JP2010198167A - Method for generating bar code print data, printer and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate PDF 417 print data of the maximum size matched with the aspect ratio of an item region by making it necessary for a user only to designate a bar code character string as information included in a PDF 417 and layout information including an item frame where the PDF 417 is arranged without making it necessary for the user to explicitly designate the number of digits or the number of stages. <P>SOLUTION: A method for generating the print data of a two-dimensional bar code in a printer which includes a layout information storage part, a bar code information storage part, and a control part for generating print data includes: a step S101 for obtaining a bar code character string as information included in the two-dimensional bar code; a step S102 for calculating the number of necessary code wards based on the obtained character string; a step S103 for obtaining the layout information including an item frame where the bar codes are arranged, and for obtaining the aspect ratio of the item frame; and a step S104 for calculating the number of digits and the number of stages of the two-dimensional bar code approximating to the aspect ratio. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a calculation method for calculating the number of digits and the number of columns and generation of print data to be printed with the calculated number of columns and the number of columns so that the PDF 417 which is a two-dimensional barcode can be printed in a size closest to an arbitrary space area. The present invention relates to a method, a printing apparatus, and a program.

In the conventional label printer, although vertical writing and horizontal writing can be specified, there is a problem that the character printing position cannot be freely set. In addition, in a conventional word processor, it is necessary to perform character input operations by placing the cursor at a corresponding position on the screen, assuming character placement in advance, and there are a plurality of character orientations and characters. In order to set the direction of their arrangement (for example, the direction from the left to the right of the label or the direction from the top to the bottom), a complicated input operation is required. Must be done for each character. For this reason, the input operation becomes complicated, and there is a problem that a character cannot be printed on a label with a desired layout unless the user is proficient in the operation.
The following label creation system is known as a character assignment method for solving this problem. (See Patent Document 1)

  A system for creating a label while visually confirming the arrangement of characters such as letters and numbers on a screen, a label size setting means for setting the size of the label, a character input means for inputting the character, Character size setting means for setting the size of the character, and display image data for displaying a label image indicating the outer shape of the label based on the size of the label, and input to the character input means based on the size of the character Display image data generating means for generating display image data for a frame line indicating the size of the character, and display control for displaying the label image and the frame line on the screen based on each display image data Means, a layout determining means for arbitrarily changing and setting the display position of the frame line, and a layout corresponding to the display on the screen. Label producing system characterized in that it comprises a print image data generating means for generating image data of the printing image of the label forming the character in out. (Claim 1)

  Also, when a barcode is placed as a character (item), the barcode is larger in the range of the item area where the barcode is placed because the barcode accuracy is improved when the barcode size is larger. It is desirable to arrange and print.

  As one type of barcode, “PDF417” as a two-dimensional barcode is known. (See Patent Document 2)

JP 7-88981 A JP 9-153109 A

The PDF 417 can arbitrarily adjust the aspect ratio of the barcode by designating the number of digits and the number of steps as the barcode setting information. For this reason, when considering the barcode reading accuracy, it is desirable to match the aspect ratio of the item area (frame) with the aspect ratio of the barcode.
Conventionally, when PDF417 (barcode) is placed in an item area, the user must explicitly specify the number of digits and the number of columns. And it was difficult to specify the number of steps.

  An object (object) of the present invention is that when a PDF 417 (bar code) is arranged in an item area of a printed matter, a barcode character string that is information included in the PDF 417 and an item frame in which the PDF 417 is arranged This is a bar that can generate PDF417 print data of the maximum size that approximates the aspect ratio of the item area without requiring the user to explicitly specify the number of digits and the number of columns, only by specifying layout information including The object is to realize a code print data generation method, a printing apparatus, and a program.

In order to solve the above problems, a method for generating print data of a two-dimensional barcode according to the present invention includes:
A layout information storage unit, a barcode information storage unit, and a control unit that generates print data by calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the two-dimensional barcode corresponding to the aspect ratio of the item area of the two-dimensional barcode in the printed matter; A method for generating print data of a two-dimensional barcode in a printing apparatus comprising:
Obtaining a barcode character string that is information included in the two-dimensional barcode;
Based on the acquired character string, calculating a necessary number of code words, acquiring layout information including an item frame in which the barcode is arranged, acquiring an aspect ratio of the item frame, and the aspect ratio And calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the two-dimensional bar code approximating to.

  Further, the two-dimensional barcode is PDF417, which has a maximum size with respect to the item frame.

The two-dimensional barcode printing apparatus according to the present invention calculates and prints the number of columns and the number of steps of the PDF 417 corresponding to the aspect ratio of the item area of the PDF 417 in the layout information storage unit, the barcode information storage unit, and the printed matter. A printing apparatus having a control unit for generating data,
A barcode data acquisition unit that acquires a barcode character string that is information included in the PDF 417, a required code word number calculation unit that calculates the number of required code words of the PDF 417 based on the acquired character string, and the PDF 417 An aspect ratio acquisition unit that acquires layout information including an item frame to be arranged and acquires an aspect ratio of the item frame; A print data generation unit that generates PDF417 print data having a maximum size with respect to the item frame.

A program for generating print data of a two-dimensional barcode according to the present invention includes a layout information storage unit, a barcode information storage unit, and the two-dimensional barcode corresponding to the aspect ratio of the item area of the two-dimensional barcode in a printed matter. A program for generating print data of a two-dimensional barcode in a printing apparatus comprising a control unit that calculates the number of digits and the number of steps of the print unit to generate print data,
The step of acquiring a barcode character string that is information included in the two-dimensional barcode, a procedure for calculating the number of required code words based on the acquired character string, and the PDF417 are arranged in the computer of the printing apparatus. For obtaining the layout information including the item frame to be obtained, obtaining the aspect ratio of the item frame, calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the two-dimensional barcode that approximates the aspect ratio, and for the item frame And generating a PDF417 print data having a maximum size.

  According to the present invention, when a PDF 417 (bar code) is arranged in an item area of a printed matter, a layout including a bar code character string that is information included in the PDF 417 and an item frame in which the PDF 417 is arranged. Bar code print data that can generate PDF 417 print data of the maximum size that approximates the aspect ratio of the item area without specifying the number of digits and the number of columns explicitly only by specifying information. Generation method, printing apparatus, and program can be realized.

It is a control block diagram when this invention is applied to the item editing apparatus. It is a flowchart figure in an item editing apparatus. FIG. 3 is a detailed flowchart for calculating the number of digits and the number of stages in FIG. 2. 3 is a barcode created in a specific example of the first embodiment. It is a table | surface which shows the relationship between the number of digits of PDF417 and the maximum codeword number.

First, PDF417, which is a type of two-dimensional barcode, will be described.
The PDF417 symbol is constructed by stacking stages of bar-coded information.
Each stage in the symbol includes a start pattern, a low indicator, several code words, and a stop pattern.
A codeword is a basic unit for encoding a value representing a number, character or other symbol, or a value associated with the codeword. Collectively, the code words of each stage form a data string.

Both the number of PDF417 symbol stages (number of stages) and the number of data strings (number of digits) are variable.
The symbol must have at least 3 levels and can have up to 90 levels. Similarly, the number of codewords or data strings in each stage can vary from 1 to 30. Each codeword of PDF417 is composed of 17 modules.
Each codeword has 4 bars and 4 spaces, with black modules as bars and white modules as spaces. The width of each bar or space can be changed by arranging modules of the same color, and the maximum is 6 modules, but the number of modules per codeword is always 17.

  PDF417 uses a unique start pattern and stop pattern. The start pattern, that is, the left side of each stage has a unique pattern. The start pattern consists of 17 modules. The stop pattern, ie the right side of each stage, has a unique pattern. The stop pattern consists of 18 modules. Since the start pattern and the stop pattern are the same in each stage, these patterns form a “structure” that is continuous on the left and right sides of the symbol, respectively. Further, on the left side of the start pattern and the right side of the stop pattern, there are low indicators that store information such as the number of digits of the PDF 417 and the number of stages. Each low indicator consists of 17 modules. The entire symbol is surrounded by a clear space that does not include black marks, or a “quiet zone”.

The barcode printing method, printing apparatus and program of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 1 is a control block diagram when the present invention is used to edit an item including a PDF 417 that is a two-dimensional barcode.
In FIG. 1, 11 is a layout information storage unit, 13 is a barcode information storage unit, and 12 is a PDF417 that is a two-dimensional barcode included in layout information based on data in the layout information storage unit and the barcode information storage unit. Is a control unit that calculates the number of digits and the number of steps of the PDF 417 so as to match the aspect ratio of the item area to be printed, and generates print data.
The control unit 12 includes a barcode generation module 20, a digit / stage number calculation unit 21, and a print data generation unit 22.

The basic flow of each procedure in the control unit of the barcode printing method of the present invention will be described using the flowchart of FIG.
The control unit 12 acquires a barcode character string (data) that is the content to be displayed as the two-dimensional barcode PDF 417 from the barcode information storage unit 13. (Step S101)
The barcode generation module 20 calculates the number of necessary code words corresponding to the barcode character string acquired in step S101. (Step S102)
The control unit 12 acquires the aspect ratio of the item frame (display area) in which the two-dimensional barcode PDF 417 is displayed from the layout information storage unit 11. (Step S103)
The number of digits / stage number calculation unit 21 calculates the number of digits / stages of the PDF 417 corresponding to the aspect ratio of the item frame acquired in step S103 and the required number of codewords calculated in step S102. (Step S104)
The barcode generation module 20 generates a PDF 417 from the number of digits and the number of steps calculated in step S104. (Step S105)
The print data generation unit 22 generates and prints data in which the PDF 417 generated in step S105 is enlarged so as to match either the vertical or horizontal direction of the item frame. (Step S106)

Next, an example of a processing procedure for calculating the number of digits and the number of stages of the PDF 417 corresponding to the required number of code words in step S104 in FIG. 2 will be described in detail using the flowchart in FIG.
-Calculate the number of steps (provisional value) (binary value) from Equation 1 below. (Step S201)

Formula 1
M = (T × n + Qh) / (69 + 17 × m + Qw)
M × (69 + 17 × m + Qw) = T × n + Qh
69 * M + 17 * M * m + Qw * MT * n-Qh = 0
From m = K / n 69 × M + 17 × M × K / n + Qw × MT × n−Qh = 0
−T × n ² + (69 × M + Qw × M−Qh × n + 17 × M × K = 0
A = -T
B = 69 × M + Qw × M-Qh
If C = 17 × M × K,
n = (− B ± √ (B ² −4 × A × C)) / (2 × A)

In Formula 1, it is as follows.
Item frame aspect ratio (vertical / horizontal): M
-Module ratio of PDF417 (vertical / horizontal): T
-Number of required code words: K
・ Left and right quiet zone total: Qw
・ Total of upper and lower quiet zones: Qh
・ Number of digits: m
-Number of stages: n

As described above, since values are obtained for all of A, B, and C, n can be determined.
-If one of the two n values obtained by Equation 1 is an imaginary number, the real value is determined as the number of steps. (Step S202)
In the case where both of n obtained by Equation 1 are real numbers, the one closer to the range of 3 to 90 is determined as the number of stages. (Step S203)
If the number of stages determined in steps S202 and S203 has a fraction, round up the number, and if it is out of the range of 3 to 90, round it into the range. (Step S204)

・ Calculate the number of digits using Equation 2 below. (Step S205)

Formula 2
m = K / n

In Formula 2, it is as follows.
-Number of required code words: K
・ Number of digits: m
-Number of stages: n

-Round off within the range of 1-30 among m obtained by the said formula. (Step S206)
・ If fractional numbers appear, use Table 1 in Fig. 5, and the maximum number of code words in Table 1 is the same as or larger than the required number of code words (K), and the calculated value m is the number of digits in Table 1. The one closest to is the new number of digits m. (Step S207)

-The number of stages is calculated from the following formula 3, and when there is a fraction, the fraction is rounded up (step S208).

Formula 3
n = K / m

In Formula 3, it is as follows.
-Number of required code words: K
・ Number of digits: m
-Number of stages: n

(Example)
When the capital letter “A” is 1832 consecutive characters, the required number of code words is 919. (Number of characters x 0.5 + 1 (essential data required for PDF417) + 2 (for error correction))
In the case of this application, T = 3, Qh = 4, and Qw = 4.
The aspect ratio of the item frame is 1 (square) to simplify the calculation.

M = (T × n + Qh / (69 + 17 × m + Qw)
1 = (3 × n + 4) / (69 + 17 × m + 4)
Away omitted A = -3
B = 69 × 1 + 4 × 1-4 = 69
C = 17 × 1 × 919 = 15623
n = (− B ± √ (B ² −4 × A × C) / (2 × A) = (− 69 ± √ (192237) / 6)
n = (− 69 + √ (192237)) / − 6 = −61.57
n = (− 69−√ (192237)) / − 6 = 84.57

Therefore, n = 85
m = 919/85 = 10.81 → 11 according to Table 1
n = 919/11 = 83.5 = 84
Therefore, the number of digits is 11 and the number of steps is 84.

  As described above, according to the present invention, when the PDF 417 (bar code) is placed in the item area of the printed matter, the barcode character string that is information included in the PDF 417 and the item in which the PDF 417 is placed. It is possible to generate PDF417 print data of the maximum size that approximates the aspect ratio of the item area without having to explicitly specify the number of columns and the number of columns by simply specifying the layout information including the frame. Become.

11: Layout information storage unit 12: Control unit 13: Bar code information storage unit 20: Bar code generation module 21: Digit number / column number calculation unit 21: Print data generation unit

Claims (4)

A layout information storage unit, a barcode information storage unit, and a control unit that generates print data by calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the two-dimensional barcode corresponding to the aspect ratio of the item area of the two-dimensional barcode in the printed matter; A method for generating print data of a two-dimensional barcode in a printing apparatus comprising:
Obtaining a barcode character string that is information included in the two-dimensional barcode;
Calculating the required number of code words based on the acquired character string;
Obtaining layout information including an item frame in which the barcode is arranged, and obtaining an aspect ratio of the item frame;
Calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the two-dimensional barcode approximating the aspect ratio;
A method for generating print data, comprising:   The method of generating print data according to claim 1, wherein the two-dimensional barcode is PDF417 and has a maximum size for an item frame. A printing apparatus including a layout information storage unit, a barcode information storage unit, and a control unit that generates print data by calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the PDF 417 corresponding to the aspect ratio of the item area of the PDF 417 in a printed matter. ,
A barcode data acquisition unit that acquires a barcode character string that is information included in the PDF417;
Based on the acquired character string, a necessary codeword number calculation unit for calculating the necessary number of codewords of PDF417,
An aspect ratio acquisition unit that acquires layout information including an item frame in which the PDF 417 is arranged, and acquires an aspect ratio of the item frame;
A digit number / stage number calculating unit for calculating the number of digits and the number of stages of PDF 417 approximating the aspect ratio;
A print data generation unit that generates PDF417 print data having a maximum size for the item frame;
A printing apparatus comprising: A layout information storage unit, a barcode information storage unit, and a control unit that generates print data by calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the two-dimensional barcode corresponding to the aspect ratio of the item area of the two-dimensional barcode in the printed matter; A program for generating print data of a two-dimensional barcode in a printing apparatus provided,
In the computer of the printing device,
Obtaining a barcode character string that is information included in the two-dimensional barcode;
Based on the acquired character string, a procedure for calculating the required number of codewords,
Obtaining layout information including an item frame in which the PDF 417 is arranged, and obtaining an aspect ratio of the item frame;
A procedure for calculating the number of digits and the number of steps of the two-dimensional barcode approximating the aspect ratio;
A procedure for generating PDF417 print data having a maximum size for the item frame;
A program for generating print data, characterized in that

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