JP2009246602A - Image data generator and image data generation program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image data generator and an image data generation program which generate the image data of an image ornamented with other image easily. <P>SOLUTION: A user inputs the type of a bar code or the information expressed by a bar code. An image data generator generates a bar code image based on a user's input. The user specifies an image in which a bar code is embedded among existing images. A region in which other image (bar code) is embedded is defined in the existing image, and the image data generator generates a composite image where the bar code is arranged in the embedding region. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data creation device and an image data creation program, and more particularly to an image data creation device and an image data creation program for creating image data of an image modified with another image.

Conventionally, barcodes are used to describe various information. Bar codes include a one-dimensional bar code that causes a bar code reader to read information on a line in one direction, and a two-dimensional bar code that causes a bar code reader to read information in a square or rectangle. In a one-dimensional barcode, a number of elongated rectangular bars of various thicknesses are arranged in parallel, and in a two-dimensional barcode, blocks such as rectangles, squares, polygons are arranged in an orderly manner. Such a barcode has an advantage that a large amount of information can be described with a small area. However, the information described in the bar code must be read by a bar code reader, and it is not known what is written even if a person looks at the bar code. Therefore, it is only a bar or block of blocks whose meaning cannot be read when viewed by a person, has a strong mechanical image, and is not interesting. In view of this, a barcode with a decoration around these barcodes has also been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-127025 A

  However, when decorating a barcode, there is a restriction that reading by the barcode reader must not be hindered. In addition, there is a problem that artistic sense and art drawing techniques are necessary for decorating, and it is not easy for anyone to do.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image data creation device and an image data creation program for easily creating image data of an image modified with another image. And

  In order to solve the above-described problem, in the image data creation device according to the first aspect of the present invention, an existing image storage unit that stores a plurality of images in advance as existing images, and other images are embedded when other images are embedded in the existing images. An embedding area information storage unit storing embedding area information, which is information indicating an area in which an image is embedded, for each existing image, and an image in which another image is embedded from the existing image stored in the existing image storage unit Embedded image specifying means for specifying an embedded image, specified image specifying means for specifying an image embedded in the embedded image specified by the embedded image specifying means as a specified image, and the embedded image specifying Embedding the designated image designated by the designated image designating means in an embedding area that is designated by the embedding area information with respect to the embedding image designated by the means. And a synthetic image data generating means for generating image data of the form composite image.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1, the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 2 further includes a barcode image generation means for generating a barcode image for outputting a barcode. The designated image designating means can designate the barcode image generated by the barcode image generating means as the designated image.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first or second aspect of the invention, the synthesized image data creating means synthesizes the embedded image and the designated image. At the time, the designated image is at least one of top-justified, center-justified, and bottom-justified in the vertical direction, and left-justified, center-justified, right-justified, and stretched in the left-right direction. An arrangement balance selection unit that selects one as an arrangement balance, and the composite image data generation unit arranges the designated image in the embedding area according to the arrangement balance selected by the arrangement balance selection unit. The embedded image and the designated image are synthesized.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the specified image is enlarged or reduced based on the size of the embedded region. Designated image enlargement / reduction means is provided.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 2, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 5, the existing image that can be specified as an embedded image by the embedded image specifying means is the barcode. It is determined based on the shape of

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 6, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 2 or 5, the existing image that can be designated as an embedded image by the embedded image designating means is a bar code. It is determined based on the type of code.

  Moreover, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the composite image data creation means includes a shape of the embedded region, and The designated image is rotated based on an arrangement direction of the embedded region with respect to the existing image.

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 8, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any of claims 2, 5 and 6, the bar code includes a plurality of elongated rectangular bars in the longitudinal direction. Are the one-dimensional barcodes arranged parallel to each other in the vertical direction, the composite image data creating means arranges the barcode image as the designated image in the embedding area and The bar is extended to the end of the embedding area when combining with the embedded image.

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 9, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 2, 5, 6 and 8, the bar code is an elongated rectangular shape of the first color. The bar and the elongated rectangular bar of the second color are one-dimensional barcodes alternately arranged so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the vertical direction, and the embedded image includes the first color and the second color In the case where the composite image data creating means is composed of pixels of a color including at least two colors, the barcode image which is the designated image is arranged in the embedded region and combined with the embedded image The first color bar is extended until it hits the first color pixel in the embedded image, and the second color bar is extended to the second color pixel in the embedded image. It is characterized by extending until it hits.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration according to any one of the first to third and fifth to ninth aspects, the embedded image is set to the size of the designated image. Embedded image enlarging / reducing means for enlarging or reducing the image is also provided.

  According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the composite image data creating means includes a plurality of the designations in the embedded region. An image is arranged and synthesized with the embedded image.

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 12, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the existing image includes a plurality of the embedded regions. Features.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an image data creation program causes a computer to function as the image data creation device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects.

  In the image data creation device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the designated image is embedded in the embedding area defined in the existing image simply by designating the existing image stored in the existing image storage means in advance as the designated image. Thus, a composite image can be created. Since the embedding area is determined for the existing image, the user does not need to specify at which position of the existing image the specified image is embedded. Therefore, the designated image can be modified with the existing image more easily.

  In addition, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1, a barcode image can be handled as a designated image. Therefore, a composite image can be created by embedding a barcode image in an embedding area of an existing image. Therefore, the barcode can be easily modified with the existing image.

  In addition, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 3, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2, the arrangement balance of the designated image in the embedding area can be designated, so that the designated image is modified. More freedom to do so.

  In addition, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the designated image is enlarged or reduced based on the size of the embedded region. The designated image is not too small for the embedding area and the designated image does not protrude from the embedding area.

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 5, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2, an existing image that can be designated as an embedded image is determined based on the shape of the barcode. The embedded image can be selected from existing images having an embedded area that matches the shape of the barcode.

  In addition, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 6, in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 2 or 5, an existing image that can be designated as an embedded image is determined based on the type of barcode. be able to. Since the barcode shape is determined by the type of barcode, an embedded image can be selected from existing images having an embedded region that matches the barcode shape.

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the shape of the embedded region and the arrangement direction of the embedded region with respect to the existing image Since the designated image is rotated based on the image, the designated image can be arranged in a direction familiar with the picture expressed by the existing image.

  In addition, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 8, in addition to the effect of the invention of any one of claims 2, 5 and 6, the bar of the one-dimensional barcode is extended to the end of the embedded region. Therefore, the buried region can be filled with the bar. Therefore, the barcode can be adapted to the picture expressed by the embedded image.

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 9, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any of claims 2, 5, 6 and 8, the first color bar of the one-dimensional barcode is Since the second color bar can be extended until it hits the first color pixel, and the second color bar can be extended until it hits the second color pixel, the area following the bar in the embedded image can be filled with the bar. Therefore, the barcode can be adapted to the picture expressed by the embedded image. In particular, when the existing image is composed only of the first color and the second color, the barcode and the existing image are blended beautifully, and an effect of modifying the barcode more variously can be obtained.

  In addition, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 10, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5 to 9, the embedded image is based on the size of the designated image. Are enlarged or reduced in accordance with the size of the designated image. Therefore, the designated image does not protrude from the embedding area, and a large amount of gaps are not formed in the embedding area after embedding the designated image. Furthermore, since the size of the designated image can be adjusted, the visibility and readability of the designated image are not impaired.

  Further, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 11, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 10, since a plurality of images can be arranged in the embedded region, more various designations can be made. The image can be modified.

  In addition, in the image data creation device of the invention according to claim 12, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any of claims 1 to 11, a plurality of embedded regions are provided in the existing image, so that there are more versatility. The specified image can be modified.

  Further, by causing a computer to execute the image data creation program of the invention according to claim 13, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the image data creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings to be referred to are used for explaining the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration of the apparatus described, the flowcharts of various processes, etc., unless otherwise specified. It is not intended to be limited to that, but merely an illustrative example.

  First, the physical configuration of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This tape printer 1 corresponds to the “image data creation device” of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a state in which the lid of the tape cassette storage unit 7 of the tape printer 1 is removed. As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 1 has a tape cassette storage portion 7, which is a recess for storing a well-known tape cassette (not shown) around which a tape as a printing medium is wound, at the rear portion (upper portion in the drawing). The keyboard part 3 in which a plurality of keys 30 are arranged is provided in the front part (lower part in the figure). The key 30 is composed of character keys for inputting alphabets, hiragana, katakana, numbers, symbols, etc., conversion keys, and a plurality of function keys for inputting various function commands such as a print key and a cancel key. ing. Further, the tape printer 1 includes a liquid crystal display 4 between the tape cassette storage unit 7 and the keyboard unit 3. The liquid crystal display 4 displays characters input from the keyboard unit 3 as a print target and setting items and options for performing various settings.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the tape printer 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the control configuration of the tape printer 1 is configured with a control circuit unit 10 formed on the control board as a core. The control circuit unit 10 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a CGROM 13, a RAM 14, and an input / output interface 17 that control each device, and these are mutually connected by a bus 16. The input / output interface 17 is for driving a keyboard unit 3, a display controller (hereinafter referred to as “LCDC”) having a video RAM (not shown) for outputting display data to the liquid crystal display 4, and a thermal head 5. The drive circuit 25 and the drive circuit 26 for driving the tape feed motor 6 are connected to each other.

  Next, the storage areas provided in the ROM 12, CGROM 13, and RAM 14 of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ROM 12, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the CGROM 13, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the RAM 14. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the ROM 12 is provided with a program storage area 121. The ROM 12 is also provided with other storage areas (not shown). In the program storage area 121, the display drive control program for controlling the LCDC 24 corresponding to the character code data input from the keyboard unit 3 and the data in the print buffer 141 (see FIG. 5) are read out and the thermal head 5 or tape feed is read. A print drive control program for driving the motor 6, a tape print control program for performing printing by adjusting the number of lines of characters and blocks to be printed according to the tape width of the tape that is the print medium, An image data creation program for synthesizing a barcode and an embedded image, which is a main part of the invention, and other various programs necessary for controlling the tape printer 1 are stored.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the CGROM 13 is provided with a font storage area 131 and an existing image information storage area 132. The CGROM 13 is provided with other storage areas (not shown). The font storage area 131 stores dot pattern data of characters and symbols. The existing image information storage area 132 stores a dot pattern of an “existing image” that is an image in which a barcode is embedded, and embedding region information related to an “embedding region” that is an area in which the barcode is embedded, which will be described later. (See FIG. 14).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the RAM 14 includes an input buffer 140, a print buffer 141, a modification presence / absence storage area 142, an upper / lower designation storage area 143, a left / right designation storage area 144, an embedded image storage area 145, and an embedded image size storage area. 146, an embedded area size storage area 147, a barcode image storage area 148, an embedded image image storage area 149, a composite image image storage area 150, and a printing image storage area 151 are provided. The RAM 14 is also provided with other storage areas (not shown).

  The input buffer 140 stores information (for example, information related to characters, characters, line feeds, and barcodes) input from the keyboard unit 3 as a print target. The information related to characters is the character size and typeface, and the information related to barcode is, for example, the barcode standard, the setting information associated with the barcode standard, and the information indicated by the barcode. The print buffer 141 stores information for driving the thermal head 5 to perform printing (for example, a dot pattern for printing and the number of applied pulses that are the amount of energy for forming each dot).

  In the modification presence / absence storage area 142, information indicating a user instruction as to whether or not to modify the barcode is stored. In the vertical designation storage area 143, a value indicating the user designation as to which position in the vertical direction (upper alignment, center alignment, lower alignment) the barcode image is arranged in the embedded region is stored. In the left / right designation storage area 144, a value indicating the designation of the user as to which position (left-justified, center-justified, right-justified, or expanded) in the left-right direction is stored in the embedded area. Note that the term “extension” is not to move to any position, but to extend fully in the lateral direction of the buried region. This option is a barcode standard that does not break down the barcode function even if it is expanded only in the horizontal direction. That is, a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode is a one-dimensional barcode such as PDF417. It can be selected only for the stack type.

  The embedded image storage area 145 stores information (name of an existing image) indicating an existing image designated as an “embedded image” that is an image in which a barcode image is embedded among existing images. The embedded image size storage area 146 stores the size (large, medium, small) of the embedded image specified by the user. In the embedded area size storage area 147, the size of the embedded area of the existing image that is an embedded image is read from the existing image information storage area 132 and stored. The barcode image storage area 148 stores barcode dot data to be embedded in the embedded image. In the embedded image image storage area 149, dot data of an embedded image having a size designated by the user is stored. The composite image storage area 150 stores dot data of “composite image” in which a barcode image is embedded in an embedded image. The print image storage area 151 stores dot data converted for printing.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 13, the modification of the barcode according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the barcode is modified by embedding the barcode in an existing image stored in advance. 6 to 9 are schematic diagrams of the existing images 101 to 104. FIG. 10 to 13 are schematic diagrams of composite images 201 to 204 in which barcodes are embedded in existing images 101 to 104. FIG. The composite image of the existing image 101 is 201, the composite image of the existing image 102 is 202, the composite image of the existing image 103 is 203, and the composite image of the existing image 104 is 204.

  6 to 9 is the vertical direction of the existing image (vertical direction), and the horizontal direction of the paper is the horizontal direction of the existing image (horizontal direction). As the barcode, a one-dimensional barcode and a two-dimensional barcode are used in this embodiment. The bar code has a rectangular shape (including a square), and the top, bottom, left and right are determined. For example, in the QR code, there are cut-out symbols at three corners of a substantially square. The state in which these three cut-out symbols are located at the lower left, upper left, and upper right is the vertical and horizontal directions determined by the QR code. The vertical direction is called the vertical direction, the horizontal direction is called the horizontal direction, and the upper side is the upper side, the lower side is the lower side, the left side is the left side, The side of is called the right side.

  In the present embodiment, the shape of the buried region is a rectangle. Then, the direction of the embedded region is based on the direction of the existing image. The embedded region is not necessarily in the same direction as the existing region, and may be inclined (see FIGS. 8 and 9). Therefore, information (angle) indicating how much the embedding region is tilted is stored in the existing image information storage area 132 in association with the existing image. This angle is a rotation angle with the lower left corner of the embedded region as a base point, and is not less than −180 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Therefore, when the barcode is embedded in the inclined embedding area, the same inclination is given to the barcode. In the following description, when there is an expression indicating a relative position with respect to the barcode, the vertical and horizontal directions of the barcode itself are indicated unless otherwise specified. For example, consider an embedded region having a rotation angle of 90 degrees (90 degrees counterclockwise, see FIG. 15). When embedding a barcode in such an inclined embedding area, the barcode is also rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, so the “upper side of the barcode” is 90 degrees with respect to the upper and lower sides of the existing image. It becomes an inclination and is parallel to the left and right sides of the existing image. When the barcode after embedding is viewed, the left side is the upper side of the barcode itself, and the upper side is the upper side of the barcode. Therefore, for example, when it is said that the bar of the barcode is extended upward, it means that the existing image is extended leftward.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 13, the existing images 101 to 104 are provided with embedded regions 111 to 114 that are regions for embedding barcodes. In FIGS. 6 to 13, the buried regions 111 to 114 are indicated by dotted lines for the sake of clarity. The area within the dotted rectangle is the embedded area. In an existing image 101 of a fish picture shown in FIG. 6, an embedded region 111 is provided in the body of the fish. The buried region 111 is a slightly elongated rectangle having an inclination of 0 degree and an aspect ratio of 1: 1.1. Further, in the existing image 102 of the turtle picture shown in FIG. 7, an embedded region 112 is provided in the turtle shell. The buried region 112 is a near square with an inclination of 0 degree. In the existing image 103 of the dragonfly picture shown in FIG. 8, an embedded region 113 is provided in the body of the dragonfly. The buried region 113 is a horizontally long rectangle with an aspect ratio of 1:90 at an inclination of 90 degrees. Further, in the existing image 104 of the piano picture shown in FIG. 9, an embedding area 114 is provided in the keyboard portion of the piano. The buried region 114 is a horizontally long rectangle having an aspect ratio of -25 degrees 1: about 5.4. The vertical length and the horizontal length of the embedding area are stored in the existing image information storage area 132 in correspondence with the existing image.

When barcodes are embedded in the embedding areas 111 to 114 of these existing images 101 to 104, composite images 201 to 204 as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13 are obtained. In the present embodiment, when a one-dimensional barcode is arranged, the bar of the one-dimensional barcode may be expanded. A one-dimensional barcode is composed of two colors. For example, in a one-dimensional barcode, elongated rectangular black bars and similarly elongated rectangular white bars are alternately arranged without gaps. These bars are arranged with the longitudinal direction of the bar as the longitudinal direction of the barcode. The width of the bar (the length of the rectangle in the horizontal direction) varies, and the bar code embedding information is identified by this width. When the bar is extended, the first step is to “extend to the end of the buried region”. Then, as a second stage, it is expanded “until the black bar meets the black pixel and the white bar meets the white pixel”. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the bar is extended up to the second stage, and the bar is extended to the outline of the fish. If it is a one-dimensional barcode, it will always be expanded up to the first stage, but whether to expand to the second stage is determined for each existing image, and the existing image information storage area corresponding to the existing image 132.

  Next, the existing image information storage area 132 and the existing image will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a data configuration of one existing image stored in the existing image information storage area 132. FIG. 15 illustrates the existing image 103 and is stored in the existing image information storage area 132. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the coordinate which is shown on the coordinate axis.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in the existing image information storage area 132, an existing image name, an arrangement offset amount (X coordinate and Y coordinate), and an embedding area origin (X coordinate and Y coordinate) for one existing image. , An embedding area center point (X coordinate and Y coordinate), embedding area angle, extension availability information, embedding area shape, next font arrangement position, and dot data are stored. The example shown in FIG. 14 is illustrated in the XY coordinates and is an explanatory diagram of FIG. Existing images are handled in the same way as characters and symbols. When printing characters and symbols, the dot data (font) is arranged in order from the arrangement start position of the print area. Note that the size of the print area and the arrangement start position are determined based on the tape width and the number of print lines. In the first font to be arranged, the dot data is arranged so that the lower left of the font is located at the position to which the offset amount (X1, Y1) is added with the arrangement start position as the reference point 0 (0, 0). . Then, the coordinates of the coordinates serving as the reference point of the next font are calculated based on the next font placement position (Xnext). Specifically, Xnext is added to the X coordinate of the reference point of the current font to obtain the X coordinate of the reference point of the next font, and the Y coordinate is set to the same value as the Y coordinate of the reference point of the current font.

  The area of the buried region 113 is determined by the buried region origin (X2, Y2), the buried region center point (X3, Y3), and the buried region rotation angle. When the rotation angle is set, when the barcode is arranged in the embedding area, the arrangement balance of the top, bottom, left, and right is determined based on the lower side of the barcode. Then, based on the extension availability information, it is determined whether or not to expand the barcode embedded in the embedding area. In the embedded region shape, information indicating the shape of a barcode that can be embedded in the embedded region is stored. The barcode includes a near square barcode (for example, a QR code) and a rectangular barcode (for example, a one-dimensional barcode, a stack type two-dimensional barcode). Therefore, information of “only near square”, “rectangle only”, or “both allowed” is stored here. However, even a one-dimensional barcode may be a near square. In such a case, it is a near square.

  Next, barcode modification processing in the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement designation screen 41 for designating a position where a barcode is arranged in the embedding area. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an embedded image screen 42 for selecting an embedded image and specifying a size. FIG. 18 is a flowchart of main processing showing the operation of the tape printer 1 by the CPU 11 executing various control programs. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of barcode input editing processing performed in the main processing, and FIGS. 20 and 21 are flowcharts of embedding synthesis processing performed in the main processing and barcode input editing processing. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the printing process performed in the main process. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of the barcode 920, FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the existing image 901, and FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of the existing image 902.

  First, the arrangement designation screen 41 and the embedded image screen 42 displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. An arrangement designation screen 41 shown in FIG. 16 is a screen for designating which position in the embedding area to arrange. As shown in FIG. 16, “vertical arrangement” and “horizontal arrangement” are provided as selection items. In the example illustrated in FIG. 16, “up and down arrangement” is selected, and “upper” is selected from the options. Note that there are three choices of “modification arrangement”: “upper alignment”, “center alignment”, and “lower alignment”. Here, when the left arrow key and the down arrow key provided on the keyboard unit 3 are pressed, other options are displayed one by one. When the up arrow key and the down arrow key provided on the keyboard unit 3 are pressed, the selection moves up and down, and “left-right arrangement” is selected. In the “left and right arrangement”, four options of “left alignment”, “center alignment”, “right alignment”, and “extension” are available. “Extension” means that if there is an empty area in the left and right direction of the embedded area, the barcode is expanded (enlarged) only in the left and right direction so that there is no empty area in the left and right direction of the embedded area. To do.

  Next, the embedded image screen 42 shown in FIG. 17 will be described. The embedded image screen 42 is a screen for selecting an embedded image and specifying a size. As shown in FIG. 17, the embedded image screen 42 is provided with “embedded image” and “size” as selection items. In the example shown in FIG. 17, “embedded image” is selected, and “Kame” is selected as an option. In “embedded image”, an existing image name of an existing image stored in the existing image information storage area 132 is an option. The shape of the embedded barcode can be embedded by referring to the information on the shape of the embedded area in the existing image information storage area 132 based on the shape of the barcode to be embedded (near square or not near square). Only existing existing images are extracted and selected. Although the existing image name is used as an option here, the selected existing image may be displayed on the screen as a reference for selection. Alternatively, an existing image may be displayed so that the cursor can be selected, and the existing image may be selected. “Size” designates the size when the embedded image is arranged in the print area, and “large”, “medium”, and “small” are options.

  Next, the operation of the main process will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an initial screen for inputting characters is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (S1), and an input from the keyboard unit 3 is accepted (S2). If the accepted key is a character key (for example, alphabet key, number key, symbol key) or an editing key (for example, a line feed key or a delete key) (S3: YES), the input buffer 140 is in accordance with the key. Then, the document stored in the input buffer 140 is edited (S11). Then, the display on the liquid crystal display 4 is updated (S12). Then, the process returns to S2.

  If the key accepted in S2 is a function key (S4: YES), a function menu screen (not shown) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 and the selected function is accepted (S21). On the function menu screen, a plurality of functions are displayed as options. Therefore, the user operates the keyboard unit 3 to select a function that the user desires to use, and presses the enter key. The function selected when the confirmation key is pressed is accepted as an input. Functions relating to the present embodiment include “barcode input” and “barcode modification”. When “barcode input” is selected (S22: YES), barcode input editing processing is performed (S24, see FIG. 19). And it returns to S2 and reception of key input is performed. If “barcode modification” is selected (S23: YES), an embedded synthesis process is performed (S25). And it returns to S2 and reception of key input is performed. When a function other than “barcode input” and “barcode modification” is selected (S23: NO), other processing corresponding to the function is performed (S26). The other processing is not a main part of the present invention and is omitted. And it returns to S2 and reception of key input is performed. The barcode input editing process (S24) and the embedding synthesis process (S25) will be described in detail later.

  If the key received in S2 is a print key (S5: YES), a printing process is performed (S27, see FIG. 22). And it returns to S2 and reception of key input is performed. If the key received in S2 is an end key (S6: YES), processing for terminating the tape printer 1 is performed and the power is turned off. If it is not the end key (S6: NO), other processing is performed (S28). The other processing is not a main part of the present invention and is omitted. Then, the process returns to S2 to accept a key. The printing process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Here, the barcode input editing process will be described with reference to FIG. In the barcode input editing process, various settings are made for the generated barcode. First, a barcode setting screen (not shown) is displayed and input is accepted (S41). On the barcode setting screen, the barcode standard, size, etc. can be specified. The setting items correspond to the barcode standard. The information specified here is stored in the input buffer 140. Next, a barcode data input screen (not shown) is displayed and input is accepted (S42). On the barcode data input screen, information such as characters, numbers, symbols and the like expressed by the barcode (hereinafter referred to as “embedded information”) is input. The input information is stored in the input buffer 140. Based on the information input in S41 and S42, barcode dot data (barcode image) is generated and stored in the barcode image storage area 148 (S43).

  Next, a modification presence / absence designation screen (not shown) is displayed, input is accepted, and stored in the modification presence / absence storage area 142 (S44). On the modification presence / absence designation screen, a selection item for selecting whether or not to modify the barcode is provided. If it is selected that the barcode is not modified (S45: NO), the barcode image stored in the barcode image storage area 148 is converted into display data, and the liquid crystal display 4 is displayed. (S47). Then, the barcode input editing process ends, and the process returns to the main process. Further, when the selection for barcode modification is made (S45: YES), the embedding synthesis process is performed (S46, see FIG. 20). This embedded synthesis process is the same as the process performed in S25 of the main process. Here, characters and images are arranged on the barcode and the above-described modification is performed. When the barcode is modified by the embedded synthesis process, the modified barcode image stored in the barcode image storage area 148 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 (S47), and the barcode input editing process is performed. End and return to the main process.

  Next, the embedding synthesis process will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the arrangement designation screen 41 (see FIG. 16) is displayed, and designation of the arrangement position of the barcode in the embedding area is accepted (S51). A value indicating the selected position is stored in the up / down designation storage area 143 and the left / right designation storage area 144. Then, the barcode shape is acquired (S52). Specifically, the vertical and horizontal lengths of the barcode stored in the barcode image storage area 148 are acquired, and the ratio of the vertical and horizontal lengths (vertical length ÷ horizontal length) is calculated. If this ratio is 0.9 or more and 1.1 or less, it is a “near square”, otherwise it is a “rectangular”. If the shape is “near square” (S53: YES), the embedded image screen 42 for “near square” is displayed and input is accepted (S54). Specifically, the information on the shape of the embedding area in the existing image information storage area 132 is referred to, and only the existing image in which the “near square” barcode shape can be embedded is extracted. Then, an embedded image screen 42 in which the extracted existing image is an option is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. The selected embedded image name is stored in the embedded image storage area 145, and a value indicating the selected size is stored in the embedded image size storage area 146. If the shape is not “near square” but “rectangular” (S53: NO), the embedded image screen 42 for “rectangular” is displayed and input is accepted (S55). Specifically, the information of the embedding area shape in the existing image information storage area 132 is referred to, and only the existing image in which the “rectangular” barcode shape can be embedded is extracted. Then, an embedded image screen 42 in which the extracted existing image is an option is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. The selected embedded image name is stored in the embedded image storage area 145, and a value indicating the selected size is stored in the embedded image size storage area 146.

  Then, the dot data of the existing image with the existing image name stored in the embedded image storage area 145 is referred to from the existing image information storage area 132, generated at the size specified in the embedded image size storage area 146, and embedded. It is stored in the embedded image storage area 149 (S56). In this embodiment, if the size is “small”, the dot data in the existing image information storage area 132 remains as it is, “medium” is 1.5 times, and “large” is twice. And Then, the size of the embedding area is calculated based on the coordinates of the embedding area origin, the coordinates of the embedding area center point, and the embedding area rotation angle in the existing image information storage area 132 (S57). This size is the size of the embedding region when the size indicated by the value stored in the embedding image size storage area 146 is “small”, that is, when it is the same size as the dot data. Therefore, the actual size is calculated according to the size of the embedded image and stored in the embedded region size storage area 147. Here, the number of dots on the vertical and horizontal sides is the size of the embedding area.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the barcode image stored in the barcode image storage area 148 enters the embedding area (S58). The number of vertical and horizontal dots of the barcode is obtained from the barcode image and compared with the size of the embedded region. Here, the vertical size (the number of vertical dots) and the horizontal size (the number of horizontal dots) of the barcode are stored in a storage area provided in the barcode image storage area 148. If the vertical and horizontal sizes of the barcode are smaller than the embedded area size, it is determined that the barcode is entered (S58: YES). When the vertical and horizontal sizes of the barcode are larger, the size when the barcode is reduced as much as possible is calculated, and the reduced size is compared with the size of the embedded region. If the barcode does not enter the embedding area (S58: NO), error processing is performed (S69), and the embedding synthesis process is terminated.

  If the barcode enters the embedded area (S58: YES), the barcode image is enlarged or reduced in a similar manner in accordance with the size of the embedded area (S59). Here, based on the relationship between the vertical size and horizontal size of the barcode image and the relationship between the vertical size and horizontal size of the embedding area, the enlargement / reduction ratio is determined so that the barcode fits in the embedding area. Is done. For example, when the horizontal size is used as a reference, it is calculated as “enlargement / reduction ratio = horizontal size of the embedded area ÷ horizontal size of the barcode image”.

  Here, the relationship between the vertical size and the horizontal size of the barcode image and the relationship between the vertical size and the horizontal size of the embedded region will be described with reference to FIGS. First, consider a case in which the vertical size of the barcode image is smaller than the horizontal size (horizontal barcode) as in the barcode 920 shown in FIG. When the vertical size of the embedded region is larger than the horizontal size (vertically long region) as in the embedded region 911 of the existing image 901 shown in FIG. 24, the horizontal size is used as a reference. Also, when the embedded region is a square, the horizontal size is used as a reference. This is because if the vertical size is used as a reference, the barcode protrudes in the horizontal direction. In addition, when the vertical size of the embedded region is smaller than the horizontal size (horizontal region) as in the embedded region 912 of the existing image 902 shown in FIG. 25, the aspect ratio of the embedded region and the barcode image An aspect ratio is calculated and compared. For example, if “aspect ratio = vertical size ÷ horizontal size”, the barcode 920 shown in FIG. 23 has an aspect ratio of ½, and the embedded area 912 of the existing image 902 shown in FIG. / 8. As described above, if the aspect ratio of the barcode image is larger than the aspect ratio of the embedded area, that is, if the embedded area is narrower in the horizontal direction than the barcode image, the vertical size is used as a reference. This is because the bar code protrudes in the vertical direction based on the horizontal size. If the aspect ratio of the barcode image is not larger than the aspect ratio of the embedded area, the horizontal size is used as a reference.

  Next, consider a case where the vertical size of the barcode image is the same as the horizontal size (square barcode). In this case, when the vertical size of the embedded region is larger than the horizontal size, the horizontal size is used as a reference. When the vertical size of the embedded region is smaller than the horizontal size, the vertical size is used as a reference.

  Next, consider the case where the vertical size of the barcode image is larger than the horizontal size (vertical barcode). Here, when the vertical size of the embedding area is larger than the horizontal size (vertically long area), the aspect ratio of the embedding area and the aspect ratio of the barcode image are calculated and compared. For example, if “aspect ratio = vertical size ÷ horizontal size”, if the aspect ratio of the barcode image is larger than the aspect ratio of the embedded area, the vertical size is used as a reference. Otherwise, the horizontal size is the standard. When the embedded region is a square, the vertical size is used as a reference. In addition, when the vertical size of the embedded region is smaller than the horizontal size (horizontal region), the vertical size is used as a reference.

  Next, the embedded image and the barcode are synthesized (S60). Here, the dot image stored in the barcode image storage area 148 is embedded in the embedding area of the embedding image image stored in the embedding image image storage area 149, and the upper and lower designation storage area 143 and the left and right designation storage area. It is written based on the arrangement position stored in 144. If “extension” is stored in the left / right designation storage area 144 and the horizontal size of the barcode image enlarged or reduced to a similar shape in S59 is smaller than the horizontal size of the embedding area, the barcode is displayed. After the barcode image is enlarged only in the horizontal direction so that the horizontal size of the embedded image becomes the horizontal size of the embedded region, it is synthesized with the dot image of the embedded image. In other words, if a barcode image enlarged or reduced in a similar shape is embedded in the embedding area as it is, if a gap is created in the horizontal direction, the barcode image is enlarged so that there is no gap. “Extension” is stored as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional barcode is a stack type of one-dimensional barcode such as PDF417, and is a barcode that can be expanded in the horizontal direction. Such a lateral expansion can be performed only.

  Next, it is determined whether the barcode is a one-dimensional barcode (S61). If it is not a one-dimensional barcode (S61: NO), the embedding synthesis process is terminated. If the barcode is a one-dimensional barcode (S61: YES), processing for expanding the barcode bar is performed (S62 to S65). First, it is determined whether or not there is an empty area in the vertical direction in the embedded area (S62). In S60, when the barcode is enlarged, if the vertical size of the barcode and the vertical size of the embedding area are not equal, the vertical size of the barcode is smaller and a free area is generated (S62: YES). ). Therefore, the bar is expanded to fill the embedded region (S63). For example, when the rotation angle is 0 degree, the color of the dot having the same X coordinate as the X coordinate of the black bar is black in the embedded region. If there is no free space (S62: NO), the decompression process (S63) is not performed because it is not necessary to decompress.

  Next, the extension availability information in the existing image information storage area 132 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the embedded image can be extended outside the embedded area (S64). If “Yes” is set (S64: YES), the bar is expanded (S65). For example, if the rotation angle is 0 degree and the coordinates of the dot at the upper end of the black bar of the one-dimensional barcode are (xb, yb), and the dot color of (xb, yb + 1) is not black but white, Is changed to black. The dot of (xb, yb + 2) is also changed to black if white. In this way, a dot having the same x coordinate as that of the black bar is searched in the upward direction of the bar, and if it is white, it is changed to black. When a black dot is searched, the dot remains black and the search is stopped. Similarly, the dot at the lower end of the black bar is searched downward, and if it is white, it is changed to black. This process is performed for the x coordinates of all black bars. The same process is performed for the white bar. The white bar is changed to white if the searched dot is black, and the search is terminated when the white dot is searched. If “impossible” is set (S64: NO), the embedding synthesis process is terminated without performing the extension of the bar.

  As described above, in the embedding synthesis process, the barcode can be modified by embedding the barcode in the embedding area of the embedded image. Therefore, the image data creation apparatus can create a composite image in which a barcode is embedded in an embedded area of an existing image. Further, the created composite image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 or printed. Therefore, the user can easily modify the barcode that is the “designated image” simply by selecting the embedded image from the existing image and selecting the arrangement position, and the printed barcode with the modified barcode printed. The result can be obtained.

  Next, the printing process will be described with reference to FIG. First, data to be printed is acquired from the input buffer 140 (S71). Examples of the print target include characters, images, and barcodes. Then, it is determined whether or not the printing target is a barcode (S72). If the print target is not a barcode (S72: NO), dot data corresponding to the print target is acquired (S73). For character strings, dot data stored in the font storage area 131 is used. For the image, dot data stored in a storage area (not shown) of the CGROM 13 is used. An existing image may be a single print target. Then, from the dot data read in S73, image data for printing with character size and character modification (for example, bold, white, inversion) is created and stored in the printing image storage area 151 ( S75). Then, printing is executed (S76). Specifically, the dot data stored in the print image storage area 151 is processed for each row. First, the dot data in the leftmost column is stored in the print buffer 141. Then, based on the dot data information for one row stored in the print buffer 141, the thermal head 5 is driven to execute printing. Further, the tape feed motor 6 is driven to transport the tape. Next, when the dot data of the second row is processed and printing of all rows is completed (S76), the process proceeds to S130.

  On the other hand, if the print target is a barcode (S72: YES), the dot data of the composite image stored in the composite image image storage area 150 is acquired (S74). Printing image data is created from the read dot data and stored in the printing image storage area 151 (S75). Then, printing is executed (S76). Then, it is determined whether there is another print target (S77). If there is an unprocessed print target in the input buffer 140, the process returns to S71, and print processing for the unprocessed print target is performed (S71 to S76). When all the print targets have been printed (S77: NO), the printing process is terminated and the process returns to the main process.

  The tape printer 1 in the above embodiment corresponds to an “image data creation device”. The area for storing dot data in the existing image information storage area 132 corresponds to “existing image storage means”, and stores the embedding area origin, the embedding area center point, and the embedding area rotation angle of the existing image information storage area 132. The area corresponds to “embedded area information storage means”. The barcode image corresponds to the “designated image”. The CPU 11 that performs the process of displaying the embedded image screen 42 (see FIG. 17) on the liquid crystal display 4 and receiving the input in S54 and S55 of the embedded synthesis process shown in FIG. 20 corresponds to “embedded image designating means”. In step S41 of the barcode input editing process shown in FIG. 19, the barcode setting screen (not shown) for inputting the barcode standard and embedding information is displayed, and the CPU 11 that performs the process of accepting the input displays the “designated image designation unit”. Equivalent to. The CPU 11 that displays the arrangement designation screen 41 (see FIG. 16) in S51 of the embedding synthesis process shown in FIG. 20 and receives the input corresponds to “arrangement balance selection means”.

  Then, in S60 of the embedding synthesis process shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 11 that performs the process of writing the barcode image in the embedding area of the embedding image image corresponds to “composite image data creation means”. The CPU 11 that performs processing for generating a barcode image in S43 of the barcode input editing processing shown in FIG. 19 corresponds to “barcode image generation means”. In S59 of the embedding / synthesizing process shown in FIG. 21, the CPU 11 that performs the process of enlarging or reducing the barcode image corresponds to “designated image enlarging / reducing means”.

  The barcode modifying apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the tape printer 1 is exemplified as the “image data creation device”, and the image data creation device also creates an image (composite image) of the barcode embedded in the embedded image. However, the image data creation device itself may not have a function for output. For example, the image composition program is stored in a hard disk device of a personal computer, and the CPU of the personal computer executes the image composition program. The personal computer connects a display device (for example, a display) and an input device (for example, a keyboard and a mouse), and accepts various inputs from the user by the input device. Then, a composite image is created in a personal computer which is an image data creation device. The same applies to a device in which a display device and an input device are integrated, such as a notebook personal computer.

  In the above embodiment, the barcode image is embedded in the embedded area of the embedded image. That is, the barcode image is the “designated image”, but the designated image is not limited to the barcode image. A designated image may be selected from images stored in advance and embedded in an embedded area of an existing image to create a composite image. In this case, in the barcode input editing process, it is only necessary to accept designation of an image as a designated image, instead of accepting settings relating to barcodes or input of embedded information (S41, S42). In the above embodiment, the existing image is stored in advance in its own CGROM 13, but when the image data creation apparatus can be connected to a network, an image stored in another apparatus may be used. Also, the user may create it. In this case, it is necessary to provide image creation means in the image data creation device. The image creation means edits and creates dot data.

  In the above embodiment, the tape printing apparatus 1 in which the printing result is formed in one color on the tape is taken as an example, so that both the embedded image and the barcode are black and white. However, when the output device can output a plurality of colors, the embedded image may be composed of a plurality of colors or a color different from the barcode. In such a case, the one-dimensional barcode extension may not be a beautiful image by the above method. For example, the bar color is not included in the embedded image. For such an image, the expansion may be set to “impossible”. Alternatively, an area for extending the bar may be designated for each existing image separately from the embedded area, and the bar may be extended to the inside of the area.

  In the above embodiment, one designated image (barcode) is embedded in the embedding area to create a composite image. However, the number of designated images arranged in the embedded region is not limited to one, and may be two or more. The example shown in FIGS. 26 and 27 is an example of a composite image in which two barcodes are embedded in the embedded region. FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of a composite image 291 in which barcodes 401 and 402 are embedded in the embedding area 111 of the existing image 101, and FIG. 27 shows barcodes 403 and 404 in the embedding area 113 of the existing image 103. It is a schematic diagram of the synthesized image 292 embedded. In FIG. 26, two barcodes are arranged vertically. In FIG. 27, two barcodes are arranged on the left and right. In this way, when embedding a plurality of barcodes, it may be set in advance how many barcodes are embedded in an existing image, and how many barcodes are arranged in the user (for example, vertically arranged). , Left and right side-by-side, upper and lower two levels, etc.) may be selected.

  In the above embodiment, one embedded region is provided for the existing image. However, the number of buried regions is not limited to one, and a plurality of buried regions may be provided. The example shown in FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a composite image 299 in which a barcode is embedded in an existing image provided with two embedded regions. In such a case, information relating to each embedding area is stored in the existing image information storage area 132. In addition, the designated image (barcode) embedded in the embedded region may be the same image for all embedded images, or may be different images.

  In the above embodiment, in the embedding synthesis process shown in FIG. 20, the shape of the barcode is acquired and it is determined whether or not it is a near square (S52, S53). The embedded image can be selected from the existing image suitable for the near square and the existing image suitable for the rectangle according to the shape of the barcode. However, a suitable existing image may be extracted according to the barcode standard instead of the barcode shape, and the user may select an embedded image from the extracted image. In this case, a value indicating an appropriate barcode standard is stored in the existing image information storage area 132 as an adaptive standard.

  In the printing process (FIG. 22), the modification conditions specified in the embedding composition process (S25) of the main process (FIG. 18) and the embedding composition process (S46) of the barcode input editing process (FIG. 19) are set. It may be stored in the input buffer, and in the printing process, the condition stored in the input buffer may be read to synthesize the barcode image and the embedded image.

  In the above embodiment, the size of the barcode image is adjusted (enlarged or reduced) according to the size of the embedding area of the embedding image, but conversely, according to the size of the barcode image. The size of the embedded image may be adjusted (enlarged or reduced). The embedded synthesis process in such a case will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 29 is a flowchart of a modified example of the embedding synthesis process for adjusting the size of the embedded image. Note that the same step numbers are assigned to the same processing portions as the embedding synthesis processing shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 (S51 to S54, S60 to S65). And the part of S101 and S102 is a characteristic part of this modification.

  As shown in FIG. 29, when the embedded image is selected and the size is determined (S54, S55), the embedded image size is determined (S101). Specifically, the vertical size and horizontal size of the barcode image stored in the barcode image storage area 148 are acquired. Further, the size of the embedding area is calculated based on the coordinates of the embedding area origin in the existing image information storage area 132, the coordinates of the embedding area center point, and the embedding area rotation angle. Based on the relationship between the vertical size and horizontal size of the barcode image and the relationship between the vertical size and horizontal size of the embedding area, the enlargement / reduction ratio is determined so that the barcode fits in the embedding area. For example, when the horizontal size is used as a reference, “enlargement / reduction ratio = horizontal size of barcode image ÷ horizontal size of embedded region” is calculated.

  Then, based on the calculated enlargement / reduction ratio, the dot data of the embedded image is enlarged or reduced, and an embedded image is generated and stored in the embedded image image storage area 149 (S102). The following processing is the same as S60 to S65 of the embedding synthesis processing shown in FIG. 20, and the barcode image is embedded in the embedded image (S60), and if it is a one-dimensional barcode (S61). Then, barcode expansion processing is performed (S62 to S65). The CPU 11 that performs the processes of S101 and S102 corresponds to “embedded image enlargement / reduction means”. As a result, the size of the embedded image can be adjusted without adjusting the size of the barcode image.

  In the above embodiment, the embedding area for the embedding image is fixed. However, the user may specify the size of the embedding area. For example, in the existing image information storage area 132, only the coordinates of the center point of the embedding area are set. Then, the size of the embedding area specified by the user (for example, large: 50% similarity of the existing image, middle: 35% similarity of the existing image, small: 20% similarity of the existing image), and the center An area determined based on the coordinates of the point is set as an embedded area. In such a case, processing may be performed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 30 is a flowchart of a modification of the embedding synthesis process. After this process, it continues to the flowchart shown in FIG. Also in FIG. 30, the same step number is assigned to the same processing portion as the embedding synthesis processing shown in FIG. 20 (S51). S110 to S115 are characteristic parts of this modification. Further, instead of determining the embedding area based on the coordinates of the center point determined in advance and the size specified by the user, the user may be allowed to designate an arbitrary area as the embedding area. For this purpose, an embedded image is displayed on the display means, and information for allowing the user to specify an area on the embedded image may be input. The position of the center point of the embedded region may be input, and a region having a predetermined shape centered on that point may be used as the embedded region. Further, the closed region may be designated by continuous input (for example, mouse drag). In this case, the specified closed region may be the embedded region, a rectangle circumscribing the specified closed region may be used as the embedded region, or a rectangle inscribed in the specified closed region may be used as the embedded region. May be. In addition to the embedded image, a frame indicating the embedded area is displayed movably on the embedded image, and the user can determine the position of the frame on the embedded image, and the area in the frame can be used as the embedded area. Good. In such a case, since the display means is large and it is easy to provide an input means capable of designating position information such as a mouse, the liquid crystal display 4 (see FIG. 1) is provided in the tape printer 1 of the above embodiment. ) May be provided so that the user can designate an arbitrary area.

  As shown in FIG. 30, when a barcode image is generated (S110), embedded image selection and size designation are accepted by the embedded image screen 42 (S111). In the present modification, all existing images stored in the existing image information storage area 132 can be selected without extracting existing images in accordance with the shape and standard of the barcode. This process is the same as S54 and S55 in FIG. Then, the size of the embedded region is designated (S112). Here, an embedded area size screen (not shown) with options of the size, large, medium and small of the embedded area is displayed and input is accepted. Based on the selected size, the size of the embedded region is calculated (S113). For example, if “Large” is selected and the size of the existing image is (vertical, horizontal) = (100, 100), the size of the embedded region is (50, 50) because it is a 50% similarity of the existing image. ) Next, dot data is read from the existing image information storage area 132 and stored in the embedded image image storage area 149. Based on the coordinates of the center point of the embedding area and the size of the embedding area, the dots in the embedding area are specified, and all of these dots are set to “white” to clear the embedding area. (S115). And it continues to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As a result, the barcode image can be embedded in the embedded image after the size of the embedded region is changed according to the user's preference. Therefore, the degree of freedom increases in the synthesis of the barcode image and the embedded image.

It is a top view which shows the state which removed the cover of the tape cassette storage part 7 of the tape printer 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the tape printer 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a ROM 12. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a CGROM 13. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a RAM 14. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an existing image 101. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an existing image 102. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an existing image 103. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an existing image 104. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a composite image 201. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a composite image 202. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a composite image 203. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a composite image 204. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure about the one existing image memorize | stored in the existing image information storage area 132. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the coordinate memorize | stored in the existing image information storage area 132 as an example of the existing image 103 on a coordinate axis. 4 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement designation screen 41. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embedded image screen 42. FIG. It is a flowchart of a main process. It is a flowchart of a barcode input edit process. It is a flowchart of an embedding synthesis process. It is a flowchart of an embedding synthesis process. It is a flowchart of a printing process. 6 is a schematic diagram of a barcode 920. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the existing image 901. It is a schematic diagram of the existing image 902. It is a schematic diagram of the synthesized image 291. It is a schematic diagram of the composite image 292. It is a schematic diagram of the synthesized image 299. It is a flowchart of the modification of an embedding synthesis process. It is a flowchart of the modification of an embedding synthesis process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printer 3 Keyboard part 4 Liquid crystal display 10 Control circuit part 11 CPU
12 ROM
13 CGROM
14 RAM
41 Placement designation screen 42 Embedding image screens 101 to 104 Existing image 111 to 114 Embedding area 121 Program storage area 132 Existing image information storage area 140 Input buffer 143 Upper and lower designation storage area 144 Left and right designation storage area 145 Embedded image storage area 146 Embedded image size storage area 147 Embedded area size storage area 148 Barcode image storage area 149 Embedded image image storage area 150 Composite image image storage area 151 Print image storage areas 201-204 Composite image 291, 292, 299 Composite image 401-404 barcode

Claims (13)

Existing image storage means for storing a plurality of images as existing images in advance;
An embedding area information storage unit that stores embedding area information, which is information indicating an area in which another image is embedded, when embedding another image in the existing image;
From the existing image stored in the existing image storage means, an embedded image specifying means for specifying an embedded image that is an image to be embedded with another image;
Designated image designating means for designating an image embedded in the embedded image designated by the embedded image designating means as a designated image;
The specified image specified by the specified image specifying means is embedded in an embedded area that is specified by the embedded area information with respect to the embedded image specified by the embedded image specifying means. An image data creation device comprising: composite image data creation means for creating image data of a synthesized composite image. A barcode image generating means for generating a barcode image for outputting a barcode;
2. The image data creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designated image designating unit can designate the barcode image generated by the barcode image generating unit as the designated image. When synthesizing the embedded image and the designated image by the synthesized image data creating means, the designated image is either vertically aligned in the vertical direction, centered or bottom aligned, and Arrangement balance selection means for selecting at least one of left alignment, center alignment, right alignment, and extension in the left-right direction as an arrangement balance;
The synthesized image data creating unit arranges the designated image in the embedding area according to the arrangement balance selected by the arrangement balance designation unit, and synthesizes the embedded image and the designated image. The image data creation device according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The image data creating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising designated image enlargement / reduction means for enlarging or reducing the designated image based on a size of the embedding area.   3. The image data creation device according to claim 2, wherein the existing image that can be specified as an embedded image by the embedded image specifying means is determined based on a shape of the barcode.   6. The image data creation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the existing image that can be specified as an embedded image by the embedded image specifying means is determined based on a type of barcode.   The composite image data creation unit rotates the designated image based on a shape of the embedded region and an arrangement direction of the embedded region with respect to the existing image. An image data creation device according to claim 1. In the case where the barcode is a one-dimensional barcode in which a plurality of elongated rectangular bars are arranged in parallel so that the longitudinal direction is the vertical direction,
The composite image data creating means extends the bar to the end of the embedded area when the barcode image as the designated image is arranged in the embedded area and combined with the embedded image. The image data creation device according to any one of claims 2, 5 and 6. The bar code is a one-dimensional bar code in which elongated rectangular bars of a first color and elongated rectangular bars of a second color are alternately arranged so that the longitudinal direction is parallel to the vertical direction,
When the embedded image is composed of pixels of a color including at least the first color and the second color,
The composite image data creating means arranges the barcode image as the designated image in the embedded region and combines the first color bar with the embedded image in the embedded image. 9. Extending until it hits the first color pixel and extending the second color bar until it hits the first color pixel in the embedded image. The image data creation device according to any one of the above.   The image data according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and 5 to 9, further comprising embedded image enlargement / reduction means for enlarging or reducing the embedded image in accordance with a size of the designated image. Creation device.   11. The image data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the composite image data creation unit arranges a plurality of the designated images in the embedding area and synthesizes them with the embedding image.   The image data creation device according to claim 1, wherein the existing image includes a plurality of the embedded regions.   An image data creation program for causing a computer to function as the image data creation device according to claim 1.

Images