JP3735062B2 - Barcode printing processing method and barcode printing processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a barcode printing processing method and barcode printing processing system for printing a barcode on a predetermined form.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a bar code indicating predetermined information is printed on a predetermined form to be handled, and the bar code is read by a bar code reader and converted into the information, thereby eliminating the manual input of the information. Processing efficiency is improved. When the amount of barcode information in such a form increases and the barcode printing density on the form increases accordingly, reliable barcode printing for preventing misreading is required.
[0003]
Conventionally, there is a charge proxy storage model as one form used by printing a barcode on a form. In this model, for example, by printing a bar code indicating information such as the payee's name, payer's name and address, payment amount, control deadline, etc. on a payment handling slip such as a utility bill, for example, by making payment possible at a convenience store It improves the convenience of the payer. Bar codes printed on such forms are defined in order to prevent confusion in the information. In particular, there are UPC and EAN as standards for code systems that standardize product codes, and one of the EANs in Japan. There are various JAN codes and various other code systems.
[0004]
Here, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a payment handling slip printed with a barcode used in the charge proxy storage model. FIGS. 7A and 7B both show a payment handling slip. The payment handling slip 101 shown in FIG. 7A includes a barcode 111 of the payee information, the name and address of the payer. A bar code 112 for information and a bar code 113 for information on charges and payment deadlines are printed. The barcodes 111 to 113 thus divided read all information by reading them in the order of 111 to 113, for example.
[0005]
However, since barcode information cannot be read accurately unless barcodes that are divided into a plurality of parts are read in order, an operation error occurs, so that a large amount of information is included as shown in FIG. For example, a barcode 121 based on the EAN-128 standard has been used.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, even if it is a bar code that contains a large amount of information, if you intend to use an existing bar code reader, the entire width is naturally limited. The bar and space modules must be accommodated, and the print density increases. However, bar code printing by bar code printers, especially non-impact bar code printers such as thermal and electrostatic systems, is subject to blurring and is more difficult than the standard module width bar, although it depends on the print target. Thick objects are printed, and bar code printing with high printing density causes a problem that the space between the bars becomes narrow and cannot be read accurately.
[0007]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a barcode printing processing method and a barcode printing processing system that enable barcode printing that can be accurately read even with a high-density barcode. To do.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, in the invention of claim 1, a barcode composed of characters formed by modules of bars and spaces of a predetermined type width is printed on a predetermined form based on the input barcode data. A barcode printing processing method for printing by means, wherein the character target data is specified from the input barcode data, and based on the barcode data and the specified character target data, The minimum module width of the bar for printing by narrowing the basic minimum bar module width to be selected according to the barcode data and the printing means by a predetermined amount, and the printing by expanding the basic minimum space module width to be selected by a predetermined amount Minimum module width of space for And the related data in which the character pattern data and the character are associated with each other based on the character target data. Than A predetermined number of print pattern data is obtained and specified For printing A step of developing a barcode image to be printed based on the barcode data with a minimum module width of the bar and space; and a step of transmitting the developed barcode image to the printing means.
[0010]
Claim 2 According to the present invention, there is provided a barcode printing processing system for printing a barcode composed of characters formed by modules of a predetermined type of bar and space based on inputted barcode data on a predetermined form by a printing means. To identify the target data of the character from the input barcode data. Ru Based on the tractor target data specifying means, the barcode data and the specified character target data, The minimum module width of the bar for printing by narrowing the basic minimum bar module width to be selected according to the barcode data and the printing means by a predetermined amount, and the printing by expanding the basic minimum space module width to be selected by a predetermined amount Minimum module width of space for The minimum module width specifying means for printing for specifying the character, and the related data in which the character pattern data and the character are associated based on the character target data Than A predetermined number of print pattern data is obtained and specified For printing Bar code image developing means for developing an image of a barcode to be printed based on the barcode data with the minimum module width of the bar and space, and causing the printing means to print the image.
[0012]
Claim 3, 4 The invention of "The barcode image expansion means is For obtaining the print pattern data. Related data Is It is a configuration provided as a pattern table,
“The barcode image expansion means For obtaining the print pattern data. The related data is included in the program for developing the barcode image developing means.
[0013]
As described above, when printing a barcode on a predetermined form based on the barcode data, after specifying the character target data, the barcode data is selected from a predetermined number of basic minimum module widths according to the barcode data and the printing means. Bar module for printing with the basic minimum bar module width reduced by a predetermined amount width , And the printing space module with the basic minimum space module to be selected extended by a certain amount width Identify and relevant data Than A predetermined number of print pattern data is obtained and specified For printing The barcode image to be printed based on the barcode data is developed and printed with the minimum module width of the bar and space. That is, since the minimum module width for printing in consideration of bleeding due to bar code printing is specified, it is possible to make it print as if it were originally printed with the module width including the bleeding due to printing. Thus, it is possible to print a barcode that can be read accurately even with a high-density barcode.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, for example, a lot of information such as the EAN-128 standard (particularly not questioning the standard) as shown in FIG. In order to use a bar code reader (for example, 60 mm width), a bar and space module is printed at a high density within a specified bar code symbol width.
[0015]
FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a barcode printing processing system according to the present invention. The barcode printing processing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a processing device 11 and a barcode printer 12, and an input means 13 is connected to the processing device 11. The processing device 11 is constructed on a memory by a barcode creation processing program in a computer, for example, and a keyboard connected to the computer or a pointing device such as a mouse is used as the input means 13. The processing device 11, the barcode printer 12, and the input means 13 may be configured as a single device.
[0016]
In addition to the control means (not shown) that controls the control of the barcode printing process, the processing device 11 includes a barcode data acquisition means 21, a character target data identification means 22, a minimum module width identification means 23 for printing, barcode information. A file creation unit 24 and a transmission unit 25 are provided as appropriate. Further, the barcode printer 12 appropriately includes a barcode information file acquisition unit 31, a barcode image expansion unit 32, a printing unit 33, and a pattern table 34.
[0017]
The barcode acquisition unit 21 acquires barcode data (an example will be described with reference to FIG. 2) input from the input unit 13. Up Recording The lacquer target data specifying means 22 specifies character target data from the input barcode data. The printing minimum module width specifying means 23 specifies the minimum module width of the bar and space for printing based on the barcode data and the specified character object data. Bar module for printing with a specified amount of basic minimum bar module that is selected according to bar code data and printing means. width , And the printing space module with the basic minimum space module to be selected extended by a certain amount width And
[0018]
The bar code information file creating means 24 creates a bar code information file based on the input bar code data and the command data of the specified minimum module width for printing the specified bar and space. The transmission unit 25 is a so-called interface, and transmits the barcode information file created by the barcode information file creation unit 24 to the barcode printer 12.
[0019]
On the other hand, the barcode information file acquisition unit 31 in the barcode printer 12 acquires the barcode information file transmitted from the transmission unit 27 of the processing apparatus 11. The bar code image developing means 32 obtains print pattern data by referring to a pattern table (detailed in FIG. 3) 34 as related data based on the character target data included in the bar code information file. The barcode image is developed along the width, pattern, and height to be printed based on the minimum module width for printing the bar and space in the file and the printing condition based on the barcode data in the file.
[0020]
The printing unit 33 performs printing on a predetermined target form based on the print image developed by the barcode image development unit 32. As the target form, there is a payment handling form 102 made of, for example, high-quality paper as shown in FIG. 7B, and other examples include a label and a cardboard for directly printing a barcode.
[0021]
When the processing device 11 and the barcode printer 12 are configured as an integrated device, the barcode information file creation unit 26, the transmission unit 27, and the barcode information file acquisition unit 31 can be omitted. Is.
[0022]
Here, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the barcode data input to the processing apparatus of the present system. As shown in FIG. 2, the barcode data includes, for example, data format, printer resolution, data content, print size, print start position (X coordinate, Y coordinate), symbol width, symbol height, and the like. Each setting is input by the input means 13. For example, the data format (character system) is “EAN-128” of the EAN standard. For example, the maximum width of the symbol is 60 mm and the maximum height of the symbol is 10 mm. Data input is performed when using an existing barcode reader.
[0023]
Further, the minimum module width (for example, 3 dots, 4 dots,...) Of the bar and space to be printed is determined by the printer resolution (for example, 300 dpi, 400 dpi, 600 dpi...) And the symbol horizontal width. Further, the print size is an area size for printing a barcode, and data input is performed on the basis of the print start position (X coordinate, Y coordinate) to be printed from among the print sizes.
[0024]
Further, data input is performed in which the data content is expressed by, for example, all 44 digits in items (1) to (8). Examples of the data contents include: (1) data item (for example, two digits are automatically set as the country classification), (2) company code (for example, 6-digit display), (3) free use column (for example, the company's (21 digits in the code of the target product), (4) Reissue category (eg, 1 digit display), (5) Payment due date (eg, 6 digit display), (6) Stamp flag (eg, 1 digit display), (7) There are ▼ payment amount (for example, 6-digit display) and (8) overall check digit (for example, 1 digit is automatically set for checking). That is, input data (2) to (7) are input.
[0025]
Next, FIG. 3 shows an explanatory diagram of a pattern table used in this system. FIG. 3 (A) shows the minimum bar width module and the minimum space width module for printing specified for bar code printing, and FIG. 3 (B) is specified in FIG. 3 (A). The pattern data for each character formed by the bar and space modules is shown as being stored in the pattern table 34, and FIG. 3C shows a print pattern in which the pattern data is visual. It is.
[0026]
In FIG. 3A, (1), (2), (3),... Indicate the minimum bar module for printing and the minimum space module for printing specified by the minimum module width specifying means for printing 23. The minimum space module for printing is 4 dots, 5 dots, 6 dots,... Corresponding to 2 dots, 3 dots, 4 dots,. That is, the minimum module width of any bar and space is selected and specified from the bar code data.
[0027]
Here, as described above, the minimum module width of the bar and space is specified by a bar module for printing in which the basic minimum bar module width to be selected according to the barcode data and the barcode printer 12 is reduced by a predetermined amount. And a space module for printing in which the basic minimum space module to be selected is widened by a predetermined amount. For example, in the case of (1), the basic minimum module width of the bar and space to be selected is both 3 dots, the minimum module width for printing of the bar used for printing is 2 dots, and for printing The minimum module width for printing a space used as 4 is 4 dots. In other words, the bar print minimum module is 2 dots narrower by 1 dot than the basic minimum module width of 3 dots, and the space print minimum module is 1 dot wider than the basic minimum module width of 3 dots to form the characters described later. The minimum module to be used.
[0028]
Similarly, for the items after (2), the minimum module width for printing is 1 less than the minimum module width for the basic bar for the basic minimum module width of 4 dots, 5 dots, etc. The dots are narrowed to 3 dots, 4 dots,..., And the minimum module space for printing is 5 dots, 1 dot wider than the basic module width, 6 dots,. In addition, although each said narrowing amount and widening amount were shown as 1 dot, of course, it is good also as 2 dots or more.
[0029]
Therefore, in FIG. 3B, the pattern table 34 stores, for example, characters and pattern data in association with each other, and CODE-C of the EAN-128 standard is shown as an example. The characters are “00” to “99” in the standard and other necessary characters (for example, “START”, “STOP”, etc.). For example, the pattern data of the character “00” is “2-1-2”. -2-2-2 ". In this case, “2” in bar (B) means that the minimum module width of 2 dots is 2 arrays, and the total is 4 dots, and “2” in space (S) is 2 arrays of minimum module width of 4 dots. In this sense, it means 8 dots as a whole. That is, such pattern data is data in which the bar (B) and the space (S) are arranged, and is indicated by the number of arrangement of the bar and space in the unit of the minimum module width.
[0030]
In addition, as for the thickness of each bar and space constituting the barcode, three types out of four types (1: 2: 3: 4) are selected based on the barcode data, for example, other than the minimum width. The width of the bars and spaces is an integral multiple of the minimum width. The pattern data shown in FIG. 3C is a visual representation of these pattern data. Note that the height of each bar and space to be printed is determined by the number of lines when printing for each line based on the barcode data.
[0031]
That is, based on the barcode data, the pattern data of the specified character is obtained from the pattern table 34 shown in FIG. 3B, and printed according to the pattern data with the minimum module of the specified bar and space (image) Developed).
[0032]
In the present embodiment, the case where the pattern data shown in FIG. 3B is stored in the pattern table 34 is shown. However, such pattern data is stored in a program for developing the barcode image developing means 32. It may be included. The same applies to other embodiments described later.
[0033]
FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of barcode printing processing by the barcode printing processing system according to FIG. 4A is a process flowchart of the processing apparatus 11, and FIG. 4B is a flowchart of the printing process of the barcode printer 12. 4A, first, the barcode data acquisition unit 21 acquires the barcode data as shown in FIG. 2 input from the input unit 13 (step (S) 1). Here, the character target data specifying means 22 specifies the target data (“00”, “99”, etc. in FIG. 3) of the character constituting the barcode based on the data content of the barcode data (S2).
[0034]
Subsequently, based on the input barcode data and the character target data specified by the character target data specifying means 22 in the minimum module width specifying means 23 for printing, the printer resolution and data contents in the barcode data are determined. Then, the minimum module width for printing the bar and space determined by the symbol horizontal width is specified (S3). Therefore, the barcode information file creation means 24 creates a barcode information file based on the inputted barcode data and the command data of the specified minimum module width for printing the specified bar and space (S4). Then, the transmission means 25 transmits the barcode information file created by the barcode information file creation means 24 to the barcode printer 12 (S5).
[0035]
On the other hand, in FIG. 4B, on the barcode printer 12 side, the barcode information file acquisition unit 31 acquires the barcode information file transmitted from the transmission unit 27 of the processing device 11 (S11). Therefore, the bar code image developing means 32 obtains print pattern data by referring to the pattern table 34 based on the character object data included in the bar code information file, and prints the bar and space in the bar code information file. The barcode image is developed along the width, pattern, and height to be printed based on the minimum module width for printing and the printing conditions based on the barcode data in the file (S12). Then, the printing unit 33 performs printing on the target predetermined form based on the print image developed by the barcode image development unit 32 (S13).
[0036]
In this way, the minimum module width for printing considering the blur due to barcode printing is specified, and printing is performed with the minimum module for printing along the pattern data, so it should be printed as if originally including the blur due to printing. It is possible to make it be printed with the module width, and thereby it is possible to perform barcode printing that can be read accurately even with a high-density barcode.
[0037]
Next, FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of the barcode printing processing system of FIG. In the barcode printing processing system shown in FIG. 5, the processing apparatus 11 shown in FIG. 1 is provided with the same barcode image developing means 32 and the same pattern table 34 as described above, and additionally with the display means 41. Accordingly, the barcode printer 12 is constituted by the barcode information file acquisition means 31 and the printing means 33 accordingly.
[0038]
In this case, the bar code image developing means 32 refers to the pattern table 34 shown in FIG. 3B based on the bar and space printing minimum module specified by the printing minimum module width specifying means 23 and the character object data. Based on the print pattern data obtained in this way, a barcode image is developed along the width, pattern, height, and the like to be printed based on the printing conditions based on the barcode data. The bar code information file creating means 24 uses the bar code image development print data as a bar code information file. The display means 41 is for displaying the barcode image developed by the barcode image development means 32 for confirmation to an operator, for example.
[0039]
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of barcode printing processing by the system of FIG. 6A is a process flowchart of the processing apparatus 11, and FIG. 6B is a flowchart of the printing process of the barcode printer 12. 6A, first, the barcode data acquisition unit 21 acquires the barcode data as shown in FIG. 2 input from the input unit 13 (S21). Here, the character target data specifying means 22 specifies the target data of the character constituting the barcode based on the data content of the barcode data (S22).
[0040]
Subsequently, based on the input barcode data and the character target data specified by the character target data specifying means 22 in the minimum module width specifying means 23 for printing, the printer resolution and data contents in the barcode data are determined. Then, the minimum module width for printing the bar and space determined by the symbol width is specified (S23). Therefore, the bar code image developing means 32 is obtained by referring to the pattern table 34 shown in FIG. 3B based on the bar and space print minimum module specified by the print minimum module width specifying means 23 and the character object data. The bar code image is developed along the width, pattern, height, and the like to be printed based on the print conditions based on the bar code data by each print pattern data (S24). Then, the display unit 41 displays the barcode image developed by the barcode image development unit 32 for confirmation to the operator, for example (S25).
[0041]
On the other hand, the barcode information file creating means 24 creates a barcode information file based on the print data of the barcode image developed by the barcode image developing means 32 (S26). Then, the transmission means 25 transmits the barcode information file created by the barcode information file creation means 24 to the barcode printer 12 (S27).
[0042]
On the other hand, in FIG. 6B, on the barcode printer 12 side, the barcode information file acquisition unit 31 acquires the barcode information file transmitted from the transmission unit 27 of the processing device 11 (S31). Then, in the printing unit 33, the printing unit 33 prints the target predetermined form based on the barcode image of the barcode information file (S32).
[0043]
Even with this configuration, the same effect as described above can be obtained, but the amount of data transmitted from the processing device 11 to the barcode printer 12 is larger than that in the system of FIG.
[0044]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when a barcode is printed on a predetermined form based on the barcode data, the character data is specified, and then the barcode data of the predetermined number of basic minimum module widths is specified. , Specify a bar module for printing with a predetermined amount of basic minimum bar module width selected according to the printing means, and a space module for printing with a predetermined amount of basic minimum space module width to be selected, and related data With reference to the above, a predetermined number of print pattern data is obtained, and the barcode image to be printed based on the barcode data is developed and printed with the minimum module width of the specified bar and space. You can make it appear as if it was printed at the module width that should be printed, including blurring. In high-density bar code it is capable of performing barcode printing which can be read accurately.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a barcode printing processing system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of bar code data input to the processing apparatus of the present system.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a pattern table used in the present system.
4 is a flowchart of barcode printing processing by the barcode printing processing system according to FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a block configuration diagram of another embodiment of the barcode printing processing system of FIG. 1;
6 is a flowchart of barcode printing processing by the system of FIG.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of a payment handling slip printed with a barcode used in the charge proxy storage model.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Processing equipment
12 Barcode printer
22 Character target data identification means
23 Minimum module width identification means for printing
32 Barcode image expansion means
33 Printing means
34 Pattern table

Claims (4)

A barcode printing processing method for printing a barcode composed of characters formed of a module of a predetermined type of bar and space based on barcode data input to a predetermined form by a printing means,
Identifying the target data of the character from the input barcode data;
Based on the barcode data and the specified character object data, the minimum module width of the bar for printing in which the basic minimum bar module width to be selected according to the barcode data and the printing means is reduced by a predetermined amount And a step of identifying a minimum module width of a printing space obtained by expanding a basic minimum space module width to be selected by a predetermined amount ;
Based on the character target data, a predetermined number of print pattern data is obtained from related data in which character pattern data and a character are associated, and based on the barcode data based on the minimum module width of the specified print bar and space. Developing a barcode image to be printed;
Transmitting the developed barcode image to the printing means;
A barcode printing processing method comprising: A barcode printing processing system for printing a barcode formed by a character formed by a module of a bar of a predetermined type and a space based on barcode data input to a predetermined form by a printing unit,
A calibration Rakuta target data specifying means from the input bar code data that identifies the target data of the character,
Based on the barcode data and the specified character object data, the minimum module width of the bar for printing in which the basic minimum bar module width to be selected according to the barcode data and the printing means is reduced by a predetermined amount And a minimum module width specifying means for specifying a minimum module width of a printing space obtained by expanding the basic minimum space module width to be selected by a predetermined amount ;
Based on the character target data, a predetermined number of print pattern data is obtained from related data in which character pattern data and a character are associated, and based on the barcode data based on the minimum module width of the specified print bar and space. A barcode image expansion means for expanding an image of a barcode to be printed and causing the printing means to print;
A barcode print processing system comprising: 3. The barcode print processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the related data for the barcode image expansion means to obtain the print pattern data is provided as a pattern table. 3. The barcode print processing system according to claim 2 , wherein the relevant data for the barcode image development means to obtain the print pattern data is included in a program for development processing by the barcode image development means. A bar code printing system.

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