JP2009078449A - Printing method of bar code and printer apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance a reading accuracy of a printed bar code even when a resolution in a main scan direction of a printer apparatus differs from a resolution in a sub scan direction thereof. <P>SOLUTION: The printing method of the bar code includes: a printing condition setting process of setting a length direction of the one-dimensional bar code printed by the printer apparatus to be either the main scan direction or the sub scan direction; a resolution acquiring process of acquiring a printing resolution of the printer apparatus in the length direction; a size determining process of determining a unit size of the bar code on the basis of the printing resolution; a code acquiring process of acquiring code information of the bar code; an image forming process of forming a bit map image of the bar code from the unit size and the code information; and a printing process of printing the one-dimensional bar code by the printer apparatus to follow the length direction on the basis of the bit map image of the formed bar code. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a barcode printing method and a barcode printer apparatus.

When printing a barcode, a basic barcode pattern defined by a predetermined standard is generated with a dot size according to the print resolution information of the barcode printer, and the barcode is printed based on the generated basic barcode pattern. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1). As a result, printing with high accuracy in accordance with the barcode standard is possible.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-265419

  However, the above printing method can be effectively optimized if the print resolution in the main scanning direction and the print resolution in the sub-scanning direction of the barcode printer apparatus are the same. When applied to printer apparatuses having different print image densities and different print resolutions in the sub-scanning direction, the image quality deteriorates, and there is a risk that a barcode may be read out.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to increase the reading accuracy of a printed barcode even when the resolution in the main scanning direction and the resolution in the sub-scanning direction of the printer apparatus are different.

The invention described in claim 1
In the method of printing a one-dimensional barcode, the print resolution in two directions of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed can be set independently.
A printing condition setting step for setting the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode printed by the printer device to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction;
A resolution acquisition step of acquiring a print resolution of the printer device in the length direction set in the print condition setting step;
A size determining step for determining a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution acquired in the resolution acquiring step;
A code acquisition step of acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generation step of generating a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size determined in the size determination step and the code information acquired in the code acquisition step;
A printing step of printing the one-dimensional barcode along the length direction by the printer device based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated in the image generation step. Yes.

The invention according to claim 2
In the one-dimensional barcode printing method in which the print resolution of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed can be set,
A print condition setting step for setting the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode printed by the printer device to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, and setting the print position of the one-dimensional barcode;
A resolution setting step for setting the print resolution in the length direction set in the print condition setting step;
A size determining step for determining a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution set in the resolution setting step;
Storage that associates the length direction set in the print condition setting step, the print position, the print resolution set in the resolution setting step, and the unit size determined in the size determination step and stores them in a storage medium Process,
A step of reading out the length direction, the print position, the print resolution, and the unit size stored in the storage medium;
A code acquisition step of acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generating step for generating a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size read in the reading step and the code information acquired in the code acquiring step;
Based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated in the image generation step, the printer device reads the one-dimensional barcode from the print position with the print resolution read in the reading step. And a printing process for printing along the vertical direction.

The invention according to claim 3 is the printing method according to claim 2,
An apparatus resolution acquisition step of acquiring a print resolution of the printer apparatus in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the printer device acquired in the device resolution acquisition step is collated with the print resolution set in the resolution setting step, and if they do not match, confirmation whether to execute printing is confirmed. Process,
A conversion step of converting the bitmap image generated in the image generation step into a print resolution of the printer device,
In the printing step, when it is confirmed that the printing is executed in the confirmation step, the printer device performs the primary processing at the print resolution of the printer device based on the bitmap image converted in the conversion step. The original barcode is printed from the print position along the length direction.

The invention according to claim 4 is the printing method according to claim 2,
An apparatus resolution acquisition step of acquiring a print resolution of the printer apparatus in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the printer device acquired in the device resolution acquisition step and the print resolution set in the resolution setting step are collated. If they do not match, the unit size is equal to the print resolution of the printer device. A determination step of determining whether or not the pixel size is an integer multiple;
If it is determined that the determination step is not an integer multiple, a confirmation step for confirming whether or not to execute printing;
A conversion step of converting the bitmap image generated in the image generation step into a print resolution of the printer device,
In the printing step, when it is confirmed that the printing is executed in the confirmation step, the printer device performs the primary processing at the print resolution of the printer device based on the bitmap image converted in the conversion step. The original barcode is printed from the print position along the length direction.

The invention according to claim 5
In a one-dimensional barcode printer capable of independently setting the print resolution in two directions of a one-dimensional barcode to be printed,
A print condition setting unit for setting the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction;
A resolution acquisition unit for acquiring a print resolution in the length direction set in the print condition setting unit;
A size determination unit that determines a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution acquired by the resolution acquisition unit;
A code acquisition unit for acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generation unit that generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size determined by the size determination unit and the code information acquired by the code acquisition unit;
And a printing unit that prints the one-dimensional barcode along the length direction based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated by the image generation unit.

The invention described in claim 6
In a one-dimensional barcode printer that can set the print resolution of a one-dimensional barcode to be printed,
A print condition setting unit that sets the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, and sets the print position of the one-dimensional barcode.
A resolution setting unit for setting the print resolution in the length direction set in the print condition setting unit;
A size determining unit that determines a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit;
Storage that associates the length direction set by the print condition setting unit, the print position, the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit, and the unit size determined by the size determination unit and stores them in a storage medium And
A reading unit for reading out the length direction, the print position, the print resolution, and the unit size stored in the storage medium;
A code acquisition unit for acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generation unit that generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size read by the reading unit and the code information acquired by the code acquisition unit;
Based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated by the image generation unit, the one-dimensional barcode is extended from the print position along the length direction at the print resolution read by the reading unit. And a print unit for printing.

The invention according to claim 7 is the printer apparatus according to claim 6,
An apparatus resolution acquisition unit for acquiring a print resolution of the print unit in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the print unit acquired by the device resolution acquisition unit and the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit are collated, and if they do not match, confirmation whether to execute printing is confirmed. And
A conversion unit that converts the bitmap image generated by the image generation unit into a print resolution of the print unit;
When the printing unit is confirmed to execute printing by the confirmation unit, the one-dimensional barcode is printed at the print resolution of the printing unit based on the bitmap image converted by the conversion unit. Printing is performed along the length direction from the printing position.

The invention according to claim 8 is the printer apparatus according to claim 6,
An apparatus resolution acquisition unit for acquiring a print resolution of the print unit in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the print unit acquired by the device resolution acquisition unit and the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit are collated. If they do not match, the unit size is the print resolution of the print unit. A discriminator for discriminating whether or not the pixel size is an integer multiple;
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not to execute printing when it is determined that the determination unit is not an integer multiple;
A conversion unit that converts the bitmap image generated by the image generation unit into a print resolution of the print unit;
When the printing unit is confirmed to execute printing by the confirmation unit, the one-dimensional barcode is printed at the print resolution of the printing unit based on the bitmap image converted by the conversion unit. Printing is performed along the length direction from the printing position.

  According to the present invention, even if the length direction of the barcode is either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, the bitmap image is created based on the print resolution of the printer device in that direction. In the length direction, it is possible to ensure image quality that does not interfere with barcode reading. As a result, even when the printer apparatus has different resolutions in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the printed barcode.

[First Embodiment]
The barcode printer apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described below. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the printer apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer device 1 prints a barcode on the paper 2 on the roller, and is disposed on a transport device 3 that transports the paper 2. The printer device 1 is electrically connected to a personal computer 4 that is an image creation device. The printer apparatus 1 includes an ink rack 6 that stores the ink cartridge 5, and a head that ejects ink onto the paper 2 on the transport device 3 by the ink supplied from the ink cartridge 5 via the ink rack 6. A unit 7 is provided.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of the head unit 7. As shown in FIG. 2, the head unit 7 is provided with a plurality of recording heads 8 that eject ink onto the paper 2. Each recording head 8 communicates with an ink flow path 9 for guiding ink from the ink cartridge 5. Each of the recording heads 8 is arranged in two rows, for example, in three rows with respect to the paper transport direction (main scanning direction), and each nozzle row is in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction (nozzle row direction: sub-scanning direction). It is arranged along. The recording heads 8 are arranged in a staggered manner so that the entire width of the paper 2 can be covered by the nozzles 81 of the recording heads 8.

  Here, since the print resolution in the main scanning direction of the printer apparatus 1 depends on the conveyance speed of the paper 2 in the conveyance apparatus 3 and the ink ejection frequency of the recording head 8, printing can be performed by changing the conveyance speed. It is possible to change the resolution. On the other hand, since the print resolution in the sub-scanning direction of the printer apparatus 1 depends on the nozzle interval of each recording head 8, the print resolution is fixed. For this reason, depending on the print resolution in the main scanning direction, the print resolution in the sub-scanning direction may be different. For example, in this embodiment, the print resolution in the main scanning direction can be changed in five stages of 180 dpi, 270 dpi, 360 dpi, 450 dpi, and 540 dpi, and the print resolution in the sub-scanning direction is fixed at 360 dpi.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a main control configuration of the printer apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the printer device 1 includes an operation unit 11 to which various operation instructions are input, a head drive unit 12 for driving the recording head 8, and a maintenance unit 13 for performing maintenance of the recording head 8. A mechanical control unit 14 for driving the maintenance unit 13 and the ink rack 6, and a control unit 15. The control unit 15 is also electrically connected to the transfer device 3, the personal computer 4, and the like.

  The operation unit 11 is, for example, a touch panel, and a print start instruction and basic information of a one-dimensional barcode are input. Here, the basic conditions are the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed, the print position, the size, the print resolution in the main scanning direction, and the like. That is, the operation unit 11 is a print condition setting unit according to the present invention that sets the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction.

  The control unit 15 is a resolution acquisition unit according to the present invention, and acquires the print resolution in the direction based on the length direction as a basic condition input to the operation unit 11. Specifically, when the length direction is set as the main scanning direction, the control unit 15 acquires the print resolution in the main scanning direction set as a basic condition. On the other hand, when the length direction is set as the sub-scanning direction, the control unit 15 acquires the print resolution in the sub-scanning direction, which is a fixed value.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the line width (for example, L1) and space width (for example, S1) of the one-dimensional barcode B are all set to an integral multiple of the unit size S called the module dimension. For this reason, if the unit size S is not an integral multiple of the 1-dot size of the print resolution, a one-dimensional barcode B that has an influence on the line width and space width and is uneasy about reading accuracy will be printed. become. In order to prevent this, the control unit 15 as the size determination unit according to the present invention determines the unit size S of the one-dimensional barcode based on the print resolution in the length direction acquired previously. At this time, the control unit 15 sets a unit size S that becomes the barcode length L as close as possible to the size as the basic condition.

  For example, a description will be given of how to obtain the unit size when the length direction is the main scanning direction, the print resolution is 540 dpi, and the size s as the basic condition is 27 mm. First, the dot size d is 47 μm (= 2.54 cm / 540 dpi). The unit size S is N times the dot size (N is an integer). The value of N is set so that the barcode length L approximates the size s as a basic condition. In the JAN code standard, since the barcode length L is 95 times the unit size S, the relationship L = 95 · S = 95 · Nd is established, and the barcode length L is based on this formula. N value approximate to the size s is obtained. In this example, the N value is 6, the unit size S is 282 μm (= 6 × 47 μm), and the barcode length L is 26.79 mm (= 95 × 47 μm).

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, in the case where the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode B is set to the sub-scanning direction, the print resolution is set to 360 dpi, and the size s as the basic condition is set to 27 mm, the one-dot size d is 70.5 μm (= 2.54 cm / 360 dpi), the N value is 4, the unit size S is 282 μm (= 4 × 70.5 μm), and the barcode length L is 26.79 mm (= 95 × 47 μm).

  The control unit 15 is also a code acquisition unit according to the present invention, and acquires code information of a one-dimensional barcode stored in the personal computer 4.

  The control unit 15 is also an image generation unit according to the present invention, generates a bitmap image of a one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size S and code information, and based on the bitmap image, the head drive unit 12 In addition, the conveyance device 3 is controlled so that ink is ejected from the recording head 8 so that the one-dimensional barcode with the code information is printed on the paper 2 along the length direction. That is, the head driving unit 12, the transport device 3, and the recording head 8 are the printing unit according to the present invention.

Next, a printing method executed by the printer apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S1, a basic condition is input to the operation unit 11 by an operator. When inputting the basic conditions, the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode B printed by the printer 1 is set to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction (print condition setting step).

  In step S2, the control unit 15 acquires the print resolution of the printer device 1 in the length direction set in step S1 (resolution acquisition step).

  In step S3, the control unit 15 determines a unit size S and a barcode length L of the one-dimensional barcode based on the print resolution, basic conditions, etc. acquired in step S2 (size determination step). In step S3, the one-dimensional bar is set based on the print resolution in the set direction regardless of whether the length direction set in step S1 is the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction as described above. The print resolution of code B is set. In other words, the print resolutions in two directions (main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction) of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed are set independently.

  In step S4, the control unit 15 acquires code information of the one-dimensional barcode from the personal computer 4 (code acquisition process).

  In step S5, the control unit 15 generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed from the unit size S determined in step S3 and the code information acquired in step S4 (image generation process).

  In step S6, the control unit 15 controls the head driving unit 12 and the conveying device 3 on the basis of the bitmap image created in step S5, and discharges ink from the recording head 8 so that the code information is printed on the paper 2. Is printed along the length direction.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, even if the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode B is either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, it is based on the print resolution of the printer device 1 in that direction. Since a bitmap image is created, it is possible to ensure an image quality that does not interfere with the reading of the barcode B at least in the length direction. As a result, even when the printer 1 has different resolutions in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the printed barcode.

  In this embodiment, the case where the basic condition of the one-dimensional barcode B is set on the printer device 1 side has been described as an example. However, it can be set on the personal computer 4 side. In this case, before printing the one-dimensional barcode B, it is necessary to read the basic conditions in advance by the printer device 1.

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the case where the basic conditions and the like are created at the time of printing the one-dimensional barcode B has been described as an example. However, in the second embodiment, the basic conditions of the one-dimensional barcode are printed. The case where it was created before and is temporarily stored in the storage medium will be described.
In the following description, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In the second embodiment, the basic conditions are set by the personal computer 4, and the print resolution in the length direction as the basic conditions is also set by the personal computer 4. This print resolution in the length direction is the print resolution in the direction (main scanning direction or sub-scanning direction) of the printer apparatus 1. Then, the personal computer 4 determines the unit size S and the barcode length L of the one-dimensional barcode B based on the previously set print resolution. Thereafter, the personal computer 4 stores the basic conditions, print resolution, unit size S, and barcode length L set in advance in a storage medium (hard disk or the like) in association with each other. That is, the personal computer 4 is a print condition setting unit, a resolution setting unit, a size determining unit, and a storage unit according to the present invention.

Then, the control unit 15 of the printer apparatus 1 reads out the basic conditions, the print resolution, and the unit size S stored in the storage medium of the personal computer 4, and sends the code information of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed from the personal computer 4 again. get.
The control unit 15 generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed from the unit size S and the code information, and controls the head driving unit 12 and the conveying device 3 based on the bitmap image, Ink is ejected from the recording head 8 to print the one-dimensional barcode B to which the code information is given on the paper 2 along the length direction.
That is, the control unit 15 is a reading unit, a code acquisition unit, and an image generation unit according to the present invention, and the head driving unit 12, the transport device 3, and the recording head 8 are printing units.

Next, a printing method executed by the printer device 1 and the personal computer 4 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
In step S21 of FIG. 7, the personal computer 4 sets basic conditions for the one-dimensional barcode B printed by the printer apparatus 1 (print condition setting step). Specifically, the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode B is set to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, the print position of the one-dimensional barcode B is set, or the size is set. .

  In step S22, the personal computer 4 sets the print resolution in the length direction set in step S21 (resolution setting step).

  In step S23, the personal computer 4 determines the unit size S of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed and the barcode length L based on the print resolution set in step S22 (size determination step).

  In step S24, the personal computer 4 stores the length direction, the print position, the print resolution, the unit size, and the barcode length L in association with each other in the storage medium (storage step). Thereby, the basic condition of the barcode is created and temporarily stored in the storage medium before printing.

  Thereafter, at the print timing, as shown in step S25 of FIG. 8, the control unit 15 of the printer apparatus 1 stores the length direction, print position, print resolution, unit size S and bar stored in the storage medium of the personal computer 4. The code length L is read (reading step).

  In step S26, the control unit 15 acquires code information of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed (code acquisition process).

  In step S27, the control unit 15 generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed from the unit size S read in step S25 and the code information acquired in step S26 (image generation process). .

  In step S28, the control unit 15 generates the one-dimensional barcode B from the print position in the length direction at the print resolution read in step S25 based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B generated in step S27. (Printing process).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the basic condition is set in advance, the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode B and the printing in the length direction are included in the basic condition. Since the resolution is set, it is possible to ensure an image quality that does not interfere with the reading of the barcode B at least in the length direction. As a result, even when the printer 1 has different resolutions in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction, it is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the printed barcode.

[Third Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the case where the print resolution within the basic conditions created in advance corresponds to the printer resolution of the printer apparatus 1 has been described. In the second embodiment, these are the same. A description will be given of how to deal with the difference.
In the following description, the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. For example, the processing on the personal computer 4 side is the same as in the case of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The control unit 15 of the printer apparatus 1 reads the basic conditions, the print resolution, and the unit size S stored in the storage medium of the personal computer 4 and then determines the print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 corresponding to the length direction in the basic conditions. get. Specifically, when the length direction set in the basic condition is the main scanning direction, the print resolution in the main scanning direction of the printer device 1 (for example, among 180 dpi, 270 dpi, 360 dpi, 450 dpi, and 540 dpi) If the length direction is the sub-scanning direction, the print resolution (for example, 360 dpi) of the printer device 1 in the sub-scanning direction is acquired.

  Then, the control unit 15 collates the acquired print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 with the print resolution set as the basic condition, and executes printing at the current print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 if they do not match. Confirm whether or not to do. Specifically, the control unit 15 converts the currently created bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B into the printer resolution of the current printer apparatus 1 and cancels the converted bitmap image. A confirmation screen G (see FIG. 9) is output to the operation unit 11. Here, in the conversion method, for example, a known pixel interpolation method such as a nearest neighbor method is used.

When a print cancel instruction is input from the operator to the operation unit 11 on the cancel confirmation screen G, the control unit 15 cancels printing.
On the other hand, when a print start instruction is input from the operator to the operation unit 11 on the cancel confirmation screen G, the control unit 15 moves the head drive unit 12 and the transport device 3 based on the bitmap image converted earlier. By controlling, the ink is ejected from the recording head 8 and the one-dimensional barcode B to which the code information is given is printed on the paper 2 along the length direction from the printing position. Thus, the control unit 15 is an apparatus resolution acquisition unit, a confirmation unit, and a conversion unit according to the present invention.

  Next, a printing method executed by the printer apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 31, the control unit 15 of the printer apparatus 1 reads the length direction, print position, print resolution, unit size S, and barcode length L stored in the storage medium of the personal computer 4.

  In step S32, the control unit 15 acquires code information of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed.

  In step S33, the control unit 15 generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed from the unit size S read in step S31 and the code information acquired in step S32.

  In step S34, the control unit 15 acquires the print resolution of the printer device 1 in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode B (device resolution acquisition step).

  In step S35, the control unit 15 collates the print resolution of the printer device 1 in the length direction read in step S31 with the print resolution in the length direction read in step S34, and if they match, Moves to step S40, and if they do not match, moves to step S36.

  In step S36, the control unit 15 converts the currently created one-dimensional barcode B bitmap image into the current printer resolution of the printer apparatus 1 (conversion step).

  In step S <b> 37, the control unit 15 outputs to the operation unit 11 a cancellation confirmation screen G that takes into account the bitmap image converted in step S <b> 36. The operator determines whether or not to cancel printing by visually checking the cancellation confirmation screen G (confirmation step).

  In step S38, the control unit 15 determines whether or not a print stop instruction is input to the operation unit 11 by the operator. If the stop instruction is input, the control unit 15 proceeds to step S39, and if not input. Then, the process proceeds to step S40.

In step S39, the control unit 15 performs a print cancellation process and ends.
In step S40, the control unit 15 causes the one-dimensional barcode B along the length direction from the print position at the print resolution acquired in step S34 based on the generated or converted bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B. To print.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, when the print resolution of the printer device 1 in the length direction is different from the printer resolution set in the basic conditions, the quality is confirmed in advance before printing. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the reading accuracy of the printed one-dimensional barcode B.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the third embodiment, when the print resolution of the printer device 1 in the length direction is different from the printer resolution set in the basic conditions, all confirmation work by the operator is necessary. In this embodiment, a method for automatically confirming a specific case and reducing the burden on the operator will be described.
In the following description, the same parts as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. For example, the processing on the personal computer 4 side is the same as in the case of the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  The control unit 15 of the printer apparatus 1 reads the basic conditions, the print resolution, and the unit size S stored in the storage medium of the personal computer 4 and then determines the print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 corresponding to the length direction in the basic conditions. get.

  Then, the control unit 15 collates the acquired print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 with the print resolution set as the basic condition. If they do not match, the current unit size S is the print resolution of the printer apparatus 1. It is determined whether or not the pixel size is an integral multiple of the pixel size. At this time, the control unit 15 converts the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B that is currently created into the printer resolution of the current printer device 1 and cancels the confirmation screen with the converted bitmap image taken into account. G is output to the operation unit 11.

When a print cancel instruction is input from the operator to the operation unit 11 on the cancel confirmation screen G, the control unit 15 cancels printing.
On the other hand, when a print start instruction is input from the operator to the operation unit 11 on the cancel confirmation screen G, the control unit 15 moves the head drive unit 12 and the transport device 3 based on the bitmap image converted earlier. By controlling, the ink is ejected from the recording head 8 and the one-dimensional barcode B to which the code information is given is printed on the paper 2 along the length direction from the printing position. Thus, the control unit 15 is a device resolution acquisition unit, a determination unit, a confirmation unit, and a conversion unit according to the present invention.

  Next, a printing method executed by the printer apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 41, the control unit 15 of the printer apparatus 1 reads the length direction, print position, print resolution, unit size S, and barcode length L stored in the storage medium of the personal computer 4.

  In step S42, the control unit 15 acquires code information of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed.

  In step S43, the control unit 15 generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B to be printed from the unit size S read in step S41 and the code information acquired in step S42.

  In step S <b> 44, the control unit 15 acquires the print resolution of the printer device 1 in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode B.

  In step S45, the control unit 15 collates the print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 in the length direction acquired in step S44 with the print resolution in the length direction read in step 41, and if they match, Goes to step S51, and if they do not match, goes to step S46.

  In step S <b> 46, the control unit 15 converts the currently created one-dimensional barcode B bitmap image into the current printer resolution of the printer device 1.

  In step S47, the control unit 15 determines whether or not the current unit size S is an integer multiple of the pixel size of the print resolution of the printer apparatus 1. If the unit size is an integer multiple, the process proceeds to step S51. If it is not doubled, the process proceeds to step S48. Specifically, for example, the print resolution in the barcode length direction read in step S41 is 360 dpi, and the unit size S is 6 times the size of 70.5 μm (2.54 cm / 360 dpi = 70.5 μm) of 360 dpi 1 dot. When the print resolution of the printer device 1 acquired in step S44 is 540 dpi, the size of one dot of the printer device 1 is 47 μm (2.54 cm · 540 dpi = 47 μm), that is, an integral multiple. Transition. On the other hand, when the print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 acquired in step S44 is 450 dpi, the unit size S of 423 μm is 7.5 of the size of one dot of the printer apparatus 1 of 56.4 μm (2.54 cm / 450 dpi = 56.4 μm). Since it does not become an integral multiple by double, the process proceeds to step S48. Here, when it is determined as an integer multiple, it may be determined as an integer multiple by providing a certain allowable range even if it is not strictly an integer multiple.

  In step S <b> 48, the control unit 15 outputs a cancellation confirmation screen G that takes into account the bitmap image converted in step S <b> 47 to the operation unit 11. The operator determines whether or not to cancel printing by visually checking the cancellation confirmation screen G.

  In step S49, the control unit 15 determines whether or not a print stop instruction is input to the operation unit 11 by the operator. If the stop instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S50. Then, the process proceeds to step S51.

In step S50, the control unit 15 performs a print cancellation process and ends.
In step S51, the control unit 15 causes the one-dimensional barcode B along the length direction from the print position at the print resolution acquired in step S44 based on the generated or converted bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode B. To print.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, even if the print resolution of the printer apparatus 1 in the length direction is different from the printer resolution set in the basic conditions, the printer resolution of the printer apparatus 1 is different. If the pixel size is an integer multiple of the unit size S, it is determined that printing can be automatically performed, so that the burden on the operator can be reduced.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be modified as appropriate.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the personal computer 4 and the printer device 1 are separate has been described as an example. However, the printer device 1 having a function of a personal computer may be used.

1 is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a top view illustrating a schematic configuration of a head unit provided in the printing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main control configuration of the printing apparatus in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a one-dimensional barcode printed by the printing apparatus of FIG. 1 so that the length direction is along the main scanning direction. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a one-dimensional barcode printed with the printing apparatus of FIG. 1 so that the length direction is along the sub-scanning direction. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing method according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing method according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing method according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a cancellation confirmation screen displayed on a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing method according to a third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a printing method according to a fourth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer apparatus 2 Paper 3 Conveyance apparatus 4 Personal computer 5 Ink cartridge 6 Incrack 7 Head unit 8 Recording head 9 Ink flow path 11 Operation part 12 Head drive part 13 Maintenance part 14 Mechanical control part 15 Control part B One-dimensional barcode G Stop confirmation screen

Claims (8)

In the method of printing a one-dimensional barcode, the print resolution in two directions of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed can be set independently.
A printing condition setting step for setting the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode printed by the printer device to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction;
A resolution acquisition step of acquiring a print resolution of the printer device in the length direction set in the print condition setting step;
A size determining step for determining a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution acquired in the resolution acquiring step;
A code acquisition step of acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generation step of generating a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size determined in the size determination step and the code information acquired in the code acquisition step;
A printing step of printing the one-dimensional barcode along the length direction by the printer device based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated in the image generation step. How to print barcodes. In the one-dimensional barcode printing method in which the print resolution of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed can be set,
A print condition setting step for setting the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode printed by the printer device to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, and setting the print position of the one-dimensional barcode;
A resolution setting step for setting the print resolution in the length direction set in the print condition setting step;
A size determining step for determining a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution set in the resolution setting step;
Storage that associates the length direction set in the print condition setting step, the print position, the print resolution set in the resolution setting step, and the unit size determined in the size determination step and stores them in a storage medium Process,
A step of reading out the length direction, the print position, the print resolution, and the unit size stored in the storage medium;
A code acquisition step of acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generating step for generating a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size read in the reading step and the code information acquired in the code acquiring step;
Based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated in the image generation step, the printer device reads the one-dimensional barcode from the print position with the print resolution read in the reading step. And a printing process for printing along the horizontal direction. The printing method according to claim 2,
An apparatus resolution acquisition step of acquiring a print resolution of the printer apparatus in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the printer device acquired in the device resolution acquisition step is collated with the print resolution set in the resolution setting step, and if they do not match, confirmation whether to execute printing is confirmed. Process,
A conversion step of converting the bitmap image generated in the image generation step into a print resolution of the printer device,
In the printing step, when it is confirmed that the printing is executed in the confirmation step, the printer device performs the primary processing at the print resolution of the printer device based on the bitmap image converted in the conversion step. A barcode printing method, wherein an original barcode is printed along the length direction from the printing position. The printing method according to claim 2,
An apparatus resolution acquisition step of acquiring a print resolution of the printer apparatus in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the printer device acquired in the device resolution acquisition step and the print resolution set in the resolution setting step are collated. If they do not match, the unit size is equal to the print resolution of the printer device. A determination step of determining whether or not the pixel size is an integer multiple;
If it is determined that the determination step is not an integer multiple, a confirmation step for confirming whether or not to execute printing;
A conversion step of converting the bitmap image generated in the image generation step into a print resolution of the printer device,
In the printing step, when it is confirmed that the printing is executed in the confirmation step, the printer device performs the primary processing at the print resolution of the printer device based on the bitmap image converted in the conversion step. A barcode printing method, wherein an original barcode is printed along the length direction from the printing position. In a one-dimensional barcode printer capable of independently setting the print resolution in two directions of a one-dimensional barcode to be printed,
A print condition setting unit for setting the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction;
A resolution acquisition unit for acquiring a print resolution in the length direction set in the print condition setting unit;
A size determination unit that determines a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution acquired by the resolution acquisition unit;
A code acquisition unit for acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generation unit that generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size determined by the size determination unit and the code information acquired by the code acquisition unit;
And a printing unit that prints the one-dimensional barcode along the length direction based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated by the image generation unit. Printer device. In a one-dimensional barcode printer that can set the print resolution of a one-dimensional barcode to be printed,
A print condition setting unit that sets the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed to either the main scanning direction or the sub-scanning direction, and sets the print position of the one-dimensional barcode.
A resolution setting unit for setting the print resolution in the length direction set in the print condition setting unit;
A size determining unit that determines a unit size of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed based on the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit;
Storage that associates the length direction set by the print condition setting unit, the print position, the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit, and the unit size determined by the size determination unit and stores them in a storage medium And
A reading unit for reading out the length direction, the print position, the print resolution, and the unit size stored in the storage medium;
A code acquisition unit for acquiring code information of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed;
An image generation unit that generates a bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode to be printed from the unit size read by the reading unit and the code information acquired by the code acquisition unit;
Based on the bitmap image of the one-dimensional barcode generated by the image generation unit, the one-dimensional barcode is extended from the print position along the length direction at the print resolution read by the reading unit. A barcode printer apparatus, comprising: a printing unit for printing on the barcode. The printer apparatus according to claim 6.
An apparatus resolution acquisition unit for acquiring a print resolution of the print unit in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the print unit acquired by the device resolution acquisition unit and the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit are collated, and if they do not match, confirmation whether to execute printing is confirmed. And
A conversion unit that converts the bitmap image generated by the image generation unit into a print resolution of the print unit;
When the printing unit is confirmed to execute printing by the confirmation unit, the one-dimensional barcode is printed at the print resolution of the printing unit based on the bitmap image converted by the conversion unit. A barcode printer, wherein printing is performed along the length direction from a printing position. The printer apparatus according to claim 6.
An apparatus resolution acquisition unit for acquiring a print resolution of the print unit in the length direction of the one-dimensional barcode;
The print resolution of the print unit acquired by the device resolution acquisition unit and the print resolution set by the resolution setting unit are collated. If they do not match, the unit size is the print resolution of the print unit. A discriminator for discriminating whether or not the pixel size is an integer multiple;
A confirmation unit for confirming whether or not to execute printing when it is determined that the determination unit is not an integer multiple;
A conversion unit that converts the bitmap image generated by the image generation unit into a print resolution of the print unit;
When the printing unit is confirmed to execute printing by the confirmation unit, the one-dimensional barcode is printed at the print resolution of the printing unit based on the bitmap image converted by the conversion unit. A barcode printer, wherein printing is performed along the length direction from a printing position.

Images