JP5644183B2 - Print control apparatus and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print control apparatus and a program thereof.

  In recent years, with the spread of the Internet, character information such as URLs included in print data is increasing. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a print control apparatus that controls a printing apparatus such as a printer recognizes character information such as a URL included in print data when printing such character information, and a QR code or bar code corresponding to the character information. A technique of creating a code such as a code and printing the code together with the character information or instead of the character information is known (for example, Patent Document 1). According to this technology, the user can access a URL or the like by reading a code printed on an object to be printed using a reading device such as a mobile phone, as compared with the case of directly inputting character information. Information can be easily obtained.

JP 2009-141772 A

  Along with the increase in character information included in print data, a plurality of codes often exist on one print target. In this case, there is a problem that the user needs to read each code separately by the number of codes, which is troublesome.

  The present invention has been completed based on the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique capable of printing a plurality of codes collectively.

  As a means for achieving the above object, a program for a print control apparatus according to a first invention includes: a print control apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus; an acquisition process for acquiring a print instruction; and a plurality of the print instructions. A creation process for creating post-process print data for printing a combined code including information included in the plurality of individual codes when pre-process print data for printing an individual code is included; and the post-process print data And a transmission process for transmitting the information to the printing apparatus.

  In the present invention, when there are a plurality of individual codes in the pre-process print data included in the print command, post-process print data including print data for printing a combined code including information included in the plurality of individual codes is obtained. create. According to the present invention, the printing apparatus controlled by the printing control apparatus can print a combined code in which a plurality of individual codes are collected, and the user can read information included in the individual code by reading the combined code. Can be obtained at once.

  According to a second invention, in the program for a print control apparatus according to the first invention, when the total information amount of the information included in the plurality of individual codes exceeds a reference amount, the plurality of individual codes are A selection process for selecting information to be included in the combined code from the stored information, and in the selection process, when the address information is included in the information included in the plurality of individual codes, the address information The process of selecting with priority over the information is executed.

According to this invention, when continuously accessing a plurality of URLs possessed by a plurality of individual codes, it is not necessary to read the individual codes separately, and the plurality of URLs can be easily accessed.

  According to a third invention, in the program for a print control apparatus according to the first invention, when the total information amount of information included in the plurality of individual codes exceeds a reference amount, the plurality of individual codes are A selection process for selecting information to be included in the combined code is executed from the information included, and in the selection process, a process for selecting in order of the information amount of the information included in the plurality of individual codes is executed.

  Information with a large amount of information is often important information. Therefore, important information can be preferentially included in the combined code by selecting information in descending order of information amount. Further, when the amount of information is small, the number of pieces of information that can be included in the combined code increases. Therefore, more information can be acquired at a time by selecting information in ascending order of information amount.

  According to a fourth invention, in the program for the print control apparatus according to the first invention, when the total information amount of the information included in the plurality of individual codes exceeds a reference amount, the plurality of individual codes are A selection process for selecting information to be included in the combined code from the stored information, and the print command includes print position information in which a print position of the individual code in the pre-process print data is set In the selection process, a process of selecting information included in the individual code in which the print position information is within a reference range is executed.

  In many cases, individual codes having close print positions contain related information. Therefore, it is possible to accurately include related information in the same combined code by preferentially selecting information of individual codes whose print positions are close and the print position information is within the reference range. it can. In addition, by including the information included in the individual codes whose printing positions are close to each other in the same combined code, the user can easily understand which individual code the combined code includes.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the program for a print control device according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, a reference amount determination process for determining the reference amount is executed, and the reference amount In the determination process, a process for determining the reference amount based on the print resolution of the printing apparatus is executed.

  The amount of information that can be included in the combined code is determined by the fineness of the code pattern constituting the combined code. Further, the fineness of the code pattern is determined by the printing resolution of the printing apparatus. Therefore, by determining the reference amount based on the printing resolution of the printing apparatus, the number of pieces of information that can be included in the combined code can be accurately grasped.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the program for a printing control apparatus according to any one of the second to fourth aspects, an input process for prompting input of resolution of a reading apparatus that reads the combined code, and the reference A reference amount determination process for determining an amount, and in the reference amount determination process, a process for determining the reference amount based on the resolution of the reading device input in the input process is executed.

  When the printing resolution of the printing device is higher than the resolution of the reading device owned by the user, the combined code printed by the printing device cannot be read by the user's reading device, and the user acquires information using the combined code. I can't. In the present invention, since the reference amount is determined based on the resolution of the reading device input by the user, the combined code can be reliably read using the reading device owned by the user.

  According to a seventh invention, in the program for a print control device according to any one of the second to fourth inventions, a first print range which is a print range of the combined code in the processed print data is set. A setting process for setting and a reference amount determination process for determining the reference amount are executed. In the reference amount determination process, the reference amount is determined based on the first print range set in the setting process. The process to determine is executed.

  The combined code is not included in the pre-process print data, and it is necessary to set a range (first print range) for printing the combined code in the post-process print data. The first print range is set to an empty space of pre-process print data, and the amount of information that can be included in the combined code is determined by the size (width) of the first print range that can be set. In the present invention, by determining the reference amount based on the first printing range, the number of pieces of information that can be included in the combined code can be accurately grasped.

  An eighth invention is the program for a print control device according to any one of the first to seventh inventions, wherein the print command includes a print range printed on a single recording medium. A second printing range is set, and in the creation process, the pre-processing print data is divided into a plurality of processing ranges, the creation process is executed for each processing range, and the processing range is determined. Determination processing is executed, and the processing range determination means executes processing for determining the processing range based on the second printing range.

  The print command may be set to reduced print or enlarged print in addition to the normal normal print setting, and the second print range, which is the print range printed on one recording medium, is set to each print command. It depends on. In the present invention, a processing range that is a range in which the combination processing is executed is determined based on the second printing range. As a result, for example, a plurality of individual codes included in one recording medium can be selected and included in the same combined code, or related contents can be printed on a plurality of recording media scheduled to be printed. A plurality of individual codes can be selected and included in the same combined code, and related information can be accurately included in the same combined code. It is easy for the user to grasp whether the two are combined.

  According to a ninth invention, in the program for a printing control apparatus according to any one of the second to eighth inventions, only information belonging to the combined information among the information included in the plurality of individual codes. And a print process for printing the combined code in the pre-process print data is replaced with print data for printing an identification symbol. In the creation process, a process for creating the post-process print data including print data for printing the correspondence table that associates the combination code with the identification symbol is executed.

  In the present invention, when there is a combined code including only information belonging to the combined information, the print data for printing the combined code is replaced with the print data for printing the identification symbol. This prevents the user from reading the coupled code by mistake or without noticing it. Further, according to the present invention, when the post-process print data is created, the print data for printing the correspondence table between the combination code and the identification symbol is included. As a result, for example, when a plurality of coupled codes are created, a user who wants to read the replaced coupled code can easily grasp which coupled code should be read instead.

  According to a tenth aspect of the invention, in the program for a print control apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the creation process includes the same information in the plurality of individual codes. In this case, a process for creating post-process print data by deleting any of the same information is executed.

  According to the present invention, it is avoided that a plurality of pieces of the same information are included in the combined code, and the user can acquire more types of information at a time by reading one combined code.

  The present invention is also embodied in a print control apparatus having the above functions. A print control apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is a print control apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires a print command; and print data before processing for the print command to print a plurality of individual codes. A creation unit that creates post-process print data for printing a combined code including information included in the plurality of individual codes, and a transmission unit that transmits the post-process print data to the printing apparatus. Prepare.

  In the printing apparatus controlled by the printing control apparatus of the present invention, a combined code in which a plurality of individual codes are collected can be printed, and the user can read information included in the individual code at a time by reading the combined code. Can be acquired.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of codes can be printed together.

Block diagram in the first embodiment Flow chart showing print processing Flow chart showing correction processing Flow chart showing correction processing Flow chart showing correction processing QR code list L1 QR code position information list L2 Print result using pre-process print data D1 Print result using post-processing print data D2 Flow chart showing print processing Print result using pre-process print data D1 Print result using post-processing print data D2

<Embodiment 1>
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
1. Electrical Configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the present embodiment including a printer (an example of a printing apparatus) 10. The printer 10 is connected to an external device such as a PC 28 via a communication line 20. The printer 10 may be a laser printer or an ink jet printer. Further, it may be a facsimile machine or a multi-function machine having a printer function and a reading function (scanner function).

  The printer 10 includes a control unit 22, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, and an image forming unit 26. The control unit 22 includes an internal memory 23. The internal memory 23 stores a program for controlling the operation of the printer 10 including image forming processing, and the control unit 22 controls the operation of the printer 10 according to the program read from the internal memory 23.

  The operation unit 24 includes a plurality of buttons, and various input operations such as an instruction to start printing can be performed by the user. The display unit 25 includes a liquid crystal display, a lamp, and the like, and can display various setting screens, operation states, and the like. The image forming unit 26 can print on a sheet (an example of an object to be printed, such as paper or an OHP sheet) by, for example, an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. When the print command is input, the image forming unit 26 sends the post-process print data D2 (see FIG. 9) created from the pre-process print data D1 (see the drawing FIG. 8) included in the print command to the control unit 22. And prints an image based on the post-processing print data D2 on a sheet.

  The PC 28 includes a memory 30 and a CPU 32. The memory 30 stores information unique to the printer 10 including the resolution K1 and various programs P for causing the printer 10 to execute image forming processing. The program P executes image forming processing on the printer 10. Prior to this, a program P for print processing performed by the CPU 32 is included. The CPU 32 communicates with the control unit 22 of the printer 10 according to the program P read from the memory 30 and stores the processing result in the memory 30 as necessary to operate the printer 10. In this case, the CPU 32 functions as a print control device that controls printing of the printer 10. When a print command is input, the CPU 32 functioning as a print control device acquires the print command and executes print processing on the pre-process print data D1 included in the print command to generate post-process print data D2. The processed print data D2 is sent to the image forming unit 26 of the printer 10.

2. CPU Print Processing FIG. 2 is a flowchart of print processing. The CPU 32 waits for a print command to be input, and the CPU 32 determines that the print command has been input, for example, in any of the following cases.
(A) When a print command including pre-process print data D1 is input to the PC 28.
(B) A case where a print command designating image data stored in the internal memory 23 or the external memory of the printer 10 is input from the user via the operation unit 24 of the printer 10. In this case, the image data designated by the user is the pre-process print data D1.

  When a print command is input, the CPU 32 functions as the acquisition unit 40 and acquires the print command from an application or the like (step S2). The print command includes at least pre-process print data D1, print position information Z1, and a second print range H2. The pre-process print data D1 is composed of a plurality of print data d as shown in FIG. The print data d includes image data for printing an image including a QR code (an example of an individual code), character data for printing a unit of characters such as one paragraph, and the like. Hereinafter, a command for printing individual print data d is called a drawing command, and a command for printing image data is called an image drawing command.

  In the pre-process print data D1, the relative position of the print data d included in the pre-process print data D1 is determined in advance. The print position information Z1 means information related to the relative position of the image data for printing the QR code among the information related to the relative position of the print data d in the pre-process print data D1.

  The second print range H2 is a print range that is printed on one sheet set in the print command. When the CPU 32 acquires the print command, the CPU 32 determines a print range in which the image forming unit 26 prints on one sheet based on the second print range H2 (step S4). In the second printing range H2, in addition to the normal normal printing setting (setting that print data d group printed on one sheet is printed on one sheet), printing is performed on two sheets. Setting of 2-in-1 printing for reducing print data d group to be printed on one sheet, setting of 4-in-1 printing for reducing print data d group to be printed on four sheets to one sheet, etc. There is. In the present embodiment, description will be made using an example set to the equal-size printing.

  Next, the CPU 32 functions as the processing range determination unit 42 and determines the processing range S (step S6). The processing range S means a range of pre-processing print data D1 that the CPU 32 executes processing in one printing process. The CPU 32 divides the pre-processing print data D1 into a plurality of processing ranges S, and each processing range S Execute the printing process. The CPU 32 determines the processing range S based on the printing range determined in step S4, and adds an end command notifying that it is the last command in the processing range S to the end of each processing range S. In the present embodiment, description will be given using an example in which the processing range S is set to the same range as the second printing range H2. That is, in the present embodiment, the processing range S is set for each sheet, and the printing process is executed for each sheet.

  The CPU 32 confirms whether or not the print data d that has not been subjected to the print process remains in the pre-process print data D1 (step S8), and if there is print data d that has not been subjected to the print process (in step S8). YES), the processing range for executing the next printing process is set, and the QR code list L1 and the QR code position information list L2 are initialized (step S10). The QR code list L1 is a storage area secured in the memory 30 (see FIG. 1). As will be described later, the print data d includes image data for printing a QR code. And an area for storing information included in the QR code. Similarly, the QR code position information list L2 is a storage area secured in the memory 30 (see FIG. 1). As described later, image data for printing a QR code on the print data d is stored. If included, this is an area for storing the print position information Z1 of the QR code.

  Next, the CPU 32 executes a first conversion process (step S12). FIG. 3 shows processing executed in the first conversion processing. A conversion area F1 for executing the printing process is secured in the memory 30 (see FIG. 1), and the CPU 32 initializes the conversion area F1 when the first conversion process is started (step S102). The CPU 32 executes a first conversion process for each instruction with respect to a plurality of instructions included in the set processing range. The CPU 32 checks whether or not the instruction for the first conversion process is an end instruction (step S104), and if the instruction for the first conversion process is not an end instruction (NO in step S104), what kind of instruction is Determine if it is an instruction.

  If the command for the first conversion processing is neither an image drawing command nor a drawing command for printing print data d other than image data such as character data (NO in steps S106 and S120), the CPU 32 returns to step S104. Start processing the next instruction.

  When the command for the first conversion processing is a drawing command for printing the print data d other than the image data (NO in step S106, YES in step S120), the CPU 32 executes the first creation processing (step S122). ). In the first creation process, the CPU 32 converts the print data d of the pre-process print data D1 included in the drawing command into the print data d of the post-process print data D2.

  When the command for the first conversion process is an image drawing command (YES in step S106), the CPU 32 checks whether the image data included in the image drawing command is image data for printing a QR code. (Step S108). When the image data is not image data for printing a QR code (NO in step S108), the CPU 32 executes a first creation process.

  On the other hand, when the image data is image data for printing a QR code (YES in step S108), the CPU 32 analyzes the QR code (step S110). The CPU 32 reads the information z included in the QR code and compares the information z with the information z registered in the QR code list L1 (step S112). When the read information z is not registered in the QR code list L1 (NO in step S112), the CPU 32 adds the read information z to the QR code list L1 (step S114). The QR code list L1 is shown in FIG. In the QR code list L1, a QR code ID is set for each registered information z. On the other hand, when the read information z is already registered in the QR code list (YES in step S112), the CPU 32 deletes the read information z without adding it to the QR code list L1. As shown in FIG. 8, even if there are four QR codes in the processing range S, if the QR code Q1 and the QR code Q4 contain the same information z, as shown in FIG. Information z is registered, and information z included in QR code Q4 is deleted. Thereby, it is suppressed that the duplicated information z is stored in the QR code list L1.

Further, the CPU 32 reads the QR code print position information Z1 and adds it to the QR code position information list L2 (step S116). The QR code position information list L2 is shown in FIG. The QR code position information list L2 is a list used to print a QR code ID instead of the QR code at the position of the QR code included in the pre-processing data D1. In the QR code position information list L2, a position number is set for each added print position information Z1, and a corresponding QR code ID is stored. In the QR code position information list L2, the print position information Z1 is stored even when the information z included in the QR code is duplicated. Therefore, when four QR codes exist in the processing range S as shown in FIG. 8, four pieces of print position information Z1 are registered as shown in FIG.
The CPU 32 ends the first conversion process when the first conversion process for the drawing command and other instructions is completed and the command for the first conversion process is an end command (YES in step S104).

  Next, the CPU 32 executes a second conversion process (step S14). FIG. 4 shows a process executed in the second conversion process. In the second conversion process, the CPU 32 executes a process of combining the information z included in the plurality of QR codes and generating print data d for printing the combined QR code including the plurality of information z.

  The CPU 32 is set with the process number i. When the second conversion process is started, 1 is assigned to the process number i (step S202). Next, the CPU 32 functions as the selection unit 44 and sorts the QR code list L1 (step S204). The CPU 32 changes the correspondence relationship between the QR code ID of the QR code list L1 and the information z so that the order of the information z and the QR code ID that are to be preferentially included in the combined QR code becomes equal, and in the subsequent processing, Information z included in the combined QR code is selected in the order of the QR code ID of the sorted QR code list L1. At the same time, the CPU 32 also changes the correspondence between the position number in the QR code position information list L2 and the QR code ID.

  As the order of information z to be preferentially included in the combined QR code, for example, when address information is included in the information z, the address information may be preferentially included in the combined QR code. Thus, when the user continuously accesses a plurality of URLs included in a plurality of QR codes, it is not necessary to read each QR code separately, and the plurality of URLs can be easily accessed.

  Further, for example, the information may be included in the combined QR code in the order of the information amount of the information z. By selecting in order of increasing information amount, information z having a large amount of information that often contains important information z can be preferentially included in the combined code. Further, by selecting in ascending order of information amount, more information z can be included in one combined QR code, and the user can acquire more information z at a time.

  For example, the information z included in one combined QR code may be determined based on the print position information Z1 in the QR code position information list L2. Since the print position information Z1 is close and the print position information Z1 is selected with priority given to the information z included in the QR code that is within the reference range set in the CPU 32, the relevant information z can be accurately selected. It can be included in the same connection code. In addition, by including information z included in the QR code that is close to the print position information Z1 in the same combined code, the user can easily grasp which QR code includes the information z included in the combined QR code.

  Next, the CPU 32 initializes the combined QR code information W (step S206). The combined QR code information W is stored in the memory 30 (see FIG. 1), and is selected from the information z included in the QR code list L1 and stores a plurality of information z included in the combined QR code. Means.

  Next, the CPU 32 determines the resolution K of the combined QR code. The CPU 32 acquires the resolution (an example of print resolution) K1 of the printer 10 from the memory 30 (step S208). Further, the CPU 32 functions as the input unit 46 and prompts the user to input the resolution K2 of the reading device that reads the QR code (including the combined QR code) that the user has via the operation unit 24, the PC 28, and the like (step S210). Obtains the resolution K2 of the reading device inputted. The CPU 32 determines the resolution K of the combined QR code based on the acquired resolution K1 and resolution K2. When the resolution K1 and the resolution K2 are different, the CPU 32 determines the lower resolution of the resolution K1 and the resolution K2 as the resolution K of the combined QR code.

  Next, the CPU 32 functions as the setting unit 48 and sets the first print range H1 (step S212). The first print range H1 means the print range of the combined QR code in the post-process print data D2. The CPU 32 secures a range in which the first print range H1 can be printed from the empty space of the pre-process print data D1, and sets the range as the first print range H1. The first printing range H1 is set within the processing range S.

  Next, the CPU 32 functions as the reference amount determination unit 50 and determines the reference amount A (step S214). The reference amount A means the maximum amount of information that can be included in the combined QR code, and is determined by the resolution K of the combined QR code and the first print range H1. The amount of information that can be included in the combined QR code increases as the resolution K of the combined QR code increases, and increases as the first print range H1 increases. In the following processing, the CPU 32 stores the information z of the QR code list L1 in the combined QR code information W in the order of the QR code IDs sorted (selected) in advance, and the information amount of the combined QR code information W is the reference amount. When A is exceeded, storage of the information z in the combined QR code information W is stopped.

  Further, the CPU 32 has the standard amount A0, and compares the determined standard amount A with the standard amount A0 (step S216). The standard amount A0 means a standard amount used for determining whether or not the information z can be stored in the combined QR code information W. In the reference amount A, since the resolution K of the combined QR code is low or the first printing range H1 is narrow, the sufficient reference amount A cannot be secured and the information z cannot be stored in the combined QR code information W. Can happen. When the reference amount A is smaller than the standard amount A0 (YES in step S216), the CPU 32 determines that no more information z can be included in the combined QR code information W, and the current processing number i and later A second creation process is executed for information corresponding to the QR code ID (step S220). In the second creation process, the CPU 32 converts the image data of the QR code of the pre-process print data D1 included in the drawing command into the print data d of the post-process print data D2.

  On the other hand, when the reference amount A is equal to or greater than the standard amount A0 (NO in step S216), it is determined that the information z can still be included in the combined QR code information W, and the QR code list L1 in the QR code ID order is determined. The information z is stored in the combined QR code information W. The CPU 32 compares the processing number i with the number of information z in the QR code list L1 ("3" in FIG. 6) (step S240), and if the processing number i is smaller than the number of information z in the QR code list L1 ( The information amount of the combined QR code information W when the information z having the QR code ID “i” is added to the reference amount A is compared with NO in step S240 (step S242). When the information amount of the combined QR code information W does not exceed the reference amount A (YES in step S242), the CPU 32 adds information z having the QR code ID “i” to the combined QR code information W (step S244). ) And the process number i is incremented by “1” (step S246).

  In the combined QR code information W, each piece of information z is added with a symbol such as a space in between. Therefore, in step S242, the CPU 32 calculates the information amount of the combined QR code information W including these symbols, and compares the information amount with the reference amount A.

  The CPU 32 determines that the information amount of the combined QR code information W when the process number i is larger than the number of information z in the QR code list L1 or the information z with the QR code ID “i” is added is the reference amount. Steps S240 to S246 are repeated until A is exceeded. The CPU 32 combines the QR code information when the processing number i is larger than the number of pieces of information z in the QR code list (YES in step S240) or when the information z having the QR code ID “i” is added. When the information amount of W exceeds the reference amount A (NO in step S242), the third creation process is executed (steps S222 and S260). In the present embodiment, of the information z in the QR code list L1 shown in FIG. 6, information z corresponding to QR Code IDs 1 and 2 is included in the combined QR code information W, and the QR code ID is “3”. Description will be made using an example in which the information amount of the combined QR code information W when the information z is added exceeds the reference amount A and the third creation process is executed.

  FIG. 5 shows processing executed in the third creation processing. The CPU 32 converts the information z stored in the combined QR code information W into a QR code (step S302). Further, the CPU 32 functions as the creating unit 52, creates image data for printing the combined QR code converted to QR code (step S304), and print data d of the post-process print data D2 in association with the first print range H1. Convert to As a result, post-processing print data D2 including the combined QR code Q5 is created as shown in FIG.

  Next, the CPU 32 functions as the determination unit 54 and determines a combined QR code (an example of a combined code) (step S306). The combined QR code means a QR code having only information z included in the combined QR code information W. The CPU 32 compares the information z included in the combined QR code information W with the information z included in the QR code list L1, and selects a QR code ID of the combined QR code. In the present embodiment, QR codes Q1, Q3, and Q4 having information z corresponding to QR code IDs 1 and 2 are coupled QR codes.

  Next, the CPU 32 functions as the replacement unit 56, replaces the image data of the coupled QR code with image data for drawing a QR code ID (an example of an identification symbol) (step S308), and ends the third creation process. To do. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the corresponding QR code ID is described in the portion where the QR codes Q1, Q3, and Q4 are described. Since the QR codes Q1, Q3, and Q4 are not printed, the user does not read the QR codes Q1, Q3, and Q4 by mistake or without notice.

  After completing the process in step S260, the CPU 32 repeats the process from step S260 in order to create the next combined QR code. The CPU 32 confirms the number of combined QR codes after the processes of Step S220 and Step S222 are completed (Step S224). When the number of combined QR codes is one, the CPU 32 ends the second conversion process. On the other hand, when there are a plurality of combined QR codes, a correspondence table for associating the combined QR code with the QR code ID is created (step S226), the print data d is included in the processed print data D2, and the second conversion process is performed. finish. This allows the user to read the combined QR code based on the printed correspondence table, and the user who wants to read the replaced combined QR code should read which combined QR code instead. Can be easily grasped.

Next, the CPU 32 converts the generated post-processing print data D2 into PDL (page description language) data that can be processed by the printer 10 (step S16), and functions as the transmission unit 58, and the converted PDL data is converted to the printer 10. (Step S18). The control unit 22 of the printer 10 uses the PDL data transmitted from the PC 28 to execute print processing in the image forming unit 26.
The CPU 32 repeatedly executes the print process on the print data d included in the pre-process print data D1, and terminates the print process when no print data d that has not been printed remains (NO in step S8). To do.

3. Advantages of the present embodiment In the program P of the present embodiment, when there are a plurality of QR codes in the pre-process print data D1 included in the print command, the combined QR code including the information z included in the plurality of QR codes is printed. Post-processing print data D2 including print data for printing is created. As a result, the image forming unit 26 of the printer 10 controlled by the CPU 32 functioning as a print control apparatus can print a combined QR code in which a plurality of individual codes are collected, and the user reads the combined QR code. Information z included in each QR code can be acquired at a time.

  In the program P of this embodiment, when determining the reference amount A, the reference amount A is determined based on the resolution K1 of the printer 10, the resolution K2 of the reading device owned by the user, and the first printing range H1, so The amount of information that can be included in the QR code can be accurately grasped, the number of pieces of information z that can be included in the combined QR code can be accurately grasped, and the user can combine them using a reader. The QR code can be read reliably.

  In the program P of the present embodiment, since the processing range S is determined based on the second printing range H2, it is possible to select QR codes to be printed on the same sheet and include them in the same combined QR code. A plurality of QR codes included in a plurality of sheets that are scheduled to be printed can be selected and included in the same combined QR code, and the related information z can be exactly the same combined QR Can be included in the code.

  In the program P of the present embodiment, when the same information z is included in a plurality of QR codes, the same information z is deleted so that it is not included in the QR code list L1, so that it is the same as the combined QR code information W. The information z is not included, and the user can acquire more types of information z at a time by reading one combined QR code.

<Embodiment 2>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a print command acquired from an application or the like is set for 4-in-1 printing. That is, in the second embodiment, the number of assignments in the print command is set to “4”. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the combined QR code Q11 is combined with the QR codes Q1 to Q10 included in the print data d printed on four sheets (three sheets in FIG. 11). Create Q12.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the printing process according to the second embodiment. In the following description, differences from the flowchart of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 will be described, and description of overlapping processes will be omitted.

  The CPU 132 has a processing page number x, and substitutes 0 for the processing page number x when a print command is input (step S408). The CPU 32 confirms whether or not print data that has not been subjected to print processing exists in the pre-process print data D1 (step S410), and if print data that has not been subjected to print processing exists in the pre-process print data D1. (YES in step S410), 1 is added to the processing page number x (step S412). The CPU 132 calculates a remainder obtained by dividing the processing page number x by the allocation number (step S414). When the remainder obtained by dividing the processing page number x by the allocation number is “1” (YES in step S414), the CPU 132 selects the first one of the four print data d to be printed in the processing range S. It is detected that the process of the print data d has been started, the QR code list L1 and the QR code position information list L2 are initialized (step S416), and the first conversion process is executed (step S418). On the other hand, if the remainder is other than “1” (NO in step S414), the first conversion process is executed without initializing the QR code list L1 and the QR code position information list L2 (step S418).

  Next, the CPU 132 checks whether or not the remainder obtained by dividing the processing page number x by the number of assignments is “0” (step S420). If the remainder is “0” (YES in step S420), the CPU 132 It is determined that the first conversion process of the print data d for four sheets included in the range S has been completed, and each process of the second conversion process (step S422), the PDL process (step S424), and the transmission process (step S426) Execute. On the other hand, if the remainder obtained by dividing the processing page number x by the number of allocations is not “0” (NO in step S420), the processing from step S410 is repeated.

  When the print data d that has not been subjected to the print process does not remain in the pre-process print data D1 (NO in step S410), the CPU 132 sets the process page number x without adding 1 to the process page number x. It is confirmed whether or not the remainder divided by the number of assignments is “0”. If the remainder is “0” (YES in step S440), the printing process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the remainder obtained by dividing the processing page number x by the number of allocations is not “0”, the second conversion process (step S442), the PDL process (step S444), and the transmission process (step S446) are executed. The printing process ends. In the printer 110 in which 4-in-1 printing is set, as shown in FIG. 11, even if the processing range S has an area for printing the print data d for four sheets, an actual printing process is required. There are cases where four print data d do not exist. For this reason, there is a case where the print data d that has not undergone the printing process does not remain (NO in step S410) before the remainder obtained by dividing the processing page number x by the number of assignments becomes “0” (NO in step S420). To do. In this case, the CPU 132 executes the second conversion process and the like even in a state where the first conversion process for the print data d for four sheets is not completed. As a result, even when there are not four print data d in the processing range S, the printing process can be terminated.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the above description and drawings. For example, the following embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.
(1) Although the above embodiment has been described using a QR code as a code, the code is not limited to this. For example, it may be realized using a barcode.

(2) Although the above embodiment has been described using an example in which the processing range S is set to the same range as the second printing range H2, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the printer 10 is set to duplex printing and the printed sheet is used in a spread state, the processing range S is set to the spread range (that is, twice the second print range H2). Also good.

(3) In the above embodiment, the description has been given using the image data for drawing the QR code ID as the image to replace the image data of the coupled QR code, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be image data for drawing information such as “This QR code is displayed together”. Further, the combined QR code image data collected in the same combined QR code may be replaced with the same image data. In this case, by printing the same image data as the replaced image data in the vicinity of the corresponding QR code, the user who wants to read the replaced combined QR code can instead use which combined QR code. Can be easily grasped.

(4) Although the above embodiment has been described on the assumption that the printing process is executed by the PC 28, the control unit 22 of the printer 10 may perform the same process. In this case, the data created by the first and second conversion processes may be printed as they are on the sheet without executing the PDL processing in steps S16, S426, and S444. In this case, the control unit 22 of the printer 10 corresponds to a print control apparatus.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology exemplified in this specification or the drawings can achieve a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical usefulness by achieving one of the objects.

10: printer 22: control unit 26: image forming unit 30: memory 32: CPU (printing control device)
40: acquisition unit 42: processing range determination unit 44: selection unit 46: input unit 48: setting unit 50: reference amount determination unit 52: creation unit 54: determination unit 56: replacement unit 58: transmission unit A: reference amount D1: Pre-process print data D2: Post-process print data H1: First print range H2: Second print range z: Information Z1: Print position information

Claims (10)

In the print control device that controls the printing device,
An acquisition process for acquiring a print command;
A code generation process for generating a combined code including information included in the plurality of individual codes when the print command includes pre-process print data for printing the plurality of individual codes ;
Of the pre-process print data, print data for printing the plurality of individual codes having information included in the combined code is replaced with print data for printing an identification symbol for identifying each individual code. A replacement process to
A binding code generated by the code generation process, a post-processing print data for printing the correspondence table, a indicating that the plurality of identification marks in the combined code is compatible, by the replacement process Creation processing for creating post-process print data in which print data is replaced ;
A transmission process for transmitting the processed print data to the printing apparatus;
A program for the print control device that executes A program for the print control apparatus according to claim 1,
When the total information amount of the information possessed by the plurality of individual codes exceeds a reference amount, a selection process for selecting information to be included in the combined code from the information possessed by the plurality of individual codes is executed.
In the selection process, when address information is included in information included in the plurality of individual codes, a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of selecting the address information with priority over other information. A program for the print control apparatus according to claim 1,
When the total information amount of the information possessed by the plurality of individual codes exceeds a reference amount, a selection process for selecting information to be included in the combined code from the information possessed by the plurality of individual codes is executed.
In the selection process, a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of selecting in order of information amount of information included in the plurality of individual codes. A program for the print control apparatus according to claim 1,
When the total information amount of the information possessed by the plurality of individual codes exceeds a reference amount, a selection process for selecting information to be included in the combined code from the information possessed by the plurality of individual codes is executed.
The print command includes print position information in which the print position of the individual code in the pre-process print data is set,
In the selection process, a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of selecting information included in the individual code in which the print position information is within a reference range. A program for a printing control apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
Performing a reference amount determination process for determining the reference amount;
In the reference amount determination process, a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of determining the reference amount based on a print resolution of the printing apparatus. A program for a printing control apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
An input process for prompting input of the resolution of the reading device that reads the combined code;
A reference amount determination process for determining the reference amount, and
In the reference amount determination process, a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of determining the reference amount based on the resolution of the reading device input in the input process. A program for a printing control apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A setting process for setting a first print range that is a print range of the combined code in the post-process print data;
A reference amount determination process for determining the reference amount, and
In the reference amount determination process, a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of determining the reference amount based on the first print range set in the setting process. A program for a printing control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
In the print command, a second print range that is a print range to be printed on one recording medium is set,
In the creation process, the pre-process print data is divided into a plurality of process ranges, and the creation process is executed for each process range, and the process range determination process for determining the process range is executed.
In the process range determination process , a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of determining the process range based on the second print range. A program for a print control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
In the creation process, when the same information is included in the plurality of individual codes, a program for a print control apparatus that executes a process of creating post-process print data by deleting any of the same information. A printing control device for controlling a printing device,
An acquisition unit for acquiring a print command;
A code generation unit that generates a combined code including information included in the plurality of individual codes when the print command includes pre-process print data for printing the plurality of individual codes ;
Of the pre-process print data, print data for printing the plurality of individual codes having information included in the combined code is replaced with print data for printing an identification symbol for identifying each individual code. A data replacement unit to perform,
Processed print data for printing a combined code generated by the code generation unit and a correspondence table indicating that the plurality of identification symbols correspond to the combined code, the data replacement unit A creation unit for creating the processed print data in which the print data is replaced by
A transmission unit for transmitting the processed print data to the printing apparatus;
A printing control apparatus comprising:

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