JPH07234906A - Bar code data generator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a cursor from being moved to a digit to which direct input by an operator is not performed when a bar code is generated by employing such constitution that a cursor re-moving means further moves the cursor when it is located at a specific digit and the cursor is prevented from staying at the specific digit. CONSTITUTION:A keyboard 3, a print mechanism PM, a display part D and an alarm mechanism AM are connected to a control part C via an input/output interface 29, respectively. The control part C is comprised setting a CPU 31 connected to the input/output interface 29 via a bus 30 as a kernel. When processing to move the cursor is performed while bar code data is being generated, the position of the cursor after movement is compared with a specific digit pointer and when coincidence is obtained between them, the cursor is further moved. In this way, the residence of the cursor on the specific digit can be evaded. Therefore, possibility to repeat a wasteful key operation on the specific digit to which the direct input by the operator is not performed can be eliminated, and the bar code can be efficiently generated.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bar code data creating apparatus for creating a text including a bar code on a display, and more particularly to displaying a bar code data on the display to create a text. When doing
The present invention relates to a bar code data creation device in which the possibility of erroneous operation is reduced and the operability is improved by preventing the cursor from being moved to a special digit when the operator does not directly input the digit. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, bar codes have been used to manage a wide variety of articles such as a large amount of books in libraries and office supplies such as floppy disks in business establishments. Since it is usually difficult to directly print a barcode on these articles or the like, it is usual to print the barcode on an adhesive tape with a dedicated barcode printer and attach the adhesive tape to the article.

On the other hand, a bar code reader is required for reading the bar code itself and cannot be identified by human eyes.
For this reason, there has been a demand to write a barcode and ordinary characters together. However, it is not possible to print characters with a dedicated barcode printer, so it is necessary to create a printing tape with another printing device or write it on by hand, which makes the barcode more widespread. Was an obstacle to Therefore, in a tape printer that creates text consisting of characters and prints it on a printing medium such as a printing tape, it is possible to input bar code data as well as data such as characters and symbols, and to enter characters and bar codes. Those that have added the function of printing at the same time have been proposed.

In these tape printers, bar code data is usually handled as follows. The barcode data is represented by a combination of alphanumeric characters or the like with a predetermined number of digits on the text, and is converted into a barcode symbol composed of a bar and a space when printing and printed. Then, on the display of the tape printer, as shown in FIG. 14, a special symbol is displayed in the text consisting of characters and symbols to indicate the presence of the barcode data. In the display example of FIG. 14, the display mark has two columns of a start mark MS and an end mark ME.

When the bar code key is pressed, the bar code mode is entered, and as shown in FIG. 11 and the like, the text on the display is erased and the alphanumeric characters and the like forming the bar code data are displayed. In this state, the barcode data can be appropriately modified. Then, when the bar code key is pressed again, the display in FIG. 14 is restored, and when the print key is pressed, the text including both characters and the bar code is printed on the adhesive tape.

Here, the bar code indicates "CODE3
There are various standards such as "9", "JAN", and "EAN", and the types of characters that can be used and the data structure are different depending on the standards. Depending on the standard, there are cases where the data structure has a special digit called a check digit (hereinafter referred to as "CD"). The CD is provided to check whether or not the bar code has been correctly read by the bar code reader. That is, although the CD forms a part of the bar code data, it cannot be directly input by the input operator, and the device side is based on the data of another digit (hereinafter referred to as "UD") of the bar code data. Is calculated and the value is determined. When the barcode including the CD is read by the barcode reader, the CD is calculated again from the read UD. Then, if the calculated CD and the read CD match, it is confirmed that the reading was performed correctly, and if they do not match, it is determined that the reading was defective.

A typical example of the bar code standard having a CD is the "EAN" standard. The "EAN" standard is
"EAN13", "EAN13 + 2", "EAN13 +
5 "etc. The structure of these data is shown in the explanatory diagram of FIG. "EAN13" shown in FIG. 15 (a)
Is composed of a total of 13 digits including a 12-digit UD and a 1-digit CD immediately after that. “EAN13 + 2” and “EAN13 + 5” shown in (b) and (c) of FIG. 15 are a two-digit or five-digit UD after the CD of “EAN13”, respectively.
Is added. In any of these three types of standards, it is said that a CD sums the data of the 12-digit UD in the front and fills it with the unit digit. Further, both the leading mark MT and the trailing mark MB attached before and after the data are added to indicate the leading or trailing position when displaying the contents of the barcode data on the display, It does not form part of the barcode data itself.

[0008]

However, the handling of the bar code in the conventional tape printer has a problem regarding the handling at the time of creating the data. When creating or editing bar code data, the contents of the data are displayed on the display, and the data is input or deleted while moving the cursor in the same manner as in normal text creation. Here, even if a CD exists in the data, it is not particularly distinguished from UD from the viewpoint of cursor movement, and it was possible to place the cursor on the CD. As described above, since the operator cannot directly input data to the CD, if the data input key is pressed while the cursor is on the CD, the key input is invalidated.

At this time, if the operator does not know the meaning of the CD, data input may be repeated many times while suspiciously that the key input is invalid, and it may be a malfunction of the keyboard. May cause misunderstanding. If the operator knows the meaning of the CD, he or she will move the cursor to the next digit with the cursor keys and continue inputting, but even in this case, the operation of the character (mainly numeric) keys must be interrupted once. I won't. Especially, "EAN13 + 2", "E
In the case of a standard in which a UD is located behind the CD as in "AN13 + 5", the cursor key operation is forced at the CD, so that data cannot be continuously input.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the problem of the bar code data creation in the conventional tape printer, and when a CD is present in the bar code data, a cursor is placed on the CD. Is not moved,
It eliminates the risk of useless data input operations and enables continuous data input even with a standard that has a CD in the middle of the data, which improves operability when creating barcode data. It is an object of the present invention to provide a bar code data creating device.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a bar code data creating apparatus according to claim 1 of the present application is
In a bar code data creating apparatus having an input means for inputting characters and the like, and a bar code data creating means for creating bar code data including a special digit while moving the cursor based on the input from the input means, A moving cursor moving means, a special digit judging means for judging whether or not the cursor is positioned at the special digit when the cursor is moved by the cursor moving means, and a special digit judging means for moving the cursor to the special digit. And a cursor re-moving means for further moving the cursor when it is determined that the cursor is positioned at.

The bar code data creating apparatus according to claim 2 of the present application creates an input means for inputting characters and the like and a text including the characters and the bar code data based on the input from the input means. In a bar code data creating device having a text creating means, a bar code data creating means for creating the bar code data including a special digit while moving a cursor based on an input from the input means, and the bar code data creating Cursor moving means for moving the cursor while the barcode data is being created by means, and special digit determining means for determining whether or not the cursor is positioned at the special digit when the cursor is moved by the cursor moving means. When the special digit determining means determines that the cursor is located at the special digit, the cursor is further moved. It is configured to have a Cursor re moving means.

Further, in the bar code data creating apparatus according to claim 3 of the present application, when the bar code data is edited, a pointer memory for instructing a position where the bar code data is to be edited and an instruction for the pointer memory are instructed. Pointer moving means for moving the position and second special digit judgment for judging whether or not the designated position is the position of the special digit when the position designated by the pointer memory is moved by the pointer moving means. Means for moving the position designated by the pointer memory further when the designated position of the pointer memory is determined to be the position of the special digit by the second special digit determining means.
Alternatively, the configuration according to claim 2 is provided.

[0014]

In the bar code data creating apparatus having the above structure, the bar code data creating means creates the bar code data while moving the cursor based on the characters or the like input from the input means. The bar code data includes a special digit. Here, when the cursor is moved by the cursor moving means, the special digit determining means determines whether or not the cursor position after the movement is the position of the special digit. When it is determined that the cursor is located in the special digit, the cursor re-moving means further moves the cursor to prevent the cursor from staying in the special digit. In the bar code data creation device of the second aspect, the text creation means creates the text including the characters and the bar code data based on the characters input from the input means. The creation of this bar code data is performed in the same manner as the creation of the bar code data in the bar code data creating device of the first aspect.

According to the bar code data creating apparatus of claim 3, in addition to the operation of the bar code data creating apparatus of claim 1 or 2, when the bar code data is edited while the bar code data is being created, a pointer is used. The memory indicates the position where the editing process is performed. When the position designated by the pointer memory is moved by the pointer moving means, the second special digit determining means determines whether or not the designated position after the movement of the pointer memory is the position of the special digit. When it is determined that the designated position of the pointer memory is the position of the special digit, the pointer re-moving means further moves the designated position of the pointer memory to prevent the designated position of the pointer memory from remaining at the special digit.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A bar code data creating apparatus of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment. The barcode data creation device 1 of the present embodiment is
In a tape printer that prints characters and the like on a tape, it is possible to create and input bar code data together with the characters and to print simultaneously with the characters and the like. FIG. 1 shows an external view of the bar code data creating apparatus 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG.
A keyboard 3 is arranged in the front part of the main body frame 2 of the printer, and a printing mechanism PM for printing characters and the like on a printing tape is provided inside the main body frame 2 behind the keyboard 3.
And a small liquid crystal display (LCD) 27 capable of displaying characters and symbols over a plurality of digits.

In the keyboard 3, character keys 4 for inputting characters such as characters, a bar code key 5 for selecting a bar code input mode for inputting bar code data, and a bar code input mode are used. Parameter key 6 for setting various parameters, return key 7 for instructing execution of various processes, left and right cursor keys 8, 9 for moving cursor K left and right, and deletion of data immediately before the digit where cursor K is located. A backward key 10 for instructing, and other various function keys necessary for operating the barcode data creating apparatus 1 are provided. Here, the return key 7 in the barcode data creation device 1 is provided with a function of completing one data input and returning to the normal text input mode in the barcode input mode selected by the barcode key 5. ing.

Next, the printing mechanism PM has a thermal head in which a predetermined number of heating elements are arranged in a row in the vertical direction. A tape cassette having a predetermined shape, in which a printing tape having a predetermined width and an ink ribbon are stored, is attached and used. When a heating element of a thermal head is energized in accordance with text data, characters such as characters and a bar code symbol are printed by a plurality of dot rows on a printing tape supplied from a tape cassette and ejected as a printed tape 24. Is. Next, the liquid crystal display 27 will be described. The liquid crystal display 27 is controlled by a display controller (LCDC) 28 described later,
Characters input from various keys arranged on the keyboard 3 are displayed.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the bar code data creating apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the barcode data creation device 1. Basically, the control unit C, the keyboard 3, the printing mechanism PM, and the display unit D are basically shown.
M and an alarm mechanism AM. And
Keyboard 3, printing mechanism PM, display section DM, alarm mechanism A
Each M is connected to the control unit C via the input / output interface 29. The control unit C will be described. The control unit C is configured with a CPU 31 connected to the input / output interface 29 via a bus 30 as a core, and the CPU 31 is further connected to the CGROM 3 via the bus 30.
2, ROM 33 and RAM 34 are connected. CP
The U 31 performs various arithmetic processes necessary for controlling the barcode data creation device 1 according to various programs stored in the ROM 33 described later.

The ROM 33 is a bar code data generating device 1
It stores various programs, data, etc. necessary for the control of the. Main programs stored in the ROM 33 include a text memory 41, which will be described later, in response to key input from the character keys 4 and other keys of the keyboard 3.
A text creation program that creates text on top, a bar code data editing program that inserts bar code data into the text and changes the inserted bar code data, and the operator included in the bar code data directly A CD calculation program for calculating a CD that is a special digit that is not input, and a display controller 28 for displaying characters such as characters corresponding to the contents of text
Display control program that controls the print data, a barcode development program that develops barcode symbols for printing based on the barcode data in the text, a print control program that drives the thermal head or tape feed motor based on the content of the text, etc. There is.

The main data stored in the ROM 33 is a data table such as rules of various bar code standards. That is, since valid characters, the number of digits that can be set, the presence / absence and position of a CD, the calculation method thereof, the symbol width and length during printing, etc. are defined as rules for each bar code standard, these are stored as a table. Is what you are doing.
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the CDs are not consecutively arranged in two digits or more in one bar code data. In the CGROM 32 of the controller C, dot pattern data for display is stored in association with code data for each of a large number of characters.

The RAM 34 of the control unit C is the CPU 31.
It temporarily stores various calculation results calculated by the above, and has various storage areas. That is, RAM3
4, a text memory 41 for storing the text created based on the input character, a bar code buffer 42 for creating and changing bar code data to be inserted into the text, and a cursor position in the bar code data. And a pointer memory 43 having various pointers for determining the display position on the liquid crystal display 27 and the like,
A print buffer for expanding the contents of the text into printable print data based on the dot pattern data of the CGROM 32 or the bar code expansion program of the ROM 33, and a data scroll process for avoiding the CD in the bar code data. The work buffer 44 and other various storage areas necessary for controlling the barcode data creating apparatus 1 are provided.

Here, as the pointers provided in the pointer memory 43, the cursor K in the bar code data is used.
Cursor pointer CP that indicates the position of the bar code, end pointer EP that displays the end position of the bar code data that is actually input to prevent over-input of data into bar code buffer 42, and position of CD in the bar code data. There is a special digit pointer SP for storing, a first data pointer DP and a second data pointer GP for performing data scroll processing while avoiding CD in the barcode data.
In addition, various variable memories such as a mode flag MF indicating whether or not special processing for moving the cursor is required depending on the type of barcode standard used are provided.

The display section DM in the control system of FIG. 2 comprises a display controller 28 connected to the input / output interface 29 and the above-mentioned liquid crystal display 27. Characters and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display 27 via a display controller 28 which is drive-controlled by a display control program of the ROM 33. In the text input mode, characters that are the contents of the text are displayed as shown in FIG. When the text includes bar code data, its presence is indicated by the start mark MS and the end mark ME. When the bar code input mode is selected by the bar code key 5, FIG.
Characters forming the bar code data of the bar code buffer 42 are displayed.

The printing mechanism PM in the control system of FIG. 2 is similar to the thermal head 16 driven via the drive circuit 38 based on the print data sent from the control section C via the input / output interface 29, as well as the drive circuit. Tape printing is performed in cooperation with a tape feed motor 36 driven via 37. The keyboard 3 in the control system of FIG. 2 issues various commands to the control unit C via the input / output interface 29 as described above. Further, in the alarm mechanism AM in the control system of FIG. 2, when the key input from the keyboard 3 is not valid, the alarm buzzer 40 emits an alarm sound via the drive circuit 39 which receives a command from the controller C. It calls attention to the operator.

Next, the operation of the barcode data creating apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. First, the flow of basic processing of the barcode data creation device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The basic processing of the barcode data creation device 1 is started by pressing the power-on switch and ends with an interrupt caused by pressing the power-off switch.

When the power of the bar code data creating device 1 is turned on, a predetermined initialization process such as clearing of the text memory 41 is performed in step (hereinafter referred to as "S") 1 to enter a basic process state, and a key input of S2 is performed. It will be in a waiting state. If there is a key input from the keyboard 3 (S2: Yes), S
Go to 3. In S3, it is determined whether the input key is the character key 4. If it is determined that it is the character key 4 (S3: Yes), the process proceeds to S4, the character corresponding to the input key is displayed, and if necessary, on-screen scrolling processing is performed. Then, in S5, the code of the character is inserted into the text memory 41. Then, the process returns to the key input waiting state of S2.

When it is determined in S3 that the input key is not the character key 4 (S3: No), the process proceeds to S6.
In S6, it is determined whether the key input in S2 is the barcode key 5. If it is determined that the key is the bar code key 5 (S6: Yes), the process proceeds to S7, the bar code input process described below is performed, and then the process returns to the key input waiting state of S2.

If it is determined in S6 that the key entered in S2 is not the bar code key 5, (S6: N
o), go to S8. In S8, it is determined whether or not the key input in S2 is one of the left and right cursor keys 8 and 9. If it is determined that the right or left cursor key 8 or 9 is selected (S8: Yes), the process proceeds to S9.
In S9, it is determined whether or not the contents of the text memory 41 are in a cursor movable state. When it is determined that the cursor can be moved (S9: Yes), the process proceeds to S10, the cursor moving process and the screen scrolling process are performed if necessary, and then the process returns to the key input waiting state of S2.

When it is determined in S9 that the cursor cannot be moved, for example, when the cursor K is at the beginning of the text but the left cursor key 8 is input (S9: No), the key input is invalidated. , An alarm is generated in S11 and the process returns to the key input waiting state in S2. In S8, when it is determined that the key input in S2 is neither the left or right cursor key 8 or 9 (S10: No), the process proceeds to S12, and other processing corresponding to the input key is performed. It returns to the key input waiting state of S2. Other processing includes, for example, printing processing. The above is the flow of the basic processing of the barcode data creation device 1.

Next, the bar code input process performed in S7 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. In the bar code input mode, first, the bar code buffer 42 is initialized in S21 of FIG. The initialization here is performed when the bar code key 5 is pressed while the bar code data is already present in the text and the cursor K is located at the bar code end mark ME on the display 27. This means that the content of the barcode data is read into the barcode buffer 42. In other cases, it means that the barcode buffer 42 is cleared. Further, each value in the pointer memory 43 of the RAM 34 is also initialized.

Then, in step S22, the text screen is erased and the bar code input screen is displayed on the display 27.
To display. When the bar code data in the text is read in S21, the content is displayed. When the bar code input screen is displayed, the process proceeds to S23 and waits for key input. If there is a key input from the keyboard 3 (S2
3: Yes), and proceeds to S24. In S24, it is determined whether or not the input key is a valid character key among the character keys 4. The valid characters are characters that can be input as bar code data, and are defined as a rule for each bar code standard. In the bar code data creation device 1, a table is stored in advance in the ROM 33 of the control unit C as a table. It is stored. The valid characters are limited to numbers only in the "EAN" type standards, but in other barcode standards, uppercase letters, "$" (dollar), and "/" (slash).
There are cases where some symbols are included.

When it is determined that the key is a valid character key (S24: Yes), the process proceeds to S25. In S25, it is determined whether or not the valid character input in S24 can be inserted into the barcode buffer 42. That is, when the barcode buffer 42 is already filled with the data of the number of data digits set in S37, which will be described later, no more data can be inserted. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the value of the end pointer EP is equal to the set buffer length.

When it is judged that the character cannot be inserted because the bar code buffer 42 is already full (S25: No).
Key input is invalidated, an alarm is issued in S34, and the process returns to the key input waiting state in S23. When it is determined that there is an empty digit in the barcode buffer 42 and a character can be inserted (S25: Yes), the process proceeds to S26. In S26, S is placed at the position of the cursor pointer CP of the barcode buffer 42.
A valid character corresponding to the key entered in 23 is inserted.
When you insert a character, go to S27 and move the cursor pointer CP
And the value of the end pointer EP are incremented by 1. Then, in S31, the CD processing described later is performed to calculate the CD value and the like. After that, the screen display is corrected in S36 and S
It returns to the key input waiting state of 23.

If it is determined in S24 that the key entered in S23 is not a valid character key (S2
4: No), and proceeds to S28. In S28, S23
It is determined whether or not the key input in step 4 is the reverse key 10. When the reverse key 10 is pressed (S28: Yes),
Proceed to S29. In S29, it is determined whether the backward process is possible. The backward process is a process of deleting the character in front of the cursor K and scrolling the characters behind the cursor K forward by one character. Specifically, the possibility is judged by whether or not the current position of the cursor K is the head of the barcode buffer 42. This is because the backward process cannot be performed when the cursor K is located at the beginning.

When it is judged that the backward processing is impossible (S2)
9: No), the key input is invalidated, an alarm is issued in S34, and the state returns to the key input waiting state in S23. S29
If it is determined that the reverse processing is possible (S29: Y
es), and proceeds to S30. In S30, a backward process described later is performed. After the backward process, the CD process described later is performed in S31. Then, the screen display is corrected in S36 and the process returns to the key input waiting state in S23.

When it is determined in S28 that the key input in S23 is not the reverse key 10, (S28:
No), the process proceeds to S32. In S32, it is determined whether the key input in S23 is one of the left and right cursor keys 8 and 9. When the cursor is one of the left and right cursor keys 8 and 9 (S32: Yes), the process proceeds to S33.
In S33, it is determined whether or not the cursor K can be moved. Specifically, when the left cursor key 8 is pressed while the cursor K is located at the beginning of the data, or when the right cursor key 9 is pressed while the cursor K is located at the end of the data, It is determined that the cursor cannot be moved.

When it is determined that the cursor cannot be moved (S33: No), the key input is invalidated, and S34
An alarm is issued and the process returns to the key input waiting state of S23.
If it is determined in S31 that the cursor can be moved (S
33: Yes), and proceeds to S35. In S35, cursor processing described later is performed. Then, the screen display is corrected in S36 and the process returns to the key input waiting state in S23. In S32, S
When it is determined that the key input in 23 is not the left cursor key 8 (S32: No), the process proceeds to S37 in FIG. In S37, it is determined whether the key input in S23 of FIG. 4 is the parameter key 6. If it is determined that the key is the parameter key 6 (S37: Yes), S3
8, the barcode parameter setting process described later is performed. That is, various settings are made for the case where it is desired to use a bar code standard other than the "EAN" system, or when the symbol width, the symbol length and the like are set as desired.

At this time, the mode flag MF of the RAM 34
Is also set. That is, "EAN13 + 2", "EA
CD is included in the data like "N13 + 5", and CD
The value of the mode flag MF is set to 1 when the bar code standard having UD behind is set, and the value is set to 0 when the bar code standard other than these is set. Further, when the standard is set to include CD in the data, a predetermined value is set in the special digit pointer SP according to the position of the CD in the data structure. When the barcode parameter setting process ends, the process returns to the key input waiting state of S23 in FIG.

If it is determined in S37 that the key entered in S23 is not the parameter key 6, (S3
7: No), and proceeds to S39. In S39, S23
It is determined whether or not the key entered in is the return key 7. The return key 7 here is provided with a function of completing the input of one bar code data and returning to the normal text input mode, as described above. That is, it is determined whether or not the barcode input mode is returned to the text input mode. If it is determined that the return key is not 7 (S39: No), the process proceeds to S40 and S23.
Perform other processing corresponding to the key entered in step S2.
Return to the key input waiting state of 3.

When it is determined in S39 that the key input in S23 is the return key 7, (S39:
Yes), and proceed to S41. In S41, the number of digits of the data input to the barcode buffer 42 is checked. This is because when the number of digits of the data does not reach the predetermined number of digits, the function as the barcode data is not exerted, and it is not appropriate to return to the normal mode as it is. When it is determined that the number of digits is insufficient (S41: No),
Input of the return key 7 is invalidated, an alarm is issued in S42, and the state returns to the key input waiting state of S23. That is, the bar code input mode is not ended.

When it is determined in S41 that the number of digits of the barcode data is good (S41: Yes),
Proceed to S43. In S43, the barcode data in the barcode buffer 42 is inserted into the text in the text memory 41. Then, when the screen display of the liquid crystal display 27 is corrected in S44, the barcode input mode ends. Therefore, the normal text input mode is returned to and the key input waiting state of S2 in the flow of FIG. 3 is entered. The above is the flow of the barcode input processing.

Next, the backward processing performed in S30 in the flow of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the backward process, first, in S51, it is determined whether or not the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are equal, that is, whether or not the current position of the cursor K is at the end of the barcode data. This is because when the cursor K is at the end of the data, it is only necessary to delete the last character, but in other cases, scroll processing of the remaining characters is required, and the content of the processing is different.

Cursor pointer CP and end pointer E
If it is determined that the values of P and P are equal, that is, the cursor K is located at the end of the data (S51: Yes), S
Proceed to 52. In S52, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are each decremented by 1. And S
At 53, the value of the mode flag MF is checked.
If the value of the mode flag MF is not "1" (S
53: No), since there is no CD in the bar code data or there is no UD behind the CD, S54, S
The process directly proceeds to S56 without performing the process of 55. If the value of the mode flag MF is "1" in S53 (S53:
Yes), the process proceeds to S54, the value of the cursor pointer CP,
That is, it is determined whether the value decremented by 1 in S52 is equal to the special digit pointer SP. When the value of the cursor pointer CP is different from the special digit pointer SP (S54: No),
Since the new position of the cursor K can be directly processed instead of the CD, the process directly proceeds to S56 without performing the process of S55.

If the value of the cursor pointer CP is equal to the special digit pointer SP in S54 (S54: Ye
s), and proceed to S55. In this case, since the new position of the cursor K is the special digit CD, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are further decremented by 1 in S55. This is because the operator cannot directly input data to the CD and it is meaningless to keep the cursor K or the like here. This prevents the cursor K from remaining on the CD. Then, in S56, blank data is set at the position indicated by the cursor pointer CP. That is, the character is erased. When it is determined in S51 that the cursor K is located at the end of the data, the backward process is completed.

When it is determined in S51 that the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are not equal, that is, the cursor K is not located at the end of the data (S51: No), the process proceeds to S57. In S57, the value of the cursor pointer CP is assigned to the first data pointer DP. This is because the position of the cursor K at the time of pressing the backward key 10 is stored. Next, in S58, the data at the DP position is saved in the work buffer 44. Then, in S59, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are each decremented by 1. Then, in S60, the value of the mode flag MF is checked as in S53. When the value of the mode flag MF is not "1" (S60: No), the process directly proceeds to the scroll process of S65 without performing the processes of S61 to S64. This is because no special processing is required due to the presence of the CD.

When the value of the mode flag MF is "1" in S60 (S60: Yes), the process proceeds to S61. S
In 61, the value of the cursor pointer CP, that is, in S59, 1
It is determined whether the reduced value is equal to the special digit pointer SP. When it is determined that they are equal (S61: Ye
s), the value of the cursor pointer CP is further reduced by 1 in S62. This is to prevent the cursor K from remaining on the CD.
Then, the process proceeds to S63. If it is determined in S61 that the value of the cursor pointer CP is not equal to the special digit pointer SP (S61: No), the process of S62 is skipped and S is performed directly.
Proceed to 63.

In S63, it is determined whether or not the value of the end pointer EP, that is, the value decremented by 1 in S59 is equal to the special digit pointer SP. If it is determined that they are equal (S
63: Yes), and the value of the end pointer EP is further reduced by 1 in S64. This is to prevent the end pointer EP from remaining on the CD. Then, the process proceeds to S65. When it is determined in S63 that the value of the end pointer EP is not equal to the special digit pointer SP (S63: No), the process directly proceeds to the scroll process of S65 without performing the process of S64. In S65, a left scroll process of scrolling the character data after the cursor K is performed. When the left scroll process is completed,
The backward processing ends. When the backward process is completed, as described above, after the CD process of S31 and the display correction of S36 in the flow of FIG. 4, the key input waiting state of S23 is entered.

Next, the left scroll processing performed in S65 in the flow of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When entering the left scrolling process,
In S71, the value of the cursor pointer CP is assigned to the second data pointer GP. The first data pointer DP substituted in S57 in FIG. 6 corresponds to the position of the cursor K before the backward key 10 is pressed, whereas the second data pointer GP corresponds to the position of the cursor K after the backward key 10 is pressed. The difference corresponds to. Then, in S72, the position corresponding to the second data pointer GP value of the barcode data is overwritten with the value saved in the work buffer 44. This value is obtained by saving the data at the position of the first data pointer DP in S58 of FIG. 6, so that the character at the position of the cursor K before the backward key 10 is pressed,
This means that scrolling has been done.

Next, in S73, the first data pointer DP
And the value of the end pointer EP are compared. If the value of the first data pointer DP is equal to the value of the end pointer EP (S73: Yes), it means that the processing has been completed for all the characters to be scrolled, and therefore, there is a blank at the position of the first data pointer DP in S81. The data is set and the left scroll processing is completed. If the value of the first data pointer DP is not equal to the value of the end pointer EP in S73 (S73: No), there is still a character to be scrolled, so the process is continued.

At S74, the value of the first data pointer DP and the value of the second data pointer GP are incremented by one.
This is because the scroll processing is similarly performed on the character immediately after the character overwritten in S72. In S75, the mode flag MF is checked. If the mode flag MF is not 1 (S75: No), there is no need for special processing due to the presence of the CD in the data, so S76 to S7.
The process directly goes to S80 without performing the process up to 9.

When the mode flag MF is 1 (S75: Yes), the process proceeds to S76. In S76, the first
It is determined whether the value of the data pointer DP, that is, the value incremented by 1 in S74 is equal to the special digit pointer SP. When it is determined that they are equal (S76: Yes), the value of the first data pointer DP is further increased by 1 in S77. This is to prevent scrolling of the CD data.
Then, the process proceeds to S78. First data pointer DP in S76
When it is determined that the value of is not equal to the special digit pointer SP (S76: No), the process directly proceeds to S78 without performing the process of S77.

In S78, the value of the second data pointer GP, that is, the value incremented by 1 in S74 is the special digit pointer SP.
And whether or not If it is determined that they are equal (S78: Yes), the second data pointer G
Further increase the value of P by 1. This is to prevent scrolling of the CD data. Then, the process proceeds to S80. If it is determined in S78 that the value of the second data pointer GP is not equal to the special digit pointer SP (S78:
No), the process directly proceeds to S80 without performing the process of S79.

In S80, the work buffer 44 is overwritten with the data of the first data pointer DP position, that is, the position moved in S74 and, if applicable, in S77. Then, the process returns to S72, and the second data pointer GP position is overwritten with the data in the work buffer 44. Thus, one more character has been scrolled. Then, until all the characters to be scrolled are processed,
The processing from S72 to S80 will be repeated. When the processing is completed for all the characters to be scrolled, it is determined as Yes in S73, blank data is set in the first data pointer DP position in S81, and the left scrolling processing is ended.

Next, the CD processing performed at S31 in the flow of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As is clear from the flow of FIG. 4, the CD processing is performed after the insertion of effective characters in the barcode data or after the backward processing, that is, the UD in the barcode data. After some changes have been made to. If the UD is changed, the CD will be changed accordingly.
This is because the data of must be changed. When the CD processing is started, first, in S91, the mode flag MF is checked. If the value of the mode flag MF is not 1 (S91: No), there is no CD in the data or there is no UD behind the CD, so there is no need to perform any processing, and the CD processing is directly terminated.

When the value of the mode flag MF is 1 in S91 (S91: Yes), the process proceeds to S92, and the value of the end pointer EP and the value of the special digit pointer SP are compared. If the value of the end pointer EP has not reached the value of the special digit pointer SP (S92: No), the data of the CD cannot be calculated.
The blank data is set at the position of, and the CD processing ends. This occurs when the number of valid digits is still less than the predetermined number of digits, or when the backward processing is performed and the number of digits is less than the predetermined number of digits. In this case, S39: Yes in the flow of FIG. 5 returns key 7
When is pressed, it is determined as No in S41 due to the insufficient number of digits, and the bar code input mode cannot be exited. Therefore, more characters must be input.

When it is determined in S92 that the value of the end pointer EP is equal to or greater than the value of the special digit pointer SP (S92: Yes), the process proceeds to S94 and the CD data is calculated based on each data of the UD digit. . This calculation method is C
It is defined as a rule for each bar code standard having D, and is calculated by the CD calculation program of the ROM 33. Then, in S95, the value calculated in S93 is set to the special digit pointer SP position of the barcode data. Although the CD has been calculated and input as described above, the processing from S96 to S99 is performed in order to avoid a state in which the values of the end pointer EP and the cursor pointer CP remain equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP. .

In S96, the value of the end pointer EP and the value of the special digit pointer SP are compared. End pointer E
If the value of P is equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP (S
96: Yes), the value of the end pointer EP is set to 1 in S97
increase. This is because the data length is increased by one digit by setting the CD data in S95. And S98
Go to. If the value of the end pointer EP is not equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP in S96 (S96: N
o), the process directly proceeds to S98 without performing the process of S97.

In S98, the value of the cursor pointer CP is compared with the value of the special digit pointer SP. When the value of the cursor pointer CP is equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP (S98: Yes), the value of the cursor pointer CP is incremented by 1 in S99. This is to prevent the cursor K from remaining on the CD. Then, the process ends. If the value of the cursor pointer CP is not equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP in S98 (S98: No), the process is terminated without performing the process of S99. When the CD processing ends, S in the flow of FIG.
The display is corrected in 36, and the process returns to the key input waiting state in S23.

Next, the cursor processing performed at S35 in the flow of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The cursor processing is performed in S in FIG.
It is judged Yes in 32, that is, the left and right cursor keys 8 and 9
It is limited to the case where any one of the above is pressed and YES is determined in S33, that is, the cursor K is at the movable position. In the cursor processing, first, it is determined whether or not the cursor key input in S101 is the right cursor key 9. When it is determined that the right cursor key 9 is pressed (S101: Yes), the process proceeds to S102, and the value of the cursor pointer CP is incremented by 1. That is, the cursor K is moved one position to the right. Then, in S103, the mode flag MF is checked. If the value of the mode flag MF is not 1 (S103: No), no special process is required due to the presence of the CD, and thus the process ends.

When the value of the mode flag MF is 1 in S103 (S103: Yes), the process proceeds to S104.
The value of the cursor pointer CP, that is, the value incremented by 1 in S102 is compared with the value of the special digit pointer SP. If the value of the cursor pointer CP is equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP (S104: Yes), the value of the cursor pointer CP is further increased by 1 in S105, and the cursor processing is ended. This is to prevent the cursor K from remaining on the CD.
If the value of the cursor pointer CP is not equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP in S104 (S104: No),
The cursor process ends without performing the process of S105.

If it is determined in S101 that the input cursor key is not the right cursor key 9, that is, the left cursor key 8 (S101: No), the process proceeds to S106 and the value of the cursor pointer CP is decremented by 1. . That is, the cursor K is moved to the left by one. Then, in S107, the mode flag MF is checked. When the value of the mode flag MF is not 1 (S107: No), the processing is ended as it is because the CD is not included or there is no UD behind the CD.

When the value of the mode flag MF is 1 in S107 (S107: Yes), the process proceeds to S108.
The value of the cursor pointer CP, that is, the value decremented by 1 in S106 is compared with the value of the special digit pointer SP. When the value of the cursor pointer CP is equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP (S108: Yes), the value of the cursor pointer CP is further reduced by 1 in S109, and the cursor processing is ended. This is to prevent the cursor K from remaining on the CD.
If the value of the cursor pointer CP is not equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP in S108 (S108: No),
The cursor process ends without performing the process of S109. When the cursor processing is completed, the display is corrected in S36 in the flow of FIG. 4, and the state returns to the key input waiting state in S23.

Next, the bar code parameter setting process performed at S38 in the flow of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the bar code parameter setting process is started, the screen display is switched in S111. That is, the screen displaying the bar code data is erased, and the dedicated screen for parameter setting is displayed. On this screen, the name of each bar code standard that can be set and parameters such as each setting item for each bar code standard are displayed.
The parameter to be set is highlighted. By operating the up, down, left and right cursor keys, the highlighted standard, item, etc. can be changed. When the parameter setting screen is displayed, the key input waiting state of S112 is entered.

When there is a key input from the keyboard 3 (S1
12: Yes), and proceeds to S113 to determine whether the key input is from any of the up, down, left, and right cursor keys. If the key input is from any of the cursor keys (S113: Yes), the process proceeds to S114.
Correct the display according to the cursor key input. As a result, the highlighted parameter is changed, and the parameter to be set can be selected. After that, the process returns to the key input waiting state of S112.

If it is determined in S113 that the key input is not one of the up, down, left, and right cursor keys (S113: No), the process proceeds to S115. In S115, it is determined whether or not the key input is from the return key 7. If it is the key input from the return key 7 (S115: Yes), the process proceeds to S117 to register the selected parameter. When registering this parameter, the special digit pointer SP is also set. That is, "E
If the standard is either AN13 + 2 "or" EAN13 + 5 ", 13 is set as the value of the special digit pointer SP. This is because, in these standards, the 13th digit in the data structure is the CD.

Then, the process proceeds to S118, and it is determined whether or not the selected bar code standard is a standard including CD.
A standard that includes a CD followed by a UD, that is, "E
If it is either AN13 + 2 ”or“ EAN13 + 5 ”(S118: Yes), in S119,
The value of the mode flag MF is set to 1. When the standard does not include the CD or the standard does not include the UD even if the standard includes the CD (S118: No), the value of the mode flag MF is set to 0 in S120. When the mode flag MF is set in S119 or S120, the screen display is returned to the barcode buffer display in S121, and the barcode parameter setting process ends.

In S115, if the key input is not from the return key 7 (S115: No), S1
Proceed to step 16 and determine whether the key input is from the cancel key. If it is the key input from the cancel key (S116: Yes), the screen display is returned to the barcode buffer display in S121 without changing the parameter setting, and the barcode parameter setting process ends. S1
If the key input is not from the cancel key in S16 (S116: No), the process returns to the key input waiting state in S112. When the barcode parameter setting process is completed,
The process returns to the key input waiting state of S23 in the flow of FIG.

Next, a specific example of data creation in the bar code data creation device that operates based on each of the above flows will be described. In the following description, the bar code standard is "EAN1.
3 + 2 ”is set, and thus S1 in the flow of FIG. 10 is set.
It is assumed that the mode flag MF is set to 1 in 19. Further, 13 is set as the value of the special digit pointer SP.

First, the case of inserting a valid character in the bar code data will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 1
1 (a) is the initial state, data has not been input yet, and the cursor K is located at the first digit immediately after the head mark MT. At this time, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are both 0. When a valid character (here, only numbers) is input, it is determined as Yes in S25 in the flow of FIG. 4, and the character is inserted into the barcode buffer 42 in S26. Then, in S27, the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are each incremented by 1,
The CD processing of S31 is reached. In the CD processing, No is determined in S92 in the flow of FIG. End pointer EP
Is because the value of the special digit pointer SP has not yet been reached. Therefore, at this time, the CD is not calculated and the data is left blank (S93). Thus, the same input processing is performed up to the 11th digit shown in FIG. At this time, the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer E
Both P have a value of 12.

If one more valid character is input,
In S27 of the flow of FIG. 4, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are both set to 13, which is equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP. Therefore, S92 in the flow of FIG.
Is determined to be Yes, CD is calculated in S94 and S95, and the position of the special digit pointer SP, that is, the thirteenth digit is set. Then, in S97 and S99, the cursor pointer CP,
The value of the end pointer EP is increased by 1, and the value is 14
Becomes This state is shown in FIG. Thus,
The cursor K is prevented from remaining on the CD.

Next, the cursor processing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12A shows a state in which one character is further input from the state of FIG. 11C, and the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are both 15. If you press the left cursor key 8 from this state,
Both of S32 and S33 in the flow of FIG. 4 are determined to be Yes, and the cursor process of S35 is started. Then, proceeding to FIG. 9, it is determined No in S101, and the value of the cursor pointer CP is decremented by 1 in S106 to become 14. At this time point, the value of the cursor pointer CP is larger than the value of the special digit pointer SP by 1, so that a determination of No is made in S108, and the cursor processing ends. The state at this time is shown in FIG. Note that the cursor processing does not change the value of the end pointer EP, and since the data content itself does not change, CD processing is not performed either.

When the left cursor key 8 is further pressed from the state of FIG. 12B, the value of the cursor pointer CP is decremented by 1 in S106 in FIG.
It becomes equal to the value of P. Therefore, it is determined as Yes in S108, and the value of the cursor pointer CP is further reduced by 1 in S109 to be 12. The state at this time is shown in FIG. If the right cursor key 9 is pressed from this state, it is determined Yes in S101 in FIG. 9, and the value of the cursor pointer CP is incremented by 1 in S102 to 13. Therefore, S1
When it is determined as Yes in 04, the value of the cursor pointer CP is further increased by 1 in S105 to become 14. That is, the state returns to the state shown in FIG. Thus, even in cursor processing, the cursor K is prevented from remaining on the CD.

Next, the backward process will be described. First,
The cursor K is at the end of the data and the cursor pointer CP,
The case where the end pointers EP have the same value will be described with reference to FIG. When the backward key 10 is pressed from the state of FIG. 11C, S28 and S2 in the flow of FIG.
Both are determined to be Yes in 9 and the backward process of S30 is performed. Then, the process proceeds to FIG. 6 and YES is determined in S51, and S
At 52, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are both decremented by 1 to 13. Therefore, in S54, Yes
Then, in S55, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are both further reduced by 1 to 12. Then, in S56, the data at the position of the cursor pointer CP (12th digit) is made blank. After that, C of S31 in FIG.
The screen display at this time when the D processing is performed as described above becomes the state of FIG.

Therefore, also in this case, the cursor K is prevented from remaining on the CD. Incidentally, if the backward process is further performed thereafter, it is determined as No in S54 in the flow of FIG. 6 and the process of S55 is not performed.
The values of P and end pointer EP both decrease by one.

Next, the case where the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are not equal will be described. Consider a case where the backward key 10 is pressed from the state of FIG. 12 (b). Then, S51 in FIG. 6 is determined to be Yes,
In S57, the value of the cursor pointer CP is assigned to the first data pointer DP. Then, in S58, the data (that is, "3") at the position indicated by the value of the first data pointer DP is saved in the work buffer 44. Then, in S59, the values of the cursor pointer CP and the end pointer EP are each decremented by one. Then, the value of the cursor pointer CP becomes equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP, so Y is obtained in S61.
It is determined to be es, and the value of the cursor pointer CP is further reduced by 1 in step S62 to become 12. On the other hand, the end pointer EP
Is not equal to the value of the special digit pointer SP, so S
When No is determined in 63, the left scroll process of S65 is reached.

Then, in S71 of FIG. 7, the value of the cursor pointer CP is assigned to the second data pointer GP.
Therefore, at this time, the value of the second data pointer GP is 12, which is smaller than the value of the first data pointer DP by 2. Then, in S72, the digit indicated by the value of the second data pointer GP is
The data "3" saved in the work buffer 44 is overwritten. As a result, “3”, which was at the 14th digit in FIG. 12B, is moved to the left by the second digit across the CD. Then, in S73, the value of the first data pointer DP is compared with the value of the end pointer EP, and since both are equal, it is determined as Yes. That is, there is no data to be scrolled, and the data at the position indicated by the first data pointer DP is blank in S81.

If there is residual data, S73
In No, the process from S72 to S80 is performed while avoiding the CD until it is determined as No and scrolls all data. After that, the process proceeds to S31 in FIG. 4, the CD data is calculated again, and the series of processes is completed. The screen display at this time is shown in FIG. Thus, in this case as well, the cursor K is prevented from remaining on the CD. Further, the CD data itself is not scrolled, and the CD data is calculated again for the scrolled data. The barcode data created as described above can be printed by the printing mechanism PM alone or as a part of text.

As described in detail above, in the barcode data creating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the process of moving the cursor K is performed during the creation of the barcode data, the position of the cursor K after the move (the cursor pointer CP) and the special digit pointer SP are compared, and if they are equal, the cursor K is further moved. This eliminates the cursor K remaining on the CD. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently create bar code data without the risk of repeated useless key operations on the CD, which is a digit that the operator does not directly input. Particularly, the effect is great when an operator who does not know the meaning of the CD creates the barcode data.

Further, even when the data editing process such as the backward process is performed, when the first data pointer DP and the second data pointer GP indicating the position where the data editing is performed are moved, the special digit pointer SP is displayed. If they are compared and equal, they are moved further. As a result, the CD digit itself is not edited, and the CD data is calculated again based on the edited data. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and it is needless to say that various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the bar code printing device is shown in which the bar code can be printed together with the character or the like in the tape printing device that prints the text including the character, but the bar code used only for printing the bar code. It may be applied to a dedicated printing device.

[0081]

As described above, according to the present invention, when the CD is present in the bar code data, the cursor is not moved onto the CD, thereby eliminating the risk of useless data input operation. , It is possible to continuously input data even if the standard has a CD in the middle of the data, and thus it is possible to provide a bar code data creation device with improved operability when creating bar code data, The effect produced by the industry is great.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a barcode printing apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the barcode printing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a basic operation of the barcode printing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a barcode input process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a barcode input process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a backward process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of left scroll processing.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a CD process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of cursor movement processing.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a barcode parameter setting process.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of barcode data creation processing.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of barcode data creation processing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of barcode data creation processing.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a screen display when barcode data is included in the text input mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of bar code data including a CD.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Bar Code Data Generation Device 3 Keyboard 4 Character Keys 5 Bar Code Keys 8 and 9 Left / Right Cursor Keys 10 Backward Key 31 CPU 33 ROM 34 RAM 41 Text Memory 42 Bar Code Buffer 43 Pointer Memory C Control Part CD Special Digit K Cursor

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical indication location B41J 3/01 (72) Inventor Yasushi Kawakami 15-1 Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya Brother Industries, Ltd. Within

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A bar code data creating device having input means for inputting characters and the like, and bar code data creating means for creating bar code data including a special digit while moving a cursor based on an input from the input means. In, a cursor moving means for moving the cursor, a special digit determining means for determining whether or not the cursor is located at the special digit when the cursor is moved by the cursor moving means, and the special digit determining means And a cursor re-moving means for further moving the cursor when it is determined that the cursor is located at the special digit. 2. A bar code data creating apparatus having input means for inputting characters and the like, and text creating means for creating text including characters and the like and bar code data based on input from the input means. Bar code data creating means for creating the bar code data including a special digit while moving the cursor based on the input from the means, and cursor moving for moving the cursor while creating the bar code data by the bar code data creating means. Means for determining whether the cursor is located at the special digit when the cursor is moved by the cursor moving means, and determining that the cursor is located at the special digit by the special digit determination means Bar code data creating device having cursor re-moving means for further moving the cursor when moved 3. A pointer memory for instructing a position where the editing process is performed when the bar code data is edited, a pointer moving unit for moving the position instructed by the pointer memory, and the pointer moving unit for moving the position. A second special digit determining means for determining whether or not the designated position is the position of the special digit when the position designated by the pointer memory is moved; and an instruction of the pointer memory by the second special digit determining means. 3. The barcode data creating device according to claim 1, further comprising pointer re-moving means for further moving the position designated by the pointer memory when the position is determined to be the position of the special digit.