 22 for inputting and editing input data, and a print image 28 of print data created based on the input and editing results. An image display window 23 for displaying (image of a print image), a basic operation toolbar 24 for performing basic operations, an input toolbar 25 for inputting characters and figures as input data, and an editing toolbar for editing input data 26 is displayed. Accordingly, in addition to input / editing of input data using a keyboard, it is possible to select and set input data input instructions and editing functions to be used by operating a mouse.

  The basic operation toolbar 24 includes a new creation button 31 for creating new print data, a save button 32 for saving the created print data, and a storage medium 5 such as saved print data and CD-ROM (see FIG. 1). Read button 33 for reading the print data stored in the input edit window 22 and displaying it in the input edit window 22 as input data, the print button 34 for printing the print data created from the input data being displayed in the input edit window 22, etc. is doing.

  The input toolbar 25 includes a kana input button 41 for inputting kana characters, various graphic input buttons 42 for inputting straight lines and figures, and a background pattern setting button 43 for inputting and setting a background pattern attached to the background of the input data. , A shading setting button 44 for shading input data, an outer frame setting button 45 for attaching a frame to the input data, a 2D code creation button 46 for creating a 2D code, and the like. Have.

  The editing toolbar 26 includes a graphic toolbar 51 for editing an input graphic, a character toolbar 52 for editing an input character, and a label creation toolbar 53 for creating a label by a tape printer (described later). It is configured. The figure toolbar 51 displays three list boxes 61a, 61b, and 61c (pull-down menu) for selecting and setting the outline type, thickness, and fill of the figure from a plurality of choices, and a window for performing various settings related to the figure. A graphic setting window display button 62 to be displayed.

  The character toolbar 52 includes list boxes 71a and 71b (pull-down menu) for selecting and setting the font and size of the input character, the style of the input character (bold, italic, underlined, etc.) and assignment (for example, centering, right Character setting window for displaying 14 various setting buttons 72 for setting vertical / horizontal writing, decoration character (white and outline), and various settings for input characters. And a display button 73. When the character setting window display button 73 is clicked (selected with the mouse pointer 27), the character setting screen is displayed, and the font, size, style, etc. of the character can be set, and the character is filled by the “character” setting function. The character gradation setting can be set by the “gradation” setting function, and the character spacing can be set by the “interval” setting function.

  The label creation toolbar 53 includes an automatic setting button 81 that automatically sets the length of the label to be created according to the input data, and a constant length setting button that sets the length of the label to be created to a predetermined length selected by the scroll bar 82. 83, a margin setting list box 84 (pull-down menu) for selecting and setting a margin length to be added in front of a print image to be printed (based on the print data), for setting a margin to a predetermined length selected by the scroll bar 85 In addition to the margin setting box 86, a tape width acquisition button for acquiring the tape width of the processing tape T (described later) mounted on the tape printer (by communication with the printing apparatus 3) and displaying it in the tape width display box 87. 88. A scroll bar 89 is incorporated in the tape width display box 87, and the tape width can be manually input.

  Next, the printing apparatus 3 will be described. The printing apparatus 3 can be configured by any of a tape printer, an inkjet printer, a laser printer, and the like. Here, a case where a tape printer is applied as the printing apparatus 3 will be described. The tape printer 101 prints a print image on the processing tape T based on the print data, and then cuts the printed processing tape T to create a label.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the tape printer 101 accommodates the apparatus main body 102 that performs the printing process on the processing tape T, the processing tape T, and the ink ribbon R, and is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 102. Tape cartridge C.

  In the apparatus main body 102, an outer shell is formed by an apparatus case 103, and a print processing unit 110 is widely formed therein. A keyboard 105 having various keys 104 is disposed on the upper surface of the front half of the device case 103. An opening / closing lid 106 is widely provided on the upper left surface of the rear half of the device case 103. On the upper surface of the opening / closing lid 106, a viewing window 107 for visually confirming the mounting / non-mounting of the tape cartridge C is formed. A lid opening button 108 for opening the lid 106 is provided on the front side of the lid 106. A rectangular display 109 for displaying an input result from the keyboard 105 and the like is formed on the upper right side of the rear half.

  When the lid opening button 108 is pressed to open the opening / closing lid 106, a cartridge mounting portion 111 into which the tape cartridge C is mounted is formed in the inside thereof, and the cartridge mounting portion 111 is drawn out from the tape cartridge C. A print head 121 that performs a printing process is disposed on the processing tape T (see FIG. 5).

  A tape discharge port 112 is formed on the left side of the device case 103 so as to communicate the cartridge mounting portion 111 with the outside of the device. The device case 103 faces the tape discharge port 112 to cut the processing tape T. A cutter unit 114 is incorporated. The cutter unit 114 is disposed so as to face the tape discharge port 112, and a full cutter 115 that cuts the processing tape T in a scissors form by a motor drive (full cutter motor 116), and a tape feeding direction with respect to the full cutter 115 A discharge mechanism disposed on the downstream side and forcibly discharging the cut tape piece Ta (see FIG. 6).

  Although not shown, a power supply port for supplying power and a connector 113 (see FIG. 2) for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer (not shown) are formed on the right side of the device case 103. Is done. As a result, the connector 113 can be connected to the data creation device 2 via the cable 4 so that printing processing can be performed based on the character information generated by the data creation device 2. It has become. Further, although omitted in both drawings, a circuit board constituting a control unit 117 (see FIG. 6) that performs overall control of the apparatus main body 102 is mounted inside the apparatus case 103.

  A print head 121 having a heating element and covered with a head cover 120, a positioning projection 122 for positioning a tape reel 131 (to be described later), a processing tape T and an ink ribbon R of the tape cartridge C are sent to the cartridge mounting portion 111. A platen drive shaft 123 that faces the print head 121 and a take-up drive shaft 124 that winds up the ink ribbon R protrude from the print head 121, and each corner of the cartridge mounting portion 111 includes a plurality of microswitches. A tape identification sensor 125 (see FIG. 6) is provided. A print feed motor 126 (see FIG. 6) for driving the platen drive shaft 123 and the take-up drive shaft 124, a reduction gear train (not shown), and the like are incorporated inside the bottom plate of the cartridge mounting portion 111.

  The tape cartridge C includes a cartridge case 130 that houses a tape reel 131 around which a processing tape T is wound, and a ribbon feeding reel 132 and a ribbon take-up reel 133 around which an ink ribbon R is wound at the lower right. Has been. A through opening 134 is formed in the lower left part of the tape reel 131 to be inserted into the head cover 120 that covers the print head 121. Further, a platen roller 135 that is fitted to the platen drive shaft 123 and is driven to rotate is disposed corresponding to a portion where the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 111, the through opening 134 is formed in the head cover 120, the tape reel 131 is positioned on the positioning protrusion 122, the ribbon winding reel 133 is positioned on the winding drive shaft 124, and the platen roller 135 is positioned on the platen driving shaft 123. When the open / close lid 106 is closed in this state, the print head 121 is in contact with the platen roller 135 with the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R interposed therebetween, and enters a print standby state. Then, based on the print data created and sent by the data creation device, the platen drive shaft 123 and the take-up drive shaft 124 rotate synchronously, and printing is performed by the print head 121 while feeding the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R. Processing is performed. At the same time, the ink ribbon R fed from the ribbon feeding reel 132 goes around the opening wall of the through opening 134 and is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 133. The printed part of the processed tape T after the printing process is cut by the full cutter 115, and the cut processed tape T is discharged as a label from the tape discharge port 112 to the outside.

  The processing tape T is composed of a recording tape T1 having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied to the back surface, and a release tape T2 attached to the recording tape T1 with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The processing tape T is wound in a roll shape with the recording tape T1 on the outside and the release tape T2 on the inside, and is accommodated in the cartridge case 130. A plurality of types of processing tape T having a tape width of 6 mm to 24 mm are prepared. A plurality of small detection holes (not shown) are formed on the back surface of the cartridge case C, and the plurality of detection holes are identified by the tape identification sensor 125, so that the type of the processing tape T can be identified. ing.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the tape printer 101 will be described with reference to FIG. The tape printer 101 has a data supply interface (DS-IF) 140, and a data input / output unit 141 for inputting / outputting print data, various commands, and the like from the outside (data creation device 2) via a connector 113. And a keyboard 105 and a display 109, an operation unit 142 that controls a user interface such as input of character information and display of various information by a user, a tape cartridge C, a print head 121, and a print feed motor 126, and a processing tape. A print processing unit 110 that prints print data based on character information input on the processing tape T while feeding the T and the ink ribbon R, a full cutter 115, and a full cutter motor 116 that drives the print data. Cutting unit 143 that performs full cut on tape T, and tape identification A detection unit 144 that has various sensors such as a sensor 125 and performs various detections, a display driver 145, a head driver 146, a print feed motor driver 147, and a cutter motor driver 148, and a drive unit 149 that drives each unit; The control unit 117 is connected to each unit and controls the entire tape printer 101.

  The control unit 117 includes a CPU 150, a ROM 151, a RAM 152, and an input control device 153 (IOC: Input Output Controller), which are connected to each other via an internal bus 154. The CPU 150 inputs various signals and data from each unit of the tape printer 101 via the IOC 153 in accordance with the control program in the ROM 151. Further, various data in the RAM 152 is processed based on the various signals and data that are input, and various signal data is output to each unit in the tape printer 101 via the IOC 153, thereby controlling printing processing and the like.

  According to the above configuration, various editing can be performed on the processing tape T. For example, a case where a label of a character string with an outer frame is created will be described. When the print data creation application 20 of the data creation device 2 is activated, an input editing screen 21 that is an initial screen for starting label creation is displayed on the monitor display 19. On the input editing screen 21, the mouse pointer 27 is moved, the kana input button 41 is clicked, and a desired character string is input by the input device 16. When a character string is input, the character string is displayed on the print image 28 of the monitor display 19. Thereafter, when the outer frame setting button 45 is clicked, an outer frame selection screen 160 on which options of a plurality of types of outer frame images (data) are displayed is displayed on the monitor display 19 (see FIG. 9A). ) The user selects an arbitrary outer frame image 161 from the state. Thereafter, when the print button 34 is clicked, the print data is created and the print data is sent to the tape printer 101. Based on this, the tape printer 101 creates a label of the character string with the outer frame. The outer frame image 161 referred to here is a box-shaped frame constituting the image line portion, but some options of the outer frame image 161 are decorated along the frame. This decorative portion also constitutes an image line portion.

  In addition, the data creation device 2 according to the present embodiment can create a two-dimensional code image (data). That is, the print data creation application 20 is provided with a function for creating a two-dimensional code image. As the two-dimensional code, there are a QR code, a Maxi code, a Veri code, a data matrix, a PDF417, and the like. In the present embodiment, for example, a case where a QR code (image) 162 is created will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the QR code image 162 includes a square data area 164 composed of cells 163, cutout symbols 165 provided at three corners of the data area 164, and a margin area 166 surrounding the data area 164. It is configured. Parameters for setting the size of the QR code image 162 include a data amount, a size of the cell 163, an error correction rate, and the like. Furthermore, as a feature of the QR code, a division connection function is provided.

  Here, if the above-described outer frame image 161 overlaps the created QR code image 162 on the print image 28, there is a possibility that the reading of the QR code image 162 may be hindered. Therefore, in the data creation device 2 of the present embodiment, when the QR code image 162 and the outer frame image 161 overlap, editing is performed so that the QR code image 162 is readable. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the control is demonstrated centering on the operation procedure by a user.

  First, as described above, the user selects and sets one outer frame image 161 by clicking the outer frame setting button 45 while the input editing screen 21 is displayed. Thereafter, when a QR (two-dimensional) code creation button 46 is clicked, a QR code creation screen 170 is displayed. Referring to FIG. 9B, on the QR code creation screen 170, a data input window 171 for inputting data to be encoded, a cell setting window 172 for setting the size of the cell 163, and an error correction rate are set. A correction rate setting window 173 is displayed. In the QR code creation screen 170, the user arbitrarily sets each parameter, that is, input data, the size of the cell 163, and the error correction rate, and includes a QR area including a data area 164 and a margin area 166 surrounding the data area 164. A code image 162 is created (S1).

  After the QR code image 162 is created, it is next determined whether or not the QR code image 162 and the outer frame image 161 selected and set overlap (S2). At this time, if it is determined that the outer frame image 161 and the QR code image 162 are overlapped, as shown in FIG. 10A, a message (warning) screen that informs the monitor display 19 of the overlap. 174 is displayed (S3), and when the user visually recognizes this, it can be recognized that the outer frame image 161 and the QR code image 162 overlap.

  After the message is displayed, the monitor display 19 displays an edit selection screen 175 for displaying each edit option for avoiding this duplication (see FIG. 10B). That is, the edit selection screen 175 includes a code overwrite edit option 176 for overwriting the QR code image 162 over the outer frame image 161, a code reduction edit option 177 for reducing the QR code image so as to fit within the outer frame image, A code division editing option 178 for dividing and reducing the image into a plurality of partial code images so as to fit within the frame image is displayed (S4). The user selects a desired option from the options. Note that the message screen 174 and the edit selection screen 175 may be displayed in combination.

  For example, when the user selects code overwrite editing (S5), the data creation device 2 overwrites the QR code image 162 on the outer frame image 161 in the overlapping portion of the outer frame image 161 and the QR code image 162. At this time, since the QR code image 162 already has a margin region 166, the QR code image 162 is readable on the print image 179. As described above, since the QR code image 162 is overwritten on the outer frame image 161, when creating the QR code image 162, the QR code image 162 is processed while keeping the outer frame image 161, ie, leaving the outer frame image. It can be arranged freely and readable within the range of the width of the tape T (see FIG. 8A). This editing is particularly effective when the QR code image 162 has a minimum size and cannot be further reduced.

  If the code reduction editing is selected (S6), the process returns to the QR code image 162 creation stage again, and this time, each parameter is changed so as to fit in the outer frame image 161, for example, input data such as a character string is changed. The QR code image 162 is reduced by reducing the size, reducing the size of the cell 163, or reducing the error correction rate. Specifically, these processing methods may be selected in a lower hierarchy, or recommended options may be displayed by default. Thereby, since the QR code image 162 can be stored in the outer frame image 161, the QR code image 162 can be arranged without affecting the decorativeness of the outer frame image 161 (FIG. 8B). reference).

  On the other hand, when the code division editing is selected (S7), the QR code image 162 is reduced and divided into a plurality of partial code images 180 according to the standard so that the QR code image 162 fits in the outer frame image 161. The reduced partial code images 180 are arranged side by side in the outer frame image 161 (see FIG. 8C). In this case, the outer frame image 161 is not changed. Note that when reducing and dividing, since the data is divided into a plurality of partial code images 180 without changing various parameters of the original QR code image 162, the data obtained by reading the plurality of partial code images 180 is the original. This is the same as the data stored in the QR code image 162. As a result, as described above, the decorativeness of the outer frame image 161 is not affected, and the data obtained by reading is not affected.

  When the desired editing is completed (S8) and the user clicks the print button 34, the data creation device 2 starts creating print data (S9). When the creation is started, print data is created in the work area of the RAM 12 of the data creation device 2, and the created print data is sent to a print buffer 155 provided in the RAM 152 of the tape printer 101. The tape printer 101 prints the print image 179 based on the print data.

  When the creation of print data is started, first, the data of the outer frame image 161 is poured into the work area (S10), and then the other image data is poured (S11). Then, the data creation device 2 determines whether the inserted image data is the data of the QR code image 162 (S12). When the data creation device 2 determines that the data is not the data of the QR code image 162, the outer frame image 161 and the image are pasted with a logical sum (OR) of logical operations (S14). If it is determined that the data is the QR code image 162, the QR code image 162 is overwritten on the outer frame image 161 (S13). That is, the QR code image 162 is pasted in preference to the outer frame image 161. Here, the logical operation process is performed with the background (for example, white) of the processing tape T set to 0 and the ink ribbon R (for example, black) set to 1. The print data created as described above is sent to the tape printer 101, and the tape printer 101 prints the print image 179 on the processing tape T based on the sent print data.

  According to the above configuration, the QR code image 162 can be arranged so as to be readable in any editing, and a label suited to the user's intention can be created by selecting a desired editing. That is, when the tape width of the processing tape T is narrow and the created QR code image 162 cannot be reduced, the code overwrite editing is selected so that the outer frame image 161 can be used and can be arranged so as to be readable. . Further, when the processing tape T is wide to some extent and the created QR code image 162 can be reduced, the code reduction editing is selected so that the decorativeness of the outer frame image 161 is not impaired and can be read. Can be arranged. Further, when there is a space for arranging a plurality of QR code images in the outer frame image 161, it is possible to read without affecting the decorativeness of the outer frame image 161 and the data that can be read by selecting code division editing. Can be arranged.

  Furthermore, the print data creation application 20 of the data creation device 2 shown in the above example can be provided as software. It is also possible to provide the software stored in the storage medium 5. As the storage medium 5, a CD-ROM, flash ROM, memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), compact disk, magneto-optical disk, digital versatile disk, flexible disk, and the like can be used. .

  In the above description, the printing system 1 is configured. However, the function of the print data creation application 20 may be provided in the tape printer 101, and the QR code image 162 may be created and edited using the tape printer 101 as a single unit. Good. Moreover, it cannot be overemphasized that it can change suitably in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram of a data creation apparatus. It is a schematic diagram of the input edit screen of a print data creation application. It is an external appearance perspective view in the closed state of a tape printer. It is an external appearance perspective view in the open lid state of a tape printer. It is a control block diagram of a tape printer. It is a flowchart figure in control of a data creation apparatus. (A) is a label created by code overwrite editing, (b) is a label created by code reduction editing, and (c) is a label created by code division editing. (A) is a schematic diagram of an outer frame selection screen, and (b) is a schematic diagram of a QR code creation screen. (A) is a schematic diagram of a message screen, and (b) is a schematic diagram of an edit selection screen.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system 2 ... Data creation apparatus 3 ... Printing apparatus 12 ... RAM 14 ... CPU 20 ... Print data creation application 27 ... Mouse pointer 28 ... Print image 45 ... Outer frame setting button 46 ... Two-dimensional code creation button 101 ... Tape printer 155 ... Printing buffer 160 ... Outer frame selection screen 161 ... Outer frame image 162 ... QR code image 164 ... Data region 166 ... Margin region 170 ... QR code creation screen 174 ... Message screen 175 ... Edit selection screen 176 ... Code overwrite editing option 177 ... Code reduction edit option 178 ... Code division edit option 179 ... Print image 180 ... Partial code image

Claims (9)

In a print image creating apparatus for creating a print image for printing an outer frame image composed of an encircling image line portion and a two-dimensional code image composed of a data area and a margin area surrounding the data area on a processing tape,
Storage means for storing the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image;
A position setting unit that reads the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image from the storage unit, and sets positions of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image on the processing tape;
Print image creation means for creating the print image based on the position set by the position setting means,
The print image creating means is a code overwrite editing means for overwriting the two-dimensional code image on the outer frame image when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged by the position setting means. A printed image creating apparatus characterized by comprising: Instead of the code overwrite editing means,
When the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged so as to overlap with each other, there is provided code reduction editing means for reducing the two-dimensional code image so that it fits in the outer frame image. The printed image creation apparatus according to claim 1. Instead of the code overwrite editing means,
When the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged so as to overlap, the two-dimensional code image is reduced and divided into a plurality of readable partial code images and arranged so as to fit within the outer frame image. The print image creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a code division editing unit. In a print image creation device for creating a print image for printing an outer frame image composed of an encircling image line portion and a two-dimensional code image composed of a data region and a margin region surrounding the data region on a processing tape,
Storage means for storing the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image;
A position setting unit that reads the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image from the storage unit, and sets positions of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image on the processing tape;
Print image creation means for creating the print image based on the position set by the position setting means,
The print image creating means includes
When the position setting means arranges the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image so as to overlap each other, code overwrite editing for overwriting the outer frame image with the two-dimensional code image, and the two-dimensional code image with the two-dimensional code image Either code reduction editing for reducing the image to fit within the outer frame image, code division editing for reducing and dividing the two-dimensional code image into a plurality of readable partial code images, and arranging the image to fit within the outer frame image An editing means for executing editing of
Selecting means for selecting any one of the editing means;
A print image creating apparatus comprising:   The position setting means further includes notification means for notifying that the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are overlapped when the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged overlapping each other. The print image creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print image creation apparatus is a print image creation apparatus. In a print image creation method for creating a print image for printing an outer frame image composed of a frame-shaped image line portion and a two-dimensional code image composed of a data area and a margin area surrounding the data area on a processing tape,
When the position of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image on the processing tape is set and the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged to overlap, the two-dimensional code image is A print image creating method, wherein the print image is created by overwriting an outer frame image. In a print image creation method for creating a print image for printing an outer frame image composed of a frame-shaped image line portion and a two-dimensional code image composed of a data area and a margin area surrounding the data area on a processing tape,
When the position of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image on the processing tape is set and the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged to overlap, the two-dimensional code image is A print image creating method, wherein the print image is created by performing reduction so as to be within an outer frame image. In a print image creation method for creating a print image for printing an outer frame image composed of a frame-shaped image line portion and a two-dimensional code image composed of a data area and a margin area surrounding the data area on a processing tape,
When the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image are arranged so as to overlap each other with the positions of the outer frame image and the two-dimensional code image set on the processing tape, a plurality of the two-dimensional code images are extracted from the two-dimensional code image. A print image creating method, wherein the print image is created by reducing and dividing the image into partial code images that can be read and arranging so as to fit within the outer frame image.   A program for causing a computer to function as each means in the print image creating apparatus according to claim 1.

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