JP2000076372A - Record medium and device for two-dimensional code data conversion and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To facilitate the operator's operation when before-conversion information data as a set of pieces of character data are converted into >=2 pieces of two-dimensional code data. SOLUTION: The before-conversion information data are divided and converted into two-dimensional code data by the pieces of before-conversion information data. It is decided (S18) whether or not the code symbol of a two-dimensional code represented by the two-dimensional code data is larger than a set maximum value and when so, the number of divisions is increased (S19). Then the before-conversion information data is divided by the increased number of divisions and similar implementation is repeated. Thus, the before-conversion information data is automatically divided, so as operator needs not divide it and the operation at the time of the two-dimensional code data conversion is easily performed. Further, the data are converted so that the code symbol does not exceed the set maximum value, so the two-dimensional code is printed effectively on an output medium whose width direction of a tape is limited.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a technique for converting pre-conversion information data representing one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters into two-dimensional code data.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art One set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes. The pre-conversion information represented by each two-dimensional code is concatenated to represent one set of pre-conversion information. The code symbol of the two-dimensional code is formed by arranging a plurality of cells (pixels) in a plane (in a matrix), and one cell represents one bit of information. If the size of the cell is constant, the amount of information represented by one code symbol increases as the size of the code symbol increases. If the size of the code symbol is constant, the information amount decreases as the cell decreases. More. Also, if two or more two-dimensional codes are used, it is possible to represent a large amount of information that cannot be represented by one two-dimensional code. A fixed output area of the output medium, for example,
It is also possible to output a two-dimensional code to a slender area having a small dimension in one direction. When one piece of pre-conversion information is represented by one two-dimensional code, the code symbol of the two-dimensional code becomes large and may exceed the allowable output area in one direction. If a code is used, each of the code symbols of the two-dimensional code can be reduced, so that it is possible to output the code symbol in an area.

Under these circumstances, conventionally, an operator divides pre-conversion information to be represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, and divides pre-conversion information data corresponding to the divided pre-conversion information into a computer. Was converted to two-dimensional code data. Therefore, the size of the code symbol of the two-dimensional code represented by each of the converted two-dimensional code data is too large, and it may be necessary to perform division again.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve a problem in the case where one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes. This is to facilitate the work of the operator. Specifically, the pre-conversion information data is automatically divided so that the size of each code symbol of the two-dimensional code does not exceed a predetermined size. It is to be. The above problem can be solved by the following aspects. Each aspect is divided into terms as in the claims,
Each section is numbered and, if necessary, described in a form that cites the number of the other section. This is for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the representative technical features and their combinations described in this specification, and the technical features and their combinations described in this specification are as follows. It should not be construed as limited. (1) When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, the size of each code symbol of the two or more two-dimensional codes is predetermined. An information data dividing process for automatically dividing the pre-conversion information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information into two or more divided pre-conversion information data so as not to exceed the size; A two-dimensional code data conversion program for causing a computer to execute a two-dimensional code data conversion process of converting each divided pre-conversion information data into one two-dimensional code data is recorded in a computer-readable state. A recording medium for converting two-dimensional code data (claim 1). If the two-dimensional code data conversion program recorded on the recording medium according to this section is read and executed by a computer, the pre-conversion information data representing one set of pre-conversion information is a code symbol of each two-dimensional code. Is automatically divided and converted into two-dimensional code data so that the size of the data does not exceed a predetermined size (hereinafter, referred to as a set maximum value). This eliminates the need for the operator to divide the pre-conversion information, thereby facilitating the operation for conversion to the two-dimensional code data. Moreover, the size of the code symbol of the two-dimensional code represented by each converted two-dimensional code data can be prevented from exceeding the set maximum value. When the area is limited, a two-dimensional code can be output in the output area. The set maximum value may be a value input by an operator or a value determined by a computer. For example, it can be determined based on an output area or the like from which a two-dimensional code is output. In this case, it can be considered that the set maximum value determination processing is included in the two-dimensional code data conversion program. When the data is converted to two-dimensional code data, even if the conversion is performed with the size of one cell kept constant, the conversion is performed with the size of the cell being variable. You may. It is also possible to make the cell small so that the size of the code symbol does not exceed the set maximum value. As described above, when the pre-conversion information data is converted to two-dimensional code data, a cell constant conversion process of converting the data while the cell size is kept constant is performed, or in a variable state. In some cases, a variable cell conversion process for conversion is performed. Even if one of the predetermined cell constant conversion processing and the cell variable conversion processing is performed, one of the cell constant conversion processing and the cell variable conversion processing is performed only when the code symbol size or the set maximum value is changed. Alternatively, it may be selectively performed based on the like. When the constant cell conversion process is performed, the size of the code symbol is determined based on the amount of information represented by the code symbol, and the amount of information represented by one code symbol is determined before the division conversion to be converted into a two-dimensional code. It is determined based on the amount of information represented by the information data. Therefore, to prevent the code symbol from exceeding the set maximum value, the information amount represented by one code symbol does not exceed the upper limit of the information amount corresponding to the set maximum value (referred to as the symbol upper limit information amount). In the same manner, the information amount represented by the pre-conversion information data does not exceed the pre-conversion information upper limit information amount. The information represented by the code symbol of the two-dimensional code includes information indicating the number of links and the order of linking, information for error correction, and the like, in addition to the pre-conversion information indicated by the pre-division conversion information data, as described later. Therefore, the number of pieces of information is larger than the information represented by the information data before division conversion. In addition, as a recording medium, CDROM,
Even if it is removable from a computer such as an FD or a ROM card, a ROM chip, an EPROM chip,
It may be fixedly provided in a computer such as a hard disk. Further, it may be optically or magnetically writable or non-writable. (2) The information data division process is a process of determining whether or not the size of the code symbol exceeds a predetermined size. The two-dimensional code data conversion recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising a division number increasing process for increasing the number of divisions of the pre-conversion information data when it is determined that the size exceeds the predetermined size. If the two-dimensional code data conversion program recorded on the recording medium described in this section is read and executed by a computer, it is determined whether or not the size of the code symbol exceeds a set maximum value. In such a case, the number of divisions is increased. If the number of divisions is increased, the amount of information represented by one code symbol decreases, so that one code symbol can be reduced. In that sense, the division number increasing process can be referred to as a code symbol downsizing process. As described above, when the fixed cell conversion process is performed, the size of the code symbol can be obtained based on the information amount represented by one code symbol or the information amount represented by the pre-division conversion information data. . Therefore, whether or not the code symbol exceeds the set maximum value can be determined based on the information amount represented by the code symbol, the information amount represented by the pre-division conversion information data, and the like. Therefore, the code symbol size determination process includes a symbol information amount determination process for determining whether the information amount represented by the code symbol exceeds the above-described symbol upper limit information amount, and an information amount represented by the pre-conversion divided data information before conversion. Is included in a pre-conversion information amount determination process for determining whether or not exceeds the pre-conversion information upper limit information amount. The pre-conversion information amount determination process can be performed before the conversion into the two-dimensional code data. As described above, even if the code symbol size determination processing includes the direct determination processing based on the actual size of the code symbol, the information amount represented by the code symbol and the information It may include an indirect determination process that determines based on the above.
Note that the initial value of the number of divisions of “division” described in this section is 1. One set of pre-conversion information data is divided by the division number 1, and the divided pre-conversion information data (same as one pre-conversion information data) is converted into two-dimensional code data. If it is determined that the size of the code symbol of the two-dimensional code represented by the obtained two-dimensional code data is larger than the set maximum value, the number of divisions is set to two. One set of pre-conversion information data is divided by the division number 2 (divided into two), and thereafter, the same execution is repeatedly performed. (3) The information data division processing determines whether or not the dimensional difference between the two or more code symbols is larger than a set difference, and the dimensional difference is determined by the code symbol dimensional difference determination processing. If it is determined that is greater than the setting difference, the division position of the pre-conversion information data is changed, and a re-division process of dividing is included (1).
(2) The recording medium for two-dimensional code data conversion according to (2). If the division position of the pre-conversion information data is changed, the amount of information represented by each code symbol changes. Therefore, by changing the division position so that the dimensional difference between the code symbols is reduced, the size of two or more code symbols can be made substantially the same. It is not essential that the size of two or more code symbols be approximately the same, but it is convenient when reading a two-dimensional code. Also, it is possible to improve the appearance when the two-dimensional code is output to the output medium, and to reduce the area where the two-dimensional code is output. The dimensional difference between two or more code symbols is determined according to the magnitude of the set difference. The smaller the setting difference is, the smaller the dimensional difference is, and when it is set to 0, the dimensional difference becomes 0,
The size of two or more code symbols is made uniform. In this case, the subdivision process can be referred to as a dimension equalization process. Further, as described above, when the constant cell conversion process is performed, the size of the code symbol can be obtained based on the information amount represented by the code symbol and the information amount represented by the pre-division conversion information data. Therefore, the determination can be made based on whether or not these information amount differences are larger than the set information amount differences set in accordance with each of the information amount differences. The code symbol size difference determination processing includes symbol information amount difference determination processing,
The pre-conversion information amount difference determination process is included, and the re-division process in this case can be referred to as a symbol information amount equalization process and a divided pre-conversion information amount equalization process. Further, the information amount equalization processing and the dimension equalization processing can be collectively referred to as a code symbol equalization processing. (4) When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, the difference between the code symbol sizes of the two or more two-dimensional codes is determined in advance. An information data dividing process for automatically dividing the one integrated pre-conversion information data into two or more divided pre-conversion information data so as not to exceed a predetermined setting difference, and the information data dividing process is performed by the information data dividing process. A two-dimensional code data conversion program for causing a computer to execute a two-dimensional code data conversion process of converting one piece of two-dimensional code data for each divided pre-conversion information data is recorded in a computer-readable state. A recording medium for converting dimension code data. (5) When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes,
The information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information is automatically converted into two or more divided pre-conversion information data so that the two or more two-dimensional codes are arranged in a predetermined area of the output medium. Two-dimensional code for causing a computer to execute information data division processing to divide and two-dimensional code data conversion processing to convert one piece of two-dimensional code data for each pre-conversion information data divided by the information data division means A two-dimensional code data conversion recording medium on which a data conversion program is recorded in a computer-readable state. When the two-dimensional code data conversion program recorded on the recording medium described in this section is read and executed by a computer, a predetermined area (hereinafter, referred to as a “below”) of the output medium to which the two-dimensional code is output is output. The setting maximum value is determined according to the setting output area), and the code symbol is converted so as not to exceed the setting maximum value. This eliminates the need for the operator to input the set maximum value, thereby facilitating the operation. The setting output area can be input by an operator or, as described later,
It can be supplied from an external device such as a tape printer. Even when the operator inputs the setting output area, the setting output area can be determined more easily than the set maximum value, so that the burden on the operator can be reduced. (6) The information data division process includes a tape width-dependent restricted division process of dividing the maximum size of the code symbol according to the width of a tape printed by a tape printer. Or the recording medium for two-dimensional code data conversion according to any one of the above items (5) (Claim 3). The set maximum value is determined according to the width of the tape on which the two-dimensional code is printed in the tape printer, and the pre-conversion information data is divided so that the code symbol does not exceed the set maximum value. The information data division processing with tape width correspondence limitation can be considered to include a tape width correspondence setting maximum value determination processing. The tape width may be input by an operator or supplied from a tape printer. If the tape width is detected by the tape printer and tape width data representing the tape width is transmitted to the computer, the computer determines the set maximum value based on the tape width data supplied from the tape printer. Can be Although the width of the tape used in each tape printer is fixed, if the two-dimensional code data conversion program is shared by a plurality of types of tape printers, the width of the tape width supplied from each tape printer is The set maximum value can be determined based on the data. The set maximum value may be determined to be the same value as the tape width or a value smaller than the tape width. However, it is preferable that the set maximum value is determined to be smaller than the tape width in consideration of a margin or the like. If the tape on which the two-dimensional code is printed in the tape printer has an adhesive layer, the tape can be easily attached to the object, which is convenient. For example, it can be used for parts management and the like. (7) When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes,
The pre-conversion information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information is divided into two or more pre-conversion information data so that the size of each code symbol of the two or more two-dimensional codes does not exceed a predetermined size. Information data dividing means for automatically dividing the information data into information data; and two-dimensional code data converting means for converting each divided pre-conversion information data divided by the information data dividing means into one two-dimensional code data. Two-dimensional code data converter (claim 4). In the two-dimensional code data conversion device described in this section, the pre-conversion information data representing one set of pre-conversion information is automatically converted so that the size of the code symbol of each two-dimensional code does not exceed the set maximum value. It is divided and converted into two-dimensional code data. An example of the two-dimensional code data conversion device described in this section is a computer that can read and execute the two-dimensional conversion program from the recording medium described in (1). The recording medium may be fixedly provided on the computer or may be removably provided. Further, the recording medium is not limited to the recording medium described in the paragraph (1), but may be the recording medium described in any one of the paragraphs (2) to (6). (8) A computer including a recording medium, a main control unit that reads a program stored in the recording medium, and executes the read program, and a data supply unit that supplies data acquired by execution in the main control unit. And an output device connected to the computer and outputting an output image corresponding to the data supplied from the data supply unit to an output medium, wherein the recording medium comprises: (a) a set of characters When one set of pre-conversion information represented by is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, the size of the code symbol of each of the two or more two-dimensional codes does not exceed a predetermined size. Information data dividing processing for automatically dividing the pre-conversion information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information into two or more divided pre-conversion information data A two-dimensional code data conversion program for causing a computer to execute (b) two-dimensional code data conversion processing for converting one piece of two-dimensional code data for each of the divided pre-conversion information data in the information data division processing. Is a recording medium for two-dimensional code data conversion recorded in a state readable by a computer, and the data supply unit supplies the two-dimensional code data acquired by the main control unit to the output device. An output system including a two-dimensional code data supply unit, wherein the output device includes a two-dimensional code output device that outputs a two-dimensional code corresponding to the two-dimensional code data to an output medium. In the computer, the two-dimensional code data conversion program is read from the recording medium and executed, whereby the pre-conversion information data is converted into two-dimensional code data, and the two-dimensional code data is supplied to the output device. In the output device, a two-dimensional code corresponding to the two-dimensional code data supplied from the computer is output to an output medium. The computer can be one embodiment of a two-dimensional code conversion device. The output device is a display device that displays a two-dimensional code on a screen such as a CRT display or a liquid crystal display as an output medium,
A printer or the like that prints out a two-dimensional code on a print medium as an output medium can be used. The printer can be a sheet printer that prints out a two-dimensional code on ordinary recording paper, or a tape printer that prints out a tape-shaped print medium. The aspect of this mode is effective when the output device does not have a control unit capable of reading a program from a recording medium and executing the program. Incidentally, the recording medium is (1)
The recording medium described in any one of the above items (2) to (6) is not limited to the recording medium described in the above item. (9) When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, the size of each code symbol of the two or more two-dimensional codes is predetermined. Information data dividing means for automatically dividing the pre-conversion information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information into two or more divided pre-conversion information data so as not to exceed the size; Two-dimensional code data conversion means for converting each divided pre-conversion information data into one two-dimensional code data, and a two-dimensional code corresponding to the two-dimensional code data converted by the two-dimensional code data conversion means on a print medium And a printing unit for printing out to the printer. The printer described in this section has a control unit including an information data division unit and a two-dimensional code data conversion unit. The control unit of the printer can read the program from the recording medium described in (1) and execute the program. The recording medium may be fixedly provided in the control unit or may be removable.
Further, the recording medium according to any one of the items (2) to (6) may be used. The printing unit may print out the two-dimensional code on a normal recording sheet or print out on a tape-shaped print medium. When a two-dimensional code is printed out at an arbitrary position (area) on a recording sheet larger than the size of the code symbol, the size of the code symbol is rarely a problem. This is often a problem when printing out to a specified portion (setting output area) or when printing out to a print medium having a tape-shaped equal width direction limitation. In these cases, the effect of the present invention is particularly important. You can enjoy it effectively. Further, when the print medium has a tape-shaped adhesive layer, the tape on which the two-dimensional code is printed out can be easily attached to the object, which is convenient. (10) The information data dividing means determines whether or not the size of the code symbol exceeds a predetermined size, and the code symbol size determining means determines the code symbol size. (9) The printer according to item (9), further comprising: a division number increasing unit that increases a division number of the information data when it is determined that the information data exceeds the size. (11) The printing unit prints the two-dimensional code on a tape as the print medium by arranging the two-dimensional code in a longitudinal direction of the tape, and the information data dividing unit prints the maximum size of the code symbol. Determined according to the width of the tape printed in the part,
Including (9) or including a dividing means with a limited tape width for dividing
The printer according to claim (10). (12) A printer which prints out the two-dimensional code on a print medium, and a two-dimensional code data conversion program which is executed by a computer which supplies the printer with two-dimensional code data corresponding to the two-dimensional code, is read by the computer. A recording medium recorded in a possible state, wherein when the two-dimensional code data conversion program represents one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters by two or more two-dimensional codes, With the size of the code symbol of each of the two or more two-dimensional codes not exceeding a predetermined size,
The information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information is 2
Information data division processing for automatically dividing into two or more pre-conversion information data, and two-dimensional code data conversion processing for converting each pre-conversion information data divided in the information data division processing into one two-dimensional code data And a recording medium including a recording medium that is a program including: The mode described in this section is effective when the printer does not have a control unit capable of reading a program recorded on a recording medium and executing the program. If you have a recording medium,
Read the program from the recording medium and execute the two-dimensional code data conversion program on an executable computer;
The two-dimensional code data obtained as a result may be supplied to the printer. The computer may be one embodiment of a two-dimensional code conversion device. The recording medium is not limited to those described in paragraph (1), but may be any one of paragraphs (2) to
(6) It may be as described in any one of the paragraphs.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a printer as a common embodiment of the invention according to claims 5 and 6 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The printer includes a computer, and the computer is capable of reading and executing a program recorded on a recording medium according to an embodiment common to the first to third aspects of the invention. 2 is an embodiment of the two-dimensional code conversion device.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 10 denotes a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a computer), and reference numeral 12 denotes a tape printer as a printing unit. The computer 10 is a control unit of the tape printer 12. The computer 10 includes a main body 16 having a control unit 14 (see FIG. 1), a keyboard 18 as an input device, and a mouse 20.
And a display device 22 as an output device. The tape printer 12 is connected to the computer 10 via a connection line 24. The tape printer 12 is an example of an output device of the computer 10. The tape printer 12 is a device that prints an output image on a tape-shaped print medium.
8 and the cassette 28 is provided in the tape printer 1
2, it is supplied.

The cassette 28 includes a cassette main body 30, a tape spool 34 on which a transparent laminated film 32 is wound, a ribbon supply spool 38 on which an ink ribbon 36 is wound, and a winding spool for winding the ink ribbon 36. 40, and a tape supply spool 44 on which a double-sided adhesive tape 42 is wound.
The reference numerals 38, 40, and 44 are attached so as to be relatively rotatable with respect to the cassette body 30. In addition, double-sided adhesive tape 4
Reference numeral 2 denotes a state in which the release paper is wound on the outer peripheral side.

The ink ribbon 36 is supplied from a ribbon supply spool 38 and is wound by a take-up spool 40 through a plurality of feed rollers. A part of the ink ribbon 36 is overlapped with the laminate film 32 and corresponds to the overlapping portion. At the position (ink ribbon side), set the thermal head 5
0 is provided. Further, a platen roller 52 is provided at a position facing the thermal head 50 (on the side of the laminate film), and the laminate film 32 and the ink ribbon 36 are pressed against the thermal head 50. A large number of heating elements are arranged in the thermal head 50 in a vertical direction. By heating the heating element,
The ink of the ink ink 36 is transferred to the laminate film 32, and an output image is formed. The double-sided adhesive tape 42 is supplied to the laminating film 32 on the downstream side of the thermal head 50, and a pair of joining rollers 54 and 56 are provided on both sides thereof. A pair of joining rollers 54, 5
6, the laminated film 32 and the double-sided adhesive tape 42 are pressed and combined to form the printing tape 58.
It is said. The joining roller 56 is also a feed roller for discharging the print tape 58 to the outside of the tape printer 12. The platen roller 52 and the joining roller 54 are rotatably supported by a roller support portion 60 rotatably provided on a tape printer body (not shown).

The above-described joining roller 56 and ribbon take-up spool 40 are rotated by driving a feed motor 64 (see FIG. 1). The joining roller 56 and the ribbon take-up spool 40 are rotated synchronously,
When the thermal head 50 is controlled, an output image is formed on the laminate film 32 and the double-sided adhesive tape 42 is formed.
The print tape 58 is sent out in a state in which is adjusted. Although not shown, the tape printer 12 is provided with a pair of fixed blades and a movable blade, and the printing blade 58 is cut by moving the movable blade back and forth. The movable blade is moved by a cutter driving motor 66.

There are a plurality of types of cassettes 28 which are determined by the type, such as the width, color, and type of the print tape 58. Regarding width, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, 24m
m, 36 mm, and 13 colors in total, such as red, blue, green, etc. Regarding the mold, the above-mentioned laminated film 32 and double-sided adhesive tape 4
In addition to those obtained by combining No. 2, non-laminated tapes having no laminated film, heat-sensitive tapes, and instant lettering tapes. In the case of a non-laminated tape, an output image is printed directly on the surface of the one-sided adhesive tape opposite to the release paper.

In the present embodiment, the type of the tape, that is, the type of the cassette 28 is determined by the tape width sensor 70,
It is detected by a tape color sensor 72 and a tape type sensor 74, respectively. Each of these sensors 70 to 74 has a recess group including a plurality of recesses provided on the main body side of the tape printer 12, and detects the type of tape based on the fitting state of the protrusions in each of these recesses. . As shown in FIG. 4, the tape width sensor 70 includes a recess group 76 including three recesses, and is located at a position facing the recess group 76 when the cassette 28 outside the cassette body 30 is mounted. A group of protrusions 78 according to the width (in the case shown in the figure, the group of protrusions 78 includes two protrusions, but may not include any protrusions). By optically detecting the fitting state of the projection with respect to each of the three concave portions, eight fitting states can be detected, and the tape width is detected in accordance with these fitting states.
Similarly, the tape color sensor 72 has a recessed group including four recesses, and can detect 16 different fitting states, and the tape sensor 78 has a recessed group including two recessed portions. , Four kinds of fitting states can be detected. The tape printer itself has a cassette 2
A cassette switch 80 for detecting whether or not the tape 8 is mounted, and a tape end sensor 82 for detecting that the tape has reached the end state are provided. The tape end sensor 82 is provided at a position facing an opening provided in the cassette 28 of the roller support 60, and detects an end mark provided at or near the tape end of the laminated film 32.

As shown in FIG. 1, a control unit 14 of the computer 10 includes a CPU 89, a RAM 90, a ROM 9
1, an input / output I / F 92, a transmission / reception I / F 93, a hard disk (HD) drive device 94, a seed ROM (CDROM) drive device 95, a floppy disk (FD) drive device 96, and the like. The input / output I / F 92 includes the keyboard 18 and the mouse 2 described above.
0, the display device 22 is connected and the CDRO
An M drive device 95, an FD drive device 96, and the like are connected. The display device 22 includes a CRT display (CRTD) 96 as a display screen and a CRT controller (CRT).
And a CDROM drive (CDD) 10 for reading information recorded in a CDROM 99 as a recording medium.
0 and a CDROM drive controller (CDC) 101 for controlling the same. When the CDROM 99 is inserted into the CDROM drive device 95 and installed according to a predetermined procedure, the CDROM
Various programs, data, and the like recorded in 99 are read and recorded on the hard disk 102. Similarly, F
The D drive device 96 includes an FD drive (FDD) 103 for reading information recorded on a floppy disk (not shown) as a recording medium, and an FD drive controller (DFC) 104 for controlling the same. Note that the computer 12 does not necessarily need to have both the CDROM drive device 95 and the FD drive device 96, and may have only one of them. The display device 22 may have a liquid crystal display instead of the CRTD 96. CRTD
Since a character, a template, a two-dimensional code, a selected image, and the like, which will be described later, are displayed on the display 96, the display device 22 is displayed.
Thus, an output image output device, a two-dimensional code output device, a selected image output device, and the like of a computer can be considered.

The keyboard 18 is mainly operated for inputting character data. In addition, the keyboard 18 is used to set printing conditions such as the type of the cassette 28 in the tape printer 12, whether or not automatic cutting is performed, and to issue a print instruction (print start). Instruction), and may be operated when giving various operation instructions in the computer 12. The setting of these printing conditions, the printing instruction, the instruction of various operations in the computer 12, and the like are often performed by operating the mouse 20. A character string that includes one or more characters such as characters, alphanumeric characters, and symbols represented by character data input by operating the keyboard 18 and has one meaning is a character string. Data representing a character string is referred to as character string data. However, when a set of a plurality of characters represents one set of information, the data may be referred to as document data (information before conversion). The information indicating the printing condition includes cassette information indicating the type of the cassette, operating condition information indicating the operating condition of the cutter driving motor 66 and the like in the tape printer 12, and the like. Are together referred to as tape printer control information (hereinafter, abbreviated as print information). Since the drive of the feed motor 64 is started in response to the print instruction or the thermal head 50 is set in the operating state, the print instruction information can be included in the print information. The transmission / reception I / F 93 is connected to the tape printer 1 via the connection line 24.
2 are connected.

A character data memory 110 for storing character data, a tape printer 1
2, a dot data memory 111 for storing dot data for printing, a print information memory 112 for storing print information, and information supplied from the tape printer 12 and indicating the state of the tape printer 12. A printer-side information memory 113, an error information memory 114 for storing error information in the computer 10, an image data memory 115 for storing image data selected (created) by an operator, and the like.
A plurality of memories used for tape printing and the like are provided. The plurality of memories include a selected template data memory 116 for storing template data selected by the operator, an output template data memory 117 for storing template data for output, and a two-dimensional code data memory 118 for storing two-dimensional code data. Etc. are included. The template data includes graphic data, character string data, and output format data. The output format data is data representing attributes such as character size and typeface.

The HD drive device 94 includes a hard disk drive (HDD) 121 for reading information such as programs and data recorded on the hard disk 102,
And a hard disk drive controller (HDC) 122 for controlling the hard disk drive 121. An image data memory (image file) for storing a plurality of image data in the hard disk 102
125, a pattern data memory 12 for storing pattern data when converting character data into dot data
A data memory for storing a large number of data such as 6 is provided. The image file 125 stores a plurality of image data (dot data) in association with an image data name for specifying the image data.
Outline data representing a character is stored for each typeface, such as a Gothic typeface, a Mincho typeface, etc., corresponding to each character data. The image data stored in the image file 125 may be stored as vector data.

A print control program memory 129 for storing a print control program for performing print control, a display drive control program for converting character data, image data and the like into display dot data for display on the CRTD 96 and controlling the CRTC 97 , A dot data conversion program memory 131 for storing a dot data conversion program for converting character data into print dot data, and controlling transmission of the print dot data and print information to the tape printer 12. A program memory for storing a number of programs, such as a transmission control program memory 132 for storing a data transmission control program to be executed, is provided. In the output template data stored in the output template data memory 117 of the RAM 90, the character string data included in the output template data is converted into printing dot data according to the output format data, combined with the graphic data, and stored in the dot data memory 111. Is done. In the present embodiment, programs and data read from the CDROM 99 or the like by being installed are stored in the CDROM 99 or the like.
It is recorded in the information memory 133. When executing the programs stored in the hard disk 102, the programs are read and stored in the RAM 90.

The above-described CDROM 99 is provided with a data memory and a program memory. The data memory includes a template data memory 140 in which a plurality of template data are recorded, an image data memory (clip art) 141 in which a plurality of image data (dot data) are recorded, and a classification for specifying the type of a character string. A classification data memory 142 or the like in which data is recorded is included. The program memory includes a classification program memory 14 in which a classification program for classifying a character string corresponding to character string data based on the classification data is recorded.
6. A two-dimensional code data conversion program memory 147 storing a two-dimensional code data conversion program for converting character string data (information data before conversion) into two-dimensional code data, and converting the converted two-dimensional code data into dot data Code data conversion program memory 148 in which a program to be executed is recorded, output image creation program memory 149 in which an output image data creation program for creating output image data using template data is stored, and selection for processing selected image data is performed. The memory includes a selected image data processing program memory 150 storing an image data processing program, a selected image data changing program memory 151 storing a selected image changing program for changing selected image data, and the like. The selected image data processing programs include a clip art selected image data processing program for clip art and an image file selected image data processing program for image files. The transmission / reception I / F 93, connection line 24, dot data memory 111, transmission control program memory 133, C
A data supply unit is configured by a part of the PU 89 that executes the transmission control program. The main control unit of the computer 10 is constituted by the CD ROM drive 95, the CPU 89 and the like.

The hard disk 102 of the computer 10 stores a large number of programs and data relating to printing. The programs and data relating to printing may be recorded in the CD ROM 99. Usually, a recording medium such as a hard disk 102 fixedly provided in a computer stores programs and data relating to printing.
Although the program recorded in the OM 99 can be executed, the dedicated printing program and data can be recorded in the CD ROM 99 separately from the program and data recorded in the hard disk 102. That's it. Further, it can be stored in the printer 12 side. Further, various programs and data stored in the hard disk 102 can be stored in the ROM 91.

Similarly, the tape printer 12 has a control section 160 mainly composed of a computer. The control unit 160 includes a CPU 161, a RAM 162, a ROM 1
63, an input / output I / F 164, a transmission / reception I / F 165, and the like. The input / output I / F 164 includes the tape width sensor 70, the tape color sensor 72, and the tape type sensor 7 described above.
4, the cassette switch 80, the tape end sensor 82, and other sensors are connected, and the thermal head 5
0, a feed motor 64, and a cutter driving motor 66 for driving the cutter are provided with driving circuits 167, 168, and 169, respectively.
Connected through.

The RAM 162 stores the computer 10
Buffer, which stores data supplied from the printer, a print buffer, which stores heating element control data for controlling the heating elements of the thermal head 50, and information indicating the type, mounting state, etc. of the cassette 28 in the tape printer 12. A cassette status information memory, an error information memory for storing errors, and the like are provided. The data supplied from the computer 10 and stored in the reception buffer includes dot data and print information. The cassette status information and the error information together are referred to as status information indicating the status of the tape printer 12, and are supplied to the computer 10. This is the printer information described above. Also, R
The OM 163 includes a transmission / reception control program for controlling transmission / reception of data to / from the computer 10,
A head control program for converting dot data supplied from 0 to heating element control data, a print drive control program for controlling the operation state of the thermal head 50, the drive state of the feed motor 64, and the like based on print information. A program is stored.

Information communication is performed between the computer 10 and the tape printer 12. Since the communication of information between them is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-89196, detailed description will be omitted. The print information is supplied from the computer 10 to the tape printer 12 and the dot data is supplied one byte at a time. In the tape printer 12, the thermal head 50 and the like are controlled based on the print information and the dot data. Printing is performed. Since the printing tape 58 has the adhesive layer, the printing tape 58 on which the output image is printed can be easily attached to a desired object of the operator.

In the computer 10, a print control program represented by the flowchart of FIG. 5 is constantly executed. In step 1 (hereinafter, abbreviated as S1; the same applies to other steps), it is determined whether or not a key input or an operation of the mouse 20 (hereinafter, simply referred to as an input) is performed. If there is no input, it waits until there is an input. If there is an input, the judgment is YE
In S, it is determined in S2 whether the input data is character data. If it is character data, the determination is YES, and in S3, the character data is stored in the character data memory 110 and the CRT
D96 is displayed. If it is not character data, the determination is NO, and in S4, it is determined whether or not it is a print instruction. If the instruction is a print instruction, in S5, the data stored in the character data memory 110 and the output template memory 117 is converted into print dot data and stored in the dot data memory 111. , To the tape printer 12. The selected image data stored in the selected image data memory 116 is stored as it is in the dot data memory 111 and transmitted, and the two-dimensional code data is
The data is converted into printing dot data in accordance with the execution of the code dot data conversion program, and transmitted in the same manner. On the other hand, if it is not a print instruction input, a process corresponding to the input is performed in S7. For example, if the input is print information, the input is stored in the print information memory 112,
If the information instructs the operation of the computer 10, processing corresponding to the information is performed. For example, when the execution of “creation of tape print data (Ptouch)” is selected from the program menu by operating the mouse of the operator, the screen shown in FIG.

When a bar code is clicked, inserted, or the bar code is clicked on the display screen shown in FIG. 6, a bar code conversion program shown in the flowchart of FIG. Is executed. By executing the barcode conversion program, the pre-conversion information data is converted into QR code data of a QR code as a two-dimensional code. First, the QR code will be described. The QR code has a linking function, and can link a plurality of QR code symbols 180 (see FIG. 12) to represent a large amount of information. The information represented by the QR code symbol 180 includes, in addition to character data, information indicating that information is linked, information indicating the number of links, information indicating the order of linking, and the like.
Therefore, it is possible to represent a single piece of information by combining the information represented by the plurality of QR code symbols 180. It also contains error correction information,
Even if a part of the QR code symbol 180 is damaged, it can be corrected.

The QR code symbol 180 has a square shape and includes many cells 182.
The cell 182 includes a white cell and a black cell, and one cell 1
82 can represent one bit of information.
In the QR code symbol 180, these cells 18
2 are arranged in a matrix (planar shape), and a lot of information is represented. The number of cells 182 included in one QR code symbol 180 is determined in multiple stages according to the model, but the size of one cell 182 can be set by an operator. If the size of the cell 182 is fixed, the larger the size of the QR code symbol 180, the larger the amount of information represented by one QR code symbol 180. On the other hand, when the size of the cell 182 is variable and the size of one of the QR code symbols 180 is constant, the smaller the size of the cell 182, the larger the information amount.

In the present embodiment, when the pre-conversion information data is converted into QR code data, the size of the QR code symbol 180 is set so as not to exceed the set maximum value determined according to the tape width. Further, the QR code symbol 180 is divided so that the size thereof is uniform. QR
Since the code symbol 180 is printed out on the printing tape 58 in the tape printer 12, the size is limited by the width of the printing tape 58. The set maximum value is a value obtained by subtracting a margin required for reading a QR code from a tape width. If the QR code symbol 180 is larger than the set maximum value, the number of divisions of the pre-conversion information data is increased. The amount of information represented by one QR code symbol decreases, and the QR code symbol 180 can be reduced. Also, multiple Q
It is not essential to make the size of the R code symbol 180 uniform, but it is desirable to make it uniform for reading. There are also advantages that the appearance is improved and that the printing tape 58 can be used effectively. So 2
If the size of one or more QR code symbols 180 is not uniform, the division position of the pre-conversion information data is changed. Then, the data is divided at the changed division position, and the divided pre-conversion information data is converted into the QR code symbol 180.

In step S11, conditions for conversion into QR code data are set, and pre-conversion information data to be converted is input. The setting of the conditions is performed in response to the operation of the mouse 20 on the display screens shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and the input of the pre-conversion information data is performed by the operation of the keyboard 18 on the display screen shown in FIG. In FIGS. 9 and 10, a bar code to be converted is a QR code, a QR code model, an error correction level, a size level, and the like are set, and the maximum number of links is set to 16. Also,
The pre-conversion information data is a set of character data,
In general, alphanumeric characters in character data are represented by 1 byte (8 bits), and kanji are represented by 2 bytes. The input pre-conversion information data is stored in the character data memory 110 of the RAM 90.

In S12, the width of the printing tape 58 provided in the cassette 28 mounted on the tape printer 12 is detected. The information indicating the tape width is stored in the computer 1
If the information is stored in the printer-side information memory 113 of the RAM 90, the information is read. If not, status request information requesting status information is transmitted to the tape printer 12. In response, status information including tape width information is supplied from the tape printer 12, and the tape width can be acquired. At S13, the number of character data (characters, characters, etc.) contained in the pre-conversion information data stored in character data memory 110
Corresponds to alphanumeric number. Hereinafter, the number of characters is abbreviated), and it is determined whether the number of characters is smaller than the maximum number of concatenations (16). If it is smaller than the maximum number of connections, the number of characters is set to the maximum number of connections, and the number of connections is initialized in S15. In the present embodiment, the initial value of the number of links R is 1. The number of links R is a number corresponding to the number of divisions,
This corresponds to the number of QR code symbols represented by the QR code data to be converted. When the number of characters is larger than the maximum number of links, the number of links R is initialized as it is. The reason why the number of characters is set to the maximum number of connections when the number of characters is smaller than the maximum number of connections is to prevent S16 to S19 from being repeated indefinitely. For example, when the QR code symbol is larger than the set maximum value and the number of characters is smaller than the maximum concatenated number, the determination in S16 and the determination in S18 will not be NO. On the other hand, if the number of characters is the maximum number of concatenations, even if the QR code symbol is larger than the set maximum value, the determination in S16 is NO, and the execution of the program can be terminated.

In S16 to S19, the pre-conversion information data is divided and converted so that the size of the QR code symbol 180 does not exceed the set maximum value. Further, the size of the QR code symbol 180 is made uniform. In S16, it is determined whether or not the number of links R is equal to or less than the maximum number of links. If the number of links is equal to or less than the maximum number of links, the determination is YES. Each of the divided pre-conversion information data is Q
Converted to R code data. It is determined in step S18 whether or not the QR code symbol 180 included in the converted QR code data is greater than the set maximum value (dimension determination).
It is increased (the number-of-divisions increasing process), and the same execution is repeatedly performed (miniaturization process). In S17, FIG.
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the equalizing process for equalizing the size of the QR code symbol 180 is performed.
First, in S31, the pre-conversion information data is equally divided, and in S32, each divided pre-conversion information data is converted into a QR code.
It is determined whether or not the size of 0 is uniform (dimension difference determination). If not uniform, the determination in S33 is NO, and
In S34, the division position is changed (division position change processing), and the division is performed again. The division position is changed so that the size of the QR code symbol 180 becomes uniform.
Then, the divided pre-conversion information data is converted into QR code data, and it is determined whether the size of the QR code symbol 180 is uniform. S32 to S34 are repeatedly performed until the size becomes uniform.

When S16 is executed first, the initial value of the number of links R is 1, so that the information data before conversion is QR
It will be converted to code data. In this case,
The pre-conversion information data becomes the same as the divided pre-conversion information data, and there is one QR code symbol 180 represented by the converted QR code data. Therefore, the determination in S33 is always YES, and the equalization process is not substantially performed. If the amount of information represented by the pre-conversion information data is large, the determination in S18 is YES, so the number of concatenations R is increased to 2 in S19, and the pre-conversion information data is divided into two. Hereinafter, S1
6 to 19 are repeatedly executed, and the QR code symbol 18
If the value of 0 is smaller than the set maximum value, the determination in S18 is NO, and in S20, the QR code symbol 180 is displayed on the CRTD 96 as shown in FIG.
8 is stored. In response to the print instruction, the QR code symbol 180 stored in the two-dimensional code data memory 118
Is converted into dot data for printing, stored in the dot data memory 111, and transmitted to the tape printer 12.
In the tape printer 12, the QR code symbol 180 is printed on the print tape 58. On the other hand, if the size of the QR code symbol 180 does not become smaller than the set maximum value even if the number of links R reaches the maximum number of links 16, the determination in S16 is NO, and in S20, the QR code symbol 180 is Displayed on the DRTD 96.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when one set of pre-conversion information is represented by two or more QR codes, the pre-conversion information is automatically divided without the operator dividing. Therefore, the operation of the operator at the time of two-dimensional code conversion can be facilitated. Further, since the size of the code symbol is converted into QR code data so as not to exceed the set maximum value, even if the size of the output medium for outputting the two-dimensional code is limited, it is within the limit. Can be converted to be placed. This is particularly effective when printing is performed on a print medium in which the size in the tape-like equal width direction is limited. Furthermore, since the data is converted to have a uniform size, it is convenient when reading a QR code. In addition, there is an advantage that the print tape 58 can be effectively used with good appearance. Further, since the set maximum value is determined by the computer according to the width of the printing tape 58, the operator does not need to input the set maximum value, and the operation can be facilitated.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the printing section is constituted by the tape printer 12 and the like, and the control section for controlling the printing section by the computer 10 and the like is constituted. This control unit is also a two-dimensional code data conversion device. And a CDROM 9 as a recording medium.
9 two-dimensional code data conversion program memory 147,
S1 of the two-dimensional code data conversion program of the CPU 89
2, a part for executing S16 to 19 (excluding S32) and the like constitute a pre-conversion information data dividing means, and a part for executing S32 of the two-dimensional code data conversion program and the like constitute a two-dimensional code data conversion means. . Also, S12, S16-1 of the two-dimensional code data conversion program
9 (excluding S32) corresponds to the pre-conversion information data division processing, and the execution of S32 corresponds to the two-dimensional code data conversion processing. Further, execution of S18 corresponds to code symbol size determination processing, and execution of S19 corresponds to division number increase processing. The execution of S12, S16 to S19 (excluding S32) is also a division process with a limitation corresponding to the tape width. Also,
The CDROM 99 is an embodiment of a recording medium on which a two-dimensional code data conversion program is recorded.
9 is recorded on the hard disk 102 by being installed, so that the hard disk 102 can be considered as a recording medium according to the present invention.

The recording medium may be a floppy disk (not shown). The two-dimensional code data conversion program recorded on the floppy disk is
Read by the FD drive device 96 and the CPU 89
Executed in When the recording medium is a readable and writable recording medium such as a floppy disk, the character data memory 110 and the dot memory 111 provided in the RAM 90 of the computer 12 are replaced by a two-dimensional code data conversion program. It can also be provided on the same recording medium as the recorded recording medium. The recording medium may be an optically writable compact disk (CDRAM). In any case,
Even if the recording medium is a writable data,
The computer 12 may be a non-writable computer.
May be fixedly provided and may be removable.

In the above embodiment, after the pre-conversion information data is converted into two-dimensional code data, whether the size of the code symbol represented by the converted two-dimensional code data exceeds a set maximum value or not. Is judged (dimension judgment)
However, the determination can be made before the conversion. As described above, since the size of a code symbol can be estimated according to the amount of information represented by the code symbol, the size of the code symbol can be estimated according to the amount of information represented by the pre-division conversion information data. It is. In addition, the determination as to whether or not the image is uniform (dimensional difference determination) can be similarly performed before the actual conversion.

Further, in the above embodiment, the dimensional determination is performed after the dimensional difference determination is performed. However, the dimensional determination may be performed first. For example, it is determined whether or not the smallest one of the two or more code symbols is larger than a set maximum value. If it is determined that the code symbol exceeds the set maximum value, a dimension difference determination process is not performed and the number of divisions is increased. Can be performed. If the smallest code symbol exceeds the set maximum value, the size of the code symbol will not be less than the set maximum value even if the division position is changed. Conversely, if the largest one exceeds the set maximum value, increase the number of divisions without performing dimensional difference judgment, or if the average size exceeds the set maximum value, For example, an increase process can be performed. In any case,
The order of the dimension determination and the size difference determination, and the order of at least one of the size determination and the size difference determination and the conversion to the two-dimensional code data does not matter.

In addition, it is possible to perform a variable cell conversion process instead of the constant cell conversion process, or to selectively perform the constant cell conversion process and the variable cell conversion process. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the set maximum value is determined by the computer according to the width of the print tape 58, but the set maximum value may be input by an operator. Also, the present invention can be applied to a case where a two-dimensional code is printed on a predetermined area of a normal sheet instead of a tape. The operator may input the area or the set maximum value. When an area is input, the computer determines the set maximum value in consideration of a margin or the like from the area. Also, as a barcode,
The present invention is not limited to the QR code, and can be applied to conversion to another barcode.

Further, in the above embodiment, the computer 10 is used as a control unit of the tape printer 12. However, when the tape printer 12 itself has a control unit that can read a program from a recording medium and execute the program, It is not necessary to connect to the computer 10, and the tape printer 12 can convert the pre-conversion information data into two-dimensional code data. In this case, a printing section is constituted by the thermal head 50 and the like. However, even when the tape printer 12 does not have the above-described control unit, if there is a recording medium for two-dimensional code data conversion, if the tape printer 12 is connected to a computer and executes the two-dimensional code data conversion program, The dimension code can be printed out.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the tape printer, and may be connected to a sheet printer capable of printing out on ordinary recording paper. The invention can be carried out in an improved manner.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a computer as a control unit of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an overall external view of the printer.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the inside of a tape cassette mounted on a tape printer as a printing unit of the printer.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a tape width sensor provided in the tape printer.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a print control program stored in a hard disk of the computer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where the computer reads a program recorded on a recording medium and instructs execution of the program.
It is a figure showing the display screen of RT display.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a two-dimensional code data conversion program recorded on the recording medium.

FIG. 8 shows S1 of the two-dimensional code data conversion program.
7 is a flowchart showing the contents of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen of the CRTD when the two-dimensional code data conversion program is executed by the computer, and is a diagram showing a display screen for setting conditions for conversion to a two-dimensional code. is there.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another display screen when setting the above conditions.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen when inputting pre-conversion information data to be converted into the two-dimensional code data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a display screen when a QR code symbol of the QR code data obtained by converting the pre-conversion information data is output to a CRTD.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Computer 12 Tape printer 14 Control part 18 Keyboard 20 Mouse 22 Display device 24 Connection line 58 Printing tape 70 Tape width sensor 89 CPU 90 RAM 93, 165 Transmission / reception I / F 94 HD drive device 95 CDROM
Drive device 99 CDROM 100 CDD
101 CDC 102 Hard Disk 110 Character Data Memory 111 Dot Data Memory 118 2D Code Data Memory 132 Transmission Control Program Memory 133 CDRO
M information memory 147 Two-dimensional code data conversion program memory 147 Code dot data conversion program memory

Claims (6)

[Claims] When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, the size of each code symbol of the two or more two-dimensional codes is predetermined. Not to exceed the size given
An information data dividing process for automatically dividing the pre-conversion information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information into two or more divided pre-conversion information data; and for each pre-conversion information data divided by the information data dividing process. A two-dimensional code data conversion program for causing a computer to execute a two-dimensional code data conversion process for converting the two-dimensional code data into one two-dimensional code data. Recording medium for code data conversion. 2. A code symbol size determining process for determining whether or not the size of the code symbol exceeds a predetermined size; and 2. The two-dimensional code data conversion recording medium according to claim 1, further comprising a division number increasing process for increasing a division number of the pre-conversion information data when it is determined that the information size exceeds a predetermined size. . 3. The information data dividing process according to claim 1, further comprising a tape width corresponding limited dividing process for determining a maximum size of the code symbol according to a width of a tape printed by a tape printer and dividing the tape. The recording medium for converting two-dimensional code data according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: 4. When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, the size of each code symbol of the two or more two-dimensional codes is predetermined. Not to exceed the size given
Information data dividing means for automatically dividing the pre-conversion information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information into two or more divided pre-conversion information data; and for each divided pre-conversion information data divided by the information data dividing means. And a two-dimensional code data conversion means for converting the two-dimensional code data into one two-dimensional code data. 5. When one set of pre-conversion information represented by a set of characters is represented by two or more two-dimensional codes, the size of each code symbol of the two or more two-dimensional codes is predetermined. Not to exceed the size given
Information data dividing means for automatically dividing the pre-conversion information data representing the one set of pre-conversion information into two or more divided pre-conversion information data; and for each divided pre-conversion information data divided by the information data dividing means. Two-dimensional code data converting means for converting the two-dimensional code data into one two-dimensional code data; and a printing unit for printing out a two-dimensional code corresponding to the two-dimensional code data converted by the two-dimensional code data converting means on a print medium. A printer, comprising: 6. The printing unit prints the two-dimensional code on a tape as the print medium by arranging the two-dimensional code in a longitudinal direction of the tape, and the information data dividing unit determines a maximum size of the code symbol. 6. The printer according to claim 5, further comprising a tape width-restricted dividing unit that determines the width of the tape printed in the printing unit and divides the tape.