JP2009018448A - Equipment, system and program for forming image, and printer server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide image forming equipment which enables improvement of reading accuracy of a bar code by simple steps. <P>SOLUTION: The equipment includes a storage means (printer server SA1) which stores data on combinations of parameters having an effect on a printing quality on the occasion of printing the bar code on a recording medium, a printing condition generating means (sample printing pattern generating part 16) which reads out the data on the combinations of the parameters from the storage means and generates printing conditions corresponding to each combination, and a printing means (printer PR) which prints on the recording medium the bar code based on individual printing conditions generated by the printing condition generating means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming program, and a printer server.

  Conventionally, there has been a product code by EAN / JAN / UPC to manage products, and a logistics code by ITF14 / 16 to manage cardboard boxes and pallets.

  However, with the development of distribution information management systems such as POS (point-of-sale management system), EOS (electronic ordering system), and EDI (electronic data exchange), more advanced product management, logistics management, and business management have been demanded. In order to meet these requirements, the International EAN Association has developed UCC / EAN128 as a distribution supplement barcode symbol for displaying logistics information and commercial transaction information. This symbol is an application standard based on the symbol standard CODE128.

  Recently, the UCC / EAN128 barcode (EAN-128: European Article Number 128: barcode standardized by the International EAN Association) of the above standard is used in the distribution field and other convenience store charge agent storage systems. It has become so. The UCC / EAN 128 needs to have a total length of a barcode including a quiet zone on both sides within 60 mm, and is composed of four types of thickness lines.

  The UCC / EAN 128 is intended for use in the distribution field, so it can be used for logistics management information and business management information.

  Logistics management information specifically includes carton numbers, shipping container codes, batch / lot numbers, manufacturing dates, packaging dates, warranty expiration dates, sales expiration dates, renewal products, serial numbers, quantities, units of measure, etc. is there. Business management information specifically includes order numbers, product consignment numbers, location numbers (delivery location codes), freight numbers, billing destination codes, supplier codes, destination codes, return management numbers, service-related numbers, etc. It is.

  By the way, the EAN-128 barcode has a large amount of information to be recorded and the module width is very small compared to the barcode of the conventional JAN, etc., so the barcode printing requires high-precision and high-quality printing results. The bar code is very difficult to obtain stable reading accuracy.

  That is, when an EAN-128 barcode is printed at a resolution of 600 dpi, for example, the dot configuration of the barcode is both a white line (hereinafter referred to as “white bar”) and a black line (hereinafter referred to as “black bar”). 4 dots (0.169 mm), 8 dots, 12 dots, 16 dots, and when printing at 1200 dp, the white and black bars are 9 dots (0.190 mm), 18 dots, 27 dots, 36 It is generally performed with dots, and there is a problem that the line width is very thin and high in density, making printing difficult, and if the printing accuracy is lowered, it becomes difficult to obtain a stable reading accuracy by a barcode reader.

  For this reason, in a printer (image forming apparatus) that prints barcodes, it is a problem to print barcodes that can ensure stable reading.

  The reading rate of EAN-128 barcode depends on individual differences of reading devices (barcode readers), toner quality, paper type, installation environment, etc. Adjustments need to be made.

  Further, in order to adjust the reading rate by combining various parameters such as barcode width, density, resolution, and paper feeding direction, sufficient skills are required for the operator. That is, when there are many combinations of various parameters, there are about 40 combinations, and it is not easy to find an optimal combination from these.

  The conventional technology includes a barcode width adjustment function and a test print function for barcode width adjustment (printing sample data with a variable barcode width to facilitate reading rate verification) and printing. There is a printing apparatus that confirms the reading rate of the sample output result, performs feedback, adjusts the width of the barcode, and improves the reading rate.

  However, the parameters for adjusting the barcode reading rate include not only the barcode width but also the print density, resolution, paper feed direction, etc., and the optimum setting is determined by various factors.

  Therefore, when performing test printing and correcting by feedback, it is necessary to perform test printing with each parameter varied and consider the combination of parameters, and it takes a lot of time to determine the optimal setting. There was a difficulty of needing.

  In addition, even after each parameter is determined by the above procedure, there is a problem that it is necessary to make settings for each parameter, which is a burden on the operator.

  There is also a problem that complicated settings are required and there is a high possibility that secondary problems such as setting mistakes will occur.

Furthermore, printers equipped with the functions described above are not general-purpose, and there is a problem that the printer cannot be freely selected when a system including the printer is constructed, and the system is easily rigid.
JP 2001-001616 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 09-030054 JP 09-099590 A

  It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, an image forming program, and a printer server that can improve barcode reading accuracy with a simple procedure.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores data relating to a combination of parameters that affect print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium; Reading out data relating to the combination of parameters from the means and generating a printing condition corresponding to each combination; and a bar code based on each printing condition generated by the printing condition generating means on the recording medium And a printing means for printing.

  An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention relates to storage means for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium, and to a combination of the parameters from the storage means. A printing condition generation unit that reads data and generates a printing condition according to each combination; and a first printing that prints a barcode based on each printing condition generated by the printing condition generation unit on the recording medium Means for determining the print quality of the barcode printed by the first printing means, printing condition determining means for determining any one of the printing conditions based on the determination result of the determining means, and the printing And a second printing unit that executes printing based on the printing condition determined by the condition determining unit.

  An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the invention is characterized in that the bar code is a bar code conforming to the standard of UCC / EAN-128.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus, the determination unit includes a barcode reading unit, and the printing condition determination unit is any one based on a barcode reading rate by the barcode reading unit. The printing conditions are determined as follows.

  In an image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the parameter that affects the print quality includes at least one of a barcode width, a barcode density, a barcode resolution, and a conveyance direction of the recording medium. Features.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a printing information receiving unit; a detecting unit that detects whether or not barcode information is included in the printing information received by the receiving unit; And control means for performing printing based on the combination of parameters when code information is detected.

  An image forming system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is one or more image forming apparatuses according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, and one or more connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit. It is characterized by comprising two or more information processing devices.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming program for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium, and reading the data relating to the combination of parameters. , Executing a printing condition generation process for generating a printing condition according to each combination and a printing process for printing a barcode on the recording medium based on each printing condition generated in the printing condition generation process on the calculation unit It is characterized by making it.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming program for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium, and reading the data relating to the combination of parameters. A printing condition generation process for generating a printing condition according to each combination; a first printing process for printing a barcode based on each printing condition generated in the printing condition generation process on the recording medium; and A determination process for determining the print quality of the barcode printed in the first printing process, a printing condition determination process for determining any printing condition based on the determination result of the determination process, and the printing condition determination process. And a second printing process for executing printing based on the determined printing conditions.

  The image forming program according to the invention of claim 10 is characterized in that the bar code is a bar code conforming to the standard of UCC / EAN-128.

  An image forming program according to an invention of claim 11 is characterized in that the determination process includes a barcode reading process.

  In an image forming program according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the parameter affecting the print quality includes at least one of a barcode width, a barcode density, a barcode resolution, and a conveyance direction of the recording medium. Features.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming program, a print information reception process, a detection process for detecting whether or not barcode information is included in the print information received in the reception process, and a bar code in the detection process. And a control process for performing printing based on the combination of parameters when code information is detected.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer server for transmitting / receiving print information, storage means for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium, and the storage means Reading out data relating to the combination of parameters, and generating a printing condition according to each combination, and the printing condition generated by the printing condition generating unit via the transmission / reception unit And a control means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus.

  The printer server according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the bar code is a bar code conforming to the standard of UCC / EAN-128.

  The printer server according to the invention of claim 16 is characterized in that the parameters affecting the print quality include at least one of a barcode width, a barcode density, a barcode resolution, and a conveyance direction of the recording medium. And

  The printer server according to claim 17 is configured to detect whether or not barcode information is included in the print information received by the transmission / reception means, and when the barcode information is detected by the detection means And generating means for generating data based on the combination of the parameters.

  The printer server according to the invention of claim 18 is such that the control means controls to change the transmission destination of the print data and the printing conditions in accordance with whether or not the barcode information is detected by the detection means. It is characterized by.

  According to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, the barcode based on each printing condition in which the parameters affecting the print quality are combined is printed on the recording medium. Thus, there is an effect that it is possible to find the optimum printing state for the bar code and to improve the reading accuracy of the bar code.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, since the printing is executed based on the determination result of the printing quality of the barcode, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the barcode reading accuracy is achieved. There is an effect that can be improved.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the barcode conforming to the UCC / EAN-128 standard as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since any printing condition is determined based on the barcode reading rate, compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided, the barcode is more effectively used. There is an effect that reading accuracy can be improved.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the parameters affecting the print quality compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided are the barcode width, barcode density, barcode resolution, and recording medium. Since at least one of the transport directions is included, the barcode reading accuracy can be improved more effectively.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, printing is performed based on a combination of parameters when bar code information is detected, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. In addition, the barcode reading accuracy can be improved.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, there is an effect that the barcode reading accuracy can be improved as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 8, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the barcode based on each printing condition in which the parameters affecting the print quality are combined is printed on the recording medium. Therefore, it is possible to find an optimum printing state for the barcode, and to improve the barcode reading accuracy.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, since the printing is performed based on the determination result of the print quality of the barcode as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the barcode reading accuracy is achieved. There is an effect that can be improved.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of a bar code conforming to the UCC / EAN-128 standard as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the determination process includes a barcode reading process as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the barcode reading accuracy is more effectively improved. There is an effect that can be.

  According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the printing based on the combination of parameters is performed when the barcode information is detected as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided. In addition, the barcode reading accuracy can be improved.

  According to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, printing is performed based on a combination of parameters when bar code information is detected, compared with a case where the present configuration is not provided. In addition, the barcode reading accuracy can be improved.

  According to the invention described in claim 14, since it is possible to output a barcode based on each printing condition in which parameters affecting print quality are combined, compared to a case where the present configuration is not provided. It is possible to find the optimum printing state for the bar code, and to improve the bar code reading accuracy.

  According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of a bar code conforming to the UCC / EAN-128 standard as compared with the case where this configuration is not provided.

  According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the parameters affecting the print quality compared to the case where the present configuration is not provided are the barcode width, the barcode density, the barcode resolution, and the recording medium. Since at least one of the transport directions is included, the barcode reading accuracy can be improved more effectively.

  According to the invention described in claim 17, there is an effect that the reading accuracy of the barcode can be improved as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided.

  According to the invention described in claim 18, compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided, the print data for which the barcode reading rate is to be prioritized and the print data for which the print speed is to be prioritized are respectively suitable. Can be output, and efficient printing processing can be performed.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment as an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same members, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. In addition, since description here is the best form by which this invention is implemented, this invention is not limited to the said form.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment and an example of a sample printing result. FIG. 2 is an example of the configuration of the image forming system according to the second embodiment and an example of a sample printing result. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system and a sample printing result according to the third embodiment, FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of sample printing processing, and FIG. 5 is a combination pattern table. FIG. 6 is a data configuration diagram showing a configuration such as the above, and a flowchart showing a processing procedure of barcode print setting processing.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system S1 according to the first embodiment includes a printer server SA1, a general-purpose printer (hereinafter referred to as a printer) PR, and a network N such as a connection cable or a LAN. .

  The printer server SA1 includes a barcode width adjustment function unit 11 that adjusts the barcode width, a resolution adjustment function unit 12 that adjusts the resolution of the barcode, and a density adjustment function unit 13 that adjusts the density of the barcode. A control unit configured with a paper feed direction selection function unit 14 for selecting a paper feed direction (for example, a longitudinal direction of A4 size or a direction orthogonal thereto) and a touch panel type liquid crystal display panel, etc. A panel 15, a sample print pattern generation unit 16 that generates a barcode sample print pattern, a drawing unit 17 that generates drawing data, an output unit 18 that outputs data, and the like are included.

  On the control panel 15, for example, a sample print execution button 151a, a bar code width adjustment display (for example, multi-step display with symbols such as “***”, “**”...) 151b, and resolution display (For example, display of “400 dpi”, “600 dpi”, etc.) 151 c, density adjustment display (for example, display of “LEVEL 1”, “LEVEL 2”, etc.) 151 d, paper feed direction display (for example, “vertical”, “horizontal” display) ) 151e, feedback designation 152, etc. are displayed.

  Here, the feedback designation is a functional unit that automatically sets the number of the extracted sample data so that the best setting can be easily made without performing various settings by the operator.

  When the sample print execution button 151a is pressed, the sample print pattern generation unit 16 includes a barcode width adjustment function unit 11, a resolution adjustment function unit 12, a density adjustment function unit 13, and a paper feed direction selection function unit 14. For example, a test pattern is generated that is controlled by a control unit (not shown) such as a microcomputer and covers all combinations in which the barcode width, resolution, density, and paper feeding direction are changed.

  The generated data is output to the printer PR via the drawing unit 17 and the output unit 18. The barcode data output at this time is output as image data.

  The printer PR is not particularly limited, but a laser printer having a resolution capable of printing a UCC / EAN 128 barcode (EAN-128: European Article Number 128: a bar code standardized by the International EAN Association) is desirable. .

  The printer PR outputs barcode sample print 2 based on data from the printer server SA1.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1A, this sample print 2 is, for example, for page 1, with a density level of 1 and a paper direction of no. 1-No. No. 3 bar code patterns B1 to B3 having three widths with a resolution of 400 dpi. 4-No. 6 are printed out at a resolution of 600 dpi.

  Also, as shown in part in FIG. 7-No. No. 9 barcode patterns B7 to B9 having a resolution of 400 dpi (not visible in the figure). 10-No. Twelve types of barcode patterns B10 to B12 having three different widths are printed out at a resolution of 600 dpi.

  In the present embodiment, each bar code B1 to B12 represents alphabets A to N.

  A unique (exclusive) number is designated as the number assigned to each barcode pattern.

  In this way, barcode sample printing is performed for all patterns of various parameter combinations.

  Thereby, the operator or the like performs reading evaluation on each barcode pattern B1 to B12 and the like related to the sample printing result by a predetermined barcode reading device (barcode reader) (for example, reading each barcode several times). And the error rate of reading can be confirmed.

  Based on the evaluation result, the barcode with the best reading accuracy is selected, the barcode number is input from the control panel 15, and the information is fed back to print the barcode under the optimum conditions. (Printing on a product or the like) can be executed.

  That is, the set values for normal printing of the barcode width adjustment function unit 11, the resolution adjustment function unit 12, the density adjustment function unit 13, and the paper feed direction selection function unit 14 are determined in accordance with the designated number.

  When the set value is determined, in the subsequent normal printing, by referring to the set value designated as described above, it is possible to realize barcode printing that can obtain an optimum reading rate.

  Here, the barcode reading rate varies depending on the environment in which the printer PR is installed, the paper used, toner, printing density, temperature, and the like. For example, when a plurality of printers are connected via the network N, It is desirable to make fine adjustments for each printer.

  As described above, according to the image forming system S1 according to the present embodiment, the user (maintenance staff) checks the barcode pattern having the best reading rate in the output print result of the sample, and the barcode pattern Since a series of settings can be performed automatically only by inputting a number uniquely defined for each control panel 15, even a user with limited expertise can easily and quickly perform settings.

  Further, since the resolution adjustment function unit 12 can adjust only the barcode portion by changing the resolution, it is not necessary to make the entire print data high-resolution even when the barcode is printed precisely. It is possible to perform efficient processing.

  In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which the user or the like manually operates the barcode reader (barcode reader) to calculate the barcode reading rate, but the sample print result is not limited to this. In addition, a barcode reading device (barcode reader) provided with a conveying means or the like is provided for the sample print result, and the reading result is sent to a computing means such as a microcomputer so that the barcode reading rate is automatically calculated. May be.

  Further, the bar code reading rate is determined by a predetermined program stored in a calculation means such as a microcomputer to select an optimum bar code pattern, and the selection result is automatically input to the control panel 15 or the like. You may do it.

  As a result, the burden on the operator or the like is further reduced, and high-precision barcode printing can be performed more efficiently.

  Next, an image forming system S2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the same components as those in the image forming system S1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The printer server SA2 in the image forming system S2 has the same configuration as the printer server SA1 in the image forming system S1.

  In the image forming system S1, print data D1 is transmitted from a personal computer PC or the like as an information processing apparatus connected to the printer server SA2 via a network N or the like.

  Here, it is assumed that the print data D1 has a resolution of 400 dpi, for example, and includes UCC / EAN128 barcode data.

  When the printer server SA2 receives the print data D1, the normal print data portion 23a generates print data at the originally specified resolution (400 dpi in the drawing), and the barcode print data portion 23b Print data is generated at a resolution (for example, 600 dpi) set by the resolution adjustment function unit 12.

  Here, the resolution set by the resolution adjustment function unit 12 is set based on the printing conditions selected by performing sample printing, for example, as in the image forming system S1 according to the first embodiment described above. Can do.

  Next, an image forming system S3 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  Note that the same components as those of the image forming system S1 and the like according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The image forming system S3 includes a printer server SA3, a network N such as a LAN, a personal computer PC as an information processing apparatus connected via the network N, and two general-purpose printers (hereinafter referred to as printers) PR1, It consists of PR2.

  The printer server SA3 selects an editing unit 41 that edits print data, a drawing unit 42 that generates drawing data, an output unit 43 that outputs data, and a paper feeding direction (vertical direction or horizontal direction). A paper direction selection function unit 44, a control panel 15 and the like are included.

  The printer server SA3 receives print data D2 including barcode data and normal print data D3 as print data from a personal computer PC or the like.

  In the printer server SA3, the editing unit 41 detects the presence or absence of barcode data, and notifies the sheet feeding direction selection function unit 44 of the presence or absence.

  The paper feed direction selection function unit 44 sets the paper feed direction based on the presence or absence of barcode data. The output unit 43 determines whether the output destination is the printer PR1 or PR2 according to the set paper feeding direction.

  Specifically, when the barcode data is included in the print data (in the case of D2), output is performed to the printer PR2 in which the paper feeding direction is set to “horizontal direction”, and in the case of the normal data D1, Output is performed to the printer PR1 in which the paper feeding direction is set to “vertical direction”.

  In this way, by switching the output printer depending on the presence or absence of barcode data, print data for which priority is given to barcode reading rate and print data for which priority is given to printing speed can be output to appropriate printers. This makes it possible to perform efficient printing processing.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 and the data configuration diagram of FIG. 5, the processing procedure of the sample printing process in the embodiment will be described.

  When this process is started, first, print data including barcode data is received from the personal computer PC or the like in step S10, and the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S11, it is determined whether or not normal printing is being performed. This determination may be made automatically based on the presence or absence of bar code data, or may be made based on an instruction from an operator or the like.

  If it is determined that the printing is normal printing, the process proceeds to step S12, where normal print settings are performed. In step S13, normal printing data is printed, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the printing is not normal printing, the process proceeds to step S14, where the normal printing settings are stored, and then the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, a combination pattern table in which various parameters are combined is created.

  The designation of each parameter by the combination pattern table is performed based on setting information (information file .ini (A) described later) stored in a hard disk or the like provided in the printer servers SA1 to SA3.

  Here, an example of a pattern table to be created will be described with reference to FIG.

  The combination pattern table is provided with tables 1 to N corresponding to the combination IDs (ID1 to ID (N)). The number of combination pattern tables is a value obtained by multiplying the number of SETs in the information file. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 5, N = 3 × 4 × 2 × 3 = 72 pattern numbers (table numbers).

  Each table 1 to N stores a parameter combination table (density designation, resolution designation, paper direction designation, barcode width designation) as a pointer.

  For each parameter in each parameter combination table, a density table (1: thin, 2: medium, 3: dark), a resolution table (1: 240 dpi, 2: 400 dpi, 3: 600 dpi, 4: 1200 dpi), and a paper direction table. (1: vertical, 2: horizontal), a bar width table (1: +1 point, 2: +0 point, 3: -1 point) is stored.

  Information file. Ini (A) describes, for example, selectable values for parameters such as density, resolution, paper orientation, and barcode width (bar width) in a predetermined format.

  Subsequently, step S16 and subsequent steps in FIG. 4 will be described.

  Steps S16 to S21 are repeatedly executed until the table number c reaches the number N of tables in step S16.

  In step S17, after reading the c-th combination pattern table, the process proceeds to step S18, and the print setting is changed with reference to the pattern table. That is, an information file. The print setting is changed by replacing the ini (A) information file.

  Next, in step S19, the barcode data portion is extracted from the print data to create sample data, and in step S20, sample printing is executed based on the sample data.

  If it is determined in step S16 that the table number c has reached the number N of tables, the loop process is terminated, the process proceeds to step S22, the normal print settings are restored, and the process is terminated.

  Next, the processing procedure of the barcode print setting process in the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When this process is started, first, in step S30, a sample printing ID (number) with a good reading rate is set on the control panel 15 or the like. As described above, the calculation of the reading rate may be performed by manually operating the barcode reader (barcode reader) by the user or the like, or the sample printing result may be calculated by a conveying unit or the like. A bar code reader (bar code reader) may be provided, and the reading result may be sent to a calculation means such as a microcomputer to automatically calculate the bar code reading rate.

  Further, the bar code reading rate is determined by a predetermined program stored in a calculation means such as a microcomputer, and an optimum bar code pattern is selected, and the selection result is directly input to the control panel 15 or the like. It may be.

  Next, in step S31, the table specified by the ID and the information file. Each set value is read from ini (A), and the process proceeds to step S32.

  In step S32, the print setting is changed based on the read setting value, and the process ends.

  As a result, barcode printing (printing barcodes on products, etc.) can be executed with optimum print settings based on the evaluation results of barcode printing quality (sample printing results). There is an effect that the reading accuracy of the barcode can be improved.

  Although the invention made by the present inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiments, the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limited to the disclosed technology. Should not be considered. That is, the technical scope of the present invention should not be construed restrictively based on the description in the above embodiment, but should be construed according to the description of the scope of claims. All modifications within the scope of the claims and the equivalent technology are included.

  When using a program, it can be provided via a network or stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  The image forming apparatus, the image forming system, the image forming program, and the printer server according to the present invention can be applied to laser printers, full-color printers, fax machines, and the like.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment and a sample print result. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the image forming system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment, and the example of a sample printing result. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the image forming system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment, and the example of a sample printing result. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a sample printing process. Data configuration diagram showing the configuration of combination pattern table, etc. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of a barcode printing setting process.

Explanation of symbols

S1 to S3 Image forming system PR1, PR2 Printer (image forming apparatus, printing unit, first printing unit, second printing unit)
PC Personal computer (information processing equipment)
SA1 to SA3 printer server (storage means, printing condition generation means, printing condition determination means, detection means, control means)
N network (connection means)
11 Barcode width adjustment function unit 12 Resolution adjustment function unit 13 Density adjustment function unit 14 Paper feed direction selection function unit 15 Control panel (printing condition determination means)
16 Sample print pattern generator (print condition generator)
17 Drawing unit 18 Output unit 41 Editing unit 42 Drawing unit 43 Output unit 44 Paper feed direction selection function unit 151a Execute button

Claims (18)

Storage means for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium;
Print condition generation means for reading out data relating to the combination of parameters from the storage means and generating print conditions according to each combination;
Printing means for printing on the recording medium a barcode based on each printing condition generated by the printing condition generation means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: Storage means for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium;
Print condition generation means for reading out data relating to the combination of parameters from the storage means and generating print conditions according to each combination;
First printing means for printing on the recording medium a barcode based on each printing condition generated by the printing condition generating means;
Determination means for determining the print quality of the barcode printed by the first printing means;
Printing condition determining means for determining any printing condition based on the determination result of the determining means;
Second printing means for executing printing based on the printing conditions determined by the printing condition determining means;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bar code is a bar code conforming to a UCC / EAN-128 standard. The determination means includes a barcode reading means,
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing condition determining unit determines any one of the printing conditions based on a barcode reading rate by the barcode reading unit. apparatus.   The parameter affecting the print quality includes at least one of barcode width, barcode density, barcode resolution, and recording medium conveyance direction. An image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Means for receiving print information;
Detecting means for detecting whether or not barcode information is included in the print information received by the receiving means;
Control means for performing printing based on the combination of the parameters when barcode information is detected by the detection means;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more image forming apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 6, and
One or more information processing apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a communication unit;
An image forming system comprising: A storage process for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium;
A printing condition generation process for reading out data related to the combination of parameters and generating a printing condition according to each combination;
A printing process in which a barcode based on each printing condition generated in the printing condition generation process is printed on the recording medium;
An image forming program that causes a computing means to execute the above. A storage process for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium;
A printing condition generation process for reading out data related to the combination of parameters and generating a printing condition according to each combination;
A first printing process for printing on the recording medium a barcode based on each printing condition generated in the printing condition generation process;
A determination process for determining the print quality of the barcode printed in the first printing process;
A printing condition determination process for determining any printing condition based on the determination result of the determination process;
A second printing process for executing printing based on the printing conditions determined in the printing condition determination process;
An image forming program comprising:   The image forming program according to claim 8, wherein the barcode is a barcode compliant with UCC / EAN-128 standard.   11. The image forming program according to claim 9, wherein the determination process includes a barcode reading process.   12. The parameter according to claim 8, wherein the parameters affecting the print quality include at least one of barcode width, barcode density, barcode resolution, and recording medium conveyance direction. An image forming program according to any one of the above. The process of receiving print information;
A detection process for detecting whether or not barcode information is included in the print information received in the reception process;
A control process for performing printing based on the combination of the parameters when barcode information is detected in the detection process;
The image forming program according to claim 8, further comprising: Printing information transmission / reception means;
Storage means for storing data relating to a combination of parameters affecting print quality when printing a barcode on a recording medium;
Print condition generation means for reading out data relating to the combination of parameters from the storage means and generating print conditions according to each combination;
A control unit that transmits each printing condition generated by the printing condition generation unit to the information processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus via the transmission / reception unit;
A printer server comprising:   The printer server according to claim 14, wherein the bar code is a bar code conforming to a UCC / EAN-128 standard.   16. The parameter according to claim 14, wherein the parameter affecting the print quality includes at least one of a barcode width, a barcode density, a barcode resolution, and a recording medium conveyance direction. The printer server according to the above. Detection means for detecting whether or not the barcode information is included in the print information received by the transmission / reception means;
Generating means for generating data based on the combination of parameters when barcode information is detected by the detecting means;
The printer server according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising:   18. The printer according to claim 17, wherein the control unit performs control so as to change a transmission destination of print data and printing conditions according to whether or not barcode information is detected by the detection unit. server.

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