JP2006031427A - Printer driver, storage medium, and symbol code printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform printing of a symbol code such as a barcode with high quality only by processing by a printer driver without depending on an environment other than the printer.
In a printer driver 22, character code information in a specific format such as [name of symbol code to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code] is included as symbol code drawing information in input drawing data. Whether or not it is included is analyzed by the character processing module 33. If it is included, the symbol code image data optimized by the symbol code drawing module 34 for the printer 1 and not subjected to color correction processing or the like based on the information. Is generated and output to the printer 1 to print the symbol code, so that high-quality symbol code can be printed without depending on the environment other than the printer 1.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a printer driver, a storage medium, and a symbol code printing method suitable for printing a symbol code such as a barcode.

  When printing a symbol code such as a barcode from an application, a general method is to use a dedicated software and print the barcode as an image or a graphic within the application.

  In this regard, in order to make barcode printing easier, for example, according to Patent Document 1, a barcode is registered in an external character area of a character (that is, a barcode is created as a font), and a font is designated at the time of printing. Thus, a method for printing a barcode has been proposed.

  According to Patent Document 2, a symbol printing method is proposed in which a symbol to be printed is printed accurately within a predetermined range.

  Furthermore, regarding a printer driver having a function of converting a print request command into a page description language (PDL) that can be used by a printer, by having a command (barcode drawing command) for drawing a barcode on the printer, A printer driver that replaces a character string created with a barcode font with a barcode drawing command and transmits the character string to a printer is commercially available.

JP 2002-211053 A JP 2002-264424 A

  However, when a barcode is created as image data or graphic data by an application, it cannot be determined by the printer driver or printer as a barcode, and is handled as general image data or graphic data. Therefore, before the barcode data is transmitted to the printer, the drawing size and color are corrected by the OS and application (image processing), corrected by the printer driver (image processing), and corrected by the printer (image processing). Since the actual printing is performed sequentially, the printing result is not necessarily intended by the user or the application, and may differ slightly. Even if such a print result is obtained, there is not much problem with normal images and graphics, but barcodes are originally assumed to be read by a machine such as a barcode reader, and various standard conditions are prescribed. Therefore, it is not preferable to receive various correction processes in the drawing process. In the end, there are many cases where the quality of the barcode cannot be guaranteed, and there is a concern that the accuracy at the time of reading the barcode is lowered.

  Further, as in the case of Patent Document 1, a method for creating a barcode with a font is generally available. For example, if “123” is input, the corresponding barcode is displayed on the monitor, and the printer Also recognized as True Type font. In this case, since the font is used, the size can be arbitrarily set. However, the quality of barcodes for all sizes cannot be guaranteed, and the application scales according to the resolution of the printer, so errors are likely to occur in the size. In this case, the accuracy of barcode reading also decreases. There is a concern. That is, there is a problem that the barcode pitch and size depend on the font information, the error is large, and the recognition rate as a barcode is low. Since it is a font, the same applies to the case where image correction for characters is performed.

  In addition, when the printer driver has a barcode drawing command and the printer driver prints a barcode as a printer font, the printer controller in the printer can draw a barcode based on the barcode drawing command (for barcodes only) This is possible only when it has a function) and lacks versatility. In addition, a code related to a control code that cannot be expressed by a character string cannot be converted into a barcode.

  An object of the present invention is to enable printing of a symbol code such as a barcode with high quality without depending on an environment other than the printer.

  The printer driver according to the first aspect of the present invention is installed in a computer connected to a printer, and whether or not the computer includes symbol code drawing information in drawing data input in response to a print request. A function to determine the contents of drawing data and, if the result of the determination includes symbol code drawing information, analyzes the symbol code drawing information and creates symbol code image data based on the analyzed information And a function for outputting the generated symbol code image data to the printer and printing the symbol code.

  In the present invention and the following inventions, the “symbol code” is not limited to a normal bar code (one-dimensional bar code) but includes various two-dimensional codes. Two-dimensional codes include stack-type two-dimensional barcodes in which barcodes are stacked vertically, and matrix-type two-dimensional codes based on whether the intersection of the matrix is black or white based on a completely different concept from barcodes. Code (QR code) and the like are included. The one-dimensional barcode also includes a customer code (for postal service).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the first aspect, the symbol code drawing information is character string information in a specific format set in advance, and the determination function is the input drawing data It is determined whether or not character string information in the specific format is included in the character string information in.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the second aspect, the character string in the specific format includes [a symbol code name to be used, a character string to be converted into a symbol code], and the determination function includes the Since the symbol code name to be used is included, it is determined that the symbol code drawing information is included, and the function of creating the symbol code image data based on the information of the character string to be converted into the symbol code. create.

  In the present invention and the following invention, the “symbol code name to be used” is, for example, “EAN128”, “CODE39”, “(Postal) customer”, “CODE128”, “QR”, which is the type (standard) of a symbol code such as a barcode. Etc. can be illustrated.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the second aspect, the character string of the specific format includes [a symbol code name to be used, a character string to be converted into a symbol code, a size of the symbol code], and the determination. The function to determine that the symbol code name to be used is included and thereby the symbol code drawing information is included, and the function to be created is based on the information on the character string to be converted to the symbol code. Image data of a symbol code having a size according to the size of the symbol code is created.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the second aspect, the character string in the specific format is a character string that is converted into a symbol code in a specific font set in advance in association with a symbol code name to be used. The determination function determines that symbol code drawing information is included because the character string of the specific font is included, and the function to create is information on a character string to be converted into the symbol code. The image data of the symbol code is created based on the above.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the fifth aspect, the computer has a function of providing a symbol code replacement font setting dialog that is set in advance in association with a symbol code name that uses the specific font as a user interface. To run.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, a control code portion that cannot be represented by a character string is converted to the symbol code using a preset character string. Let me specify inside.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the second, third, fifth, sixth, or seventh aspect, the function to be created is an image of a symbol code that is created according to the character size of the character string information in the specific format. Determine the size of the data.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, in the printer driver according to the second, third, sixth, or seventh aspect, the computer is caused to execute a function of providing a print condition setting print dialog including a symbol code size setting as a user interface. The function to be created determines the size of the image data of the symbol code to be created according to the size set through the print condition setting print dialog.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the function to be created causes the computer to execute a function of adding a blank to the background of the created symbol code.

  The invention described in claim 11 is the printer driver according to claim 10, wherein the function of adding blanks determines the size of the blank part to be added according to the size of the created symbol code.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, in the printer driver according to the tenth aspect, the computer is caused to execute a function of providing a print condition setting print dialog including a size setting of the blank portion to be given as a user interface, and the blank is given. The function to give a blank for the size set through the print condition setting print dialog.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the first aspect, the symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created from image data, and the determination function is an image in the input drawing data. Analyzing whether or not the symbol code information is included in the data, and as a result of the determination, if the symbol data information is included in the image data, the function to create is the content of the symbol code The image data of the symbol code is created again based on the contents.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the first aspect, the symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created from graphic data, and the determination function is a graphic in the input drawing data. Analyzing whether or not the symbol code information is included in the data, and as a result of the determination, if the graphic data includes the symbol code information, the function to create is the content of the symbol code The image data of the symbol code is created based on the content of the data.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, when the determination result includes symbol code drawing information, the symbol code is generated based on the information. The computer is caused to execute a function of determining suitability as a symbol code and a function of notifying the user to the effect when it is determined that the symbol code does not match.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the fifteenth aspect, the notifying function notifies the user of the fact by not causing the generating function to generate a symbol code.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the fifteenth aspect, an error report indicating that the notification function is not compatible is printed out by the printer.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the printer driver according to the fifteenth aspect, an error dialog is displayed as a user interface that the notifying function is not compatible.

  The functions and effects of these inventions can also be realized by the storage medium according to claim 19 and the symbol code printing method according to claims 20 to 37.

  According to the first, nineteenth and twentieth aspects of the present invention, the printer driver analyzes whether or not the input drawing data includes symbol code drawing information. The image data of the symbol code is created and output to the printer based on the image data, and the symbol code is printed. Therefore, the image data of the symbol code that is optimized for the printer and not subjected to color correction processing is created by the printer driver. The symbol code can be printed by the printer based on the above, and the high-quality symbol code can be printed without depending on the environment other than the printer.

  According to the invention described in claims 2, 19 and 21, the symbol code drawing information is character string information in a specific format set in advance, so that specialized knowledge and dedicated software required for creating the symbol code are provided. No wear is required, and symbol codes can be printed by a simple drawing data input operation.

  According to the third, nineteenth and twenty-second aspects of the invention, the character string in the specific format is [a symbol code name to be used, a character string to be converted into a symbol code]. Can be realized.

  According to the inventions of claims 4, 19, and 23, the character string of the specific format is [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code, size of symbol code]. The described invention can be easily realized, and the symbol code size can be easily specified.

  According to the inventions of claims 5, 19 and 24, since the character string of the specific format is used as a character string to be converted into a symbol code with a specific font set in advance in association with the symbol code name to be used. The invention according to claims 2 and 21 can be easily realized by utilizing the characteristics of the character string having various fonts by making the conversion from symbol conversion to symbol code in conjunction with the font.

  According to the invention described in claims 6, 19 and 25, since the symbol code replacement font setting dialog is used in advance to be associated with the symbol code name that uses the specific font, a font that is not frequently used is specified. The user interface can be set with excellent settings such as font, and the inventions of claims 5 and 24 can be easily realized.

  According to the seventh, nineteenth and twenty-sixth aspects of the present invention, the control code portion that cannot be expressed by the character string is specified in the character string to be converted into the symbol code using the preset character string. The code portion can be printed including the symbol code, and the symbol code can be printed with high flexibility.

  According to the inventions of claims 8, 19, and 27, since the size of the image data of the symbol code to be created is determined according to the character size of the character string information of the specific format, Specification can be made easily and easily using the character size.

  According to the ninth, nineteenth, and twenty-eighth aspects, since the symbol code size is set using the print condition setting print dialog, the symbol code size can be changed and designated by the print condition setting print dialog. Can be easily and arbitrarily performed using.

  According to the tenth, nineteenth and twenty-ninth aspects of the present invention, since the blank is added to the background of the created symbol code, the reading accuracy of the printed symbol code can be improved.

  According to the inventions of claims 11, 19, and 30, since the size of the blank portion to be assigned is determined according to the size of the created symbol code, an appropriate blank portion can be obtained without imposing a burden on the user. It is possible to improve the reading accuracy of the printed symbol code.

  According to the invention described in claims 12, 19 and 31, since the size of the blank portion is set using the print condition setting print dialog, the user can arbitrarily set the size of the blank portion. Therefore, the versatility can be improved and the reading accuracy of the printed symbol code can be improved.

  According to the thirteenth, nineteenth and thirty-second aspects of the present invention, the symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created from image data. In this case, the content of the symbol code is read and the symbol code is read again based on the content. Since the image data is re-created and output to the printer, it is possible to avoid unnecessary image processing and the like and perform high-quality symbol code printing while utilizing existing resources related to symbol code drawing such as applications.

  According to the fourteenth, nineteenth and thirty-third aspects of the present invention, the symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created by graphic data, and in this case, the content of the symbol code is read and an image of the symbol code based on the content. Since data is created and output to the printer, it is possible to avoid unnecessary image processing and the like and perform high-quality symbol code printing while utilizing existing resources related to symbol code drawing such as applications.

  According to the fifteenth, nineteenth and thirty-fourth aspects of the present invention, when symbol code drawing information is included as a result of the determination, the suitability as the symbol code is determined when the symbol code is created based on the information. If it is determined that the information does not match, the user is notified of this fact, so that inappropriate symbol code printout can be avoided in advance.

  According to the sixteenth, nineteenth, and thirty-fifth aspects, the user is informed that the symbol code is not adapted by not creating the symbol code, so that it is possible to avoid unnecessary symbol code creation processing.

  According to the inventions of claims 17, 19 and 36, by causing the printer to print out an error report indicating that it does not conform, it is possible to reliably notify the user by utilizing printer resources.

  According to the invention described in claims 18, 19, and 37, it is possible to reliably notify the user without waste of printing by displaying an error dialog as a user interface as a user interface.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First embodiment]
As shown in the block diagram of the printing system shown in FIG. 1, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is connected to a host computer (personal computer) 3 to which a printer 1 is connected indirectly or directly via a network 2 or the like. An application example is shown. Although the printing method of the printer 1 is arbitrary, for example, a laser printer is used.

  The host computer 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 4 that is a main part of the computer and controls each part centrally. The CPU 4 includes various ROMs (Read Only Memory) and RAMs (Random Access). A memory 5 that is a storage medium made up of Memory, a predetermined communication interface 6 that communicates with the network 2, and an operation panel 7 that receives various operations from the user are connected via a bus 8.

  Furthermore, a display 9 as a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 10 as an external storage device, and computer software as a distributed program are installed. And a drive 12 that is a mechanism for reading computer software from the stored storage medium 11. These display 9, HDD 10, and drive 12 are also connected to the CPU 4 via the bus 8.

  In addition to the control program, the memory 5 (ROM) of the host computer 3 configured as described above stores software such as application programs and printer drivers.

  As the storage medium 11, various types of media such as various optical disks such as CD and DVD, various magneto-optical disks, various magnetic disks such as FD, and semiconductor memory can be used. Alternatively, the program may be downloaded from the network 2 and installed in the memory 5. Note that the program may operate on a predetermined OS (Operating System), and in that case, the OS may take over the execution of some of the various processes described later, It may be included as a part of a group of program files constituting the application software or OS.

  FIG. 2 shows a software configuration diagram of the printing system shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the software in the host computer 3 includes a plurality of application programs 21 for various drawing data and a printer driver 22. The printer 1 includes a printer engine 23, a storage unit 24, a printer controller 25, and the like. Consists of.

  Here, a basic operation from a print instruction on the application program 21 to normal printing on the printer 1 will be briefly described. When the user gives a print instruction to the application program 21 running on the host computer 3, the application program 21 uses the drawing data held therein as text data through a common procedure independent of the software. Each pixel is output to the printer driver 22. The printer driver 22 converts the instruction and drawing data input from the application program 21 into a code format that can be understood by the printer 1, and outputs this to the printer controller 25. The printer controller 25 sequentially interprets the drawing data input from the printer driver 22, forms a bitmap image (image data) corresponding to the data, and outputs it to the printer engine 23 to perform a printing operation.

  FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the printer driver 22 according to the present embodiment having a function of converting a specific object into an object such as a barcode under such a premise. The printer driver 22 includes a command processing module 31 for analyzing a print request from the application program 21, and a user interface (UI) processing module for setting various conditions for the user to create a symbol code such as a barcode. 32, a character processing module 33 (which realizes a determination function and step) for processing a character-related part of the print request from the application program 21, and a bar code or the like based on the analysis processing by the character processing module 33. Symbol code drawing module 34 for creating symbol code image data (creating functions and steps are realized), and page layout module 35 for determining page layout at the time of printing (function and step for outputting symbol codes by output) The It has a current), and the like. Note that an input / output port 36 for the host computer 3 to exchange data with the printer 1 is provided between the page arrangement module 35 and the printer 1.

  Here, in the present embodiment, character string information in a specific format set in advance is defined as symbol code drawing information, and the specific format is included in the character string information in the drawing data input from the application program 21. Is included, the printer driver 22 creates image data of a symbol code such as a barcode based on the information, and transmits the image data to the printer 1 side. The character string of a specific format is [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code], and when size specification is specified, [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code, symbol code Size] is set in advance.

  An example of operation control of the printer driver 22 when the printer 1 prints out drawing data created according to an application program 21 in such a configuration will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. In the printer driver 22, first, when the command processing module 31 acquires a print command including a character string in response to a print request from the application program 21 operating on the host computer 3 (step S 1), the print request is sent to the character processing module 33. hand over. In the character processing module 33, if a character string is included in the drawing data requested to be printed (Y in S2), the character code information is analyzed by analyzing the contents of the character string information (S3). It is determined whether or not character string information in a specific format set in advance is included as (symbol code drawing command) (S4). If the character string information of a specific format is included as a result of the determination (Y in S4), the symbol code drawing module 34 draws a symbol code such as a setting designated by the UI processing module 32 or a font designation parameter. Parameters are obtained (S5), and image data of a symbol code such as a barcode is created based on the character string information in a specific format according to these parameters (S6) and delivered to the page layout module 35. The page arrangement module 35 arranges the image data of the symbol code on the page memory for printing (S7), and transmits the print data on which the image data of the symbol code is arranged via the input / output port 36 to the printer 1 (S8). ) Print out. If no character string is included (N in S2) or no symbol code drawing command is included (N in S4), normal drawing processing is performed (S9), and the input / output port 36 is set. The print data is transmitted to the printer 1 via the printer 1 (S8) and printed out.

  For example, the drawing data 41 created and input by the application program 21 as shown in FIG. 5A includes character string information 42 having a specific format such as [COD128, 12345678]. In this case, the character processing module 33 analyzes that the symbol code drawing information (symbol code drawing command) is included based on the symbol code name “COD128” to be used in the character string information 42 of the specific format, Since the symbol code drawing module 34 creates image data of a symbol code (barcode) based on the character string to be converted to the symbol code “12345678” in the character string information 42 in the specific format, and outputs it to the printer 1. As shown in (b), a bar is placed at a position corresponding to the character string information 42 in a specific format. So that the code printed material 44 (symbol code) 43 is printed is obtained.

  That is, if the character code “0123456” is converted into a symbol code (bar code) and printed out with the symbol code name to be used as Code 128, as shown in FIG. , 0123456], if a character string of a specific format [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code] is included in the drawing data, the printer driver 22 will use characters enclosed in []. The column is analyzed, and if a symbol code name is designated, the subsequent character string is converted into symbol code image data according to the designated symbol code name. In this case, a CODE128 standard barcode as shown in FIG. 7A is printed out. The same applies to other cases, and the character code “2345678” is converted into a symbol code (bar code) and printed out with the symbol code name used as a (postal) customer. As shown in b), if a character string of a specific format [CUSTOMER, 2345678] is included in the drawing data, the character string “2345678” is converted into the symbol code image data according to the designated symbol code name (postal service) customer. Since conversion is performed, a symbol code of the customer standard as shown in FIG. 7B is printed out. If the character code “0123456” is converted into a symbol code and printed out with the symbol code name to be used as QR Code, as shown in FIG. 6C, [QR, 0123456] If the character string of the specific format is included in the drawing data, the character string “0123456” is converted into the image data of the symbol code in accordance with the designated symbol code name QR Code, and therefore, as shown in FIG. A QR Code standard symbol code is printed out.

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the printer driver 22 analyzes whether the input drawing data includes character string information in a predetermined format as symbol code drawing information. If included, the symbol code image data is generated by the symbol code drawing module 34 based on the information and output to the printer 1 to print the symbol code, so that the printer driver 22 optimizes the color for the printer 1. Image data of a symbol code that is not subjected to correction processing or the like can be created, and the symbol code can be printed by the printer 1 based on the image data, and high-quality symbol code can be printed without depending on the environment other than the printer 1 Can be performed. In particular, the symbol code drawing information is character string information in a specific format set in advance, which eliminates the need for specialized knowledge and dedicated software required to create symbol codes, and allows simple drawing data input operations. The symbol code can be printed. Further, since the character string of the specific format is [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted into symbol code], it can be easily realized.

  In this case, information on the size (height) of the symbol code can be included in the character string of the specific format. For example, in the case where a character string “0123456” is converted into a symbol code (bar code) having a height (size) of 80 mm with the symbol code name to be used as Code 128, printing is performed as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, a character string of a specific format such as [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code, symbol code size] such as [CODE128, 0123456, 80] can be included in the drawing data. For example, the printer driver 22 analyzes the character string enclosed in [], and if a symbol code name is specified, the image of the symbol code of the size that follows the character string that follows and follows the specified symbol code name. Convert to data. In this case, a barcode having a height (size) of 80 mm according to the CODE128 standard as shown in FIG. 7D is printed out. In this way, by specifying a character string of a specific format as [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code, symbol code size], the symbol code size can be easily specified.

  Here, another embodiment relating to symbol code size designation will be described. Regarding the size of the symbol code, by changing the character size (font size) of the character string information in a specific format, the symbol code drawing module 34 is made to recognize the character size, and a symbol code having a size corresponding to the character size is selected. It is something to be created.

  For example, when a character string “0123456” is converted into a symbol code (bar code) with the symbol code name to be used as Code 128 and printed out, the character size of the character string information of the specific format is, for example, FIG. As shown in a), (b), and (c), if the image data is changed to 8pt, 12pt, and 24pt and input as drawing data, the size corresponding to each character size 8pt, 12pt, and 24pt (based on the recognition of the character size) The barcode of (barcode height) is printed out as shown in FIGS. 9 (a), 9 (b) and 9 (c).

  The same applies to other symbol code names. For example, when a character string “0123456” is converted into a symbol code (bar code) and printed out with the symbol code name to be used as a customer, the specific format is used. If the character size of the character string information is changed to 8 pt, 12 pt, 24 pt, for example, as shown in FIGS. 8D, 8E, and 8F, and input as drawing data, each character size is recognized based on the recognition of the character size. A customer-standard barcode corresponding to the character size of 8 pt, 12 pt, and 24 pt is printed out as shown in FIGS. 9 (d), (e), and (f).

  In this way, by determining the size of the symbol code image data to be created according to the character size of the character string information in a specific format, the symbol code size can be changed and specified easily and easily using the character size. Can be done.

  Another embodiment relating to symbol code size designation will be described. Here, as a function of the UI processing module 32, a print condition setting print dialog 51 as shown in FIG. 10 provided as a user interface according to the application program 21 is used. That is, for example, a barcode height setting field 52 is prepared as a setting field related to the size of the symbol code in the bar code detail setting dialog of the print condition setting print dialog 51, and the bar code height setting field 52 is used. The barcode height information set by the user may be recognized by the symbol code drawing module 34 as one of the setting information specified by the UI processing module 32.

  In this way, by making the symbol code size setting using the print condition setting print dialog 51, the symbol code size can be changed and designated easily and arbitrarily using the print condition setting print dialog 51. be able to.

  By the way, when the barcode size is determined using the character size of the above-described embodiment, the “Barcode size is set to font” prepared in the barcode detailed setting dialog of the print condition setting print dialog 51 is concerned. It is only necessary to check the “Calculate based on size” column 53.

  By the way, in the above-mentioned and following embodiments, there may be a code that cannot be expressed by a character string. An example of setting in that case will be described. For example, in the case of barcodes, since barcodes usually correspond to readable characters on a one-to-one basis, ASCII characters can be converted into barcodes, but in CODE128, FUNC1, FUNC2, BS, ESC These control codes can be used as barcodes, but these are barcodes that cannot be represented by character characters. Therefore, here, such a control code portion can also be designated by a character string.

  For example, in the case of only the ASCII character string, [CODE128, 1234ABCD] is given, and the following two examples are illustrated. As a first example, when the control code (character string) falls between “4” and “A”, it is sandwiched between & by using a preset character string such as [CODE128, 1234 & ESC & ABCD]. The part is interpreted as a control code. As a second example, when the control code (numerical value) is between “4” and “A”, a character string sandwiched between & is used by using a preset character string such as [CODE128, 1234 & 1B & ABCD]. Causes the sequence to be interpreted as a hexadecimal control code. In these cases, “&” may be used when it is desired to use “&”.

  In this way, the control code part that cannot be expressed in the character string can be specified in the character string that is converted into the symbol code using a preset character string, so that the control code part can also be printed in the symbol code. Therefore, it is possible to enable highly flexible symbol code printing.

[Second Embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a character string of a specific font preset through the UI processing module 32 is used as a character string of a specific format for converting and creating a symbol code.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, an example of operation control of the printer driver 22 when drawing data created according to an application program 21 is printed out by the printer 1 will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. In the printer driver 22, first, when the command processing module 31 acquires a print command including a character string in response to a print request from the application program 21 operating on the host computer 3 (S 1), the print request is delivered to the character processing module 33. . In the character processing module 33, if a character string is included in the drawing data requested to be printed (Y in S2), the character code information is analyzed by analyzing the contents of the character string information (S3). As (symbol code drawing command), it is determined whether or not a character string of a specific font meaning symbol code printing is included as character string information of a predetermined specific format (S10). As a result of the determination, if character string information in a specific font is included (Y in S10), the symbol code drawing module 34 draws a symbol code such as a setting designated by the UI processing module 32 or a font designation parameter. Parameters are obtained (S5), and image data of a symbol code such as a barcode is created based on character string information in a specific format according to these parameters (S6) and delivered to the page layout module 35 (S7). The page arrangement module 35 arranges the image data of the symbol code on the page memory for printing (S7), and transmits the print data on which the image data of the symbol code is arranged via the input / output port 36 to the printer 1 (S8). ) Print out. If no character string is included (N in S2) or no symbol code drawing command is included (N in S4), normal drawing processing is performed (S9), and the input / output port 36 is set. The print data is transmitted to the printer 1 via the printer 1 (S8) and printed out.

  Here, an example of setting a specific font to be replaced with a symbol code will be described with reference to FIG. Using a symbol code replacement font setting dialog 61 as shown in FIG. 12 provided as a user interface according to the application program 21 as a function of the UI processing module 32, a specific font is set in advance in association with the symbol code name to be used. It is something to be made. In FIG. 12, the character string input with the font “Marlett” is replaced with the CODE39 standard symbol code, the character string input with the font “Arial” is replaced with the EAN28 standard symbol code, An example of setting when the character string is not converted to a symbol code is illustrated.

  Further, in the case of setting to replace the symbol character code “Arial” with the EAN128 standard symbol code, the character string to be converted to the symbol code “0123456ABC” is “Arial” as shown on the left side of FIG. If it is input as a specific font character string, the printer driver 22 converts it into an EAN128 standard symbol code and creates its image data, so that the EAN128 standard symbol code as shown on the right side of FIG. It becomes.

Similarly, when the font character string “Century” is set to be replaced with the CODE39 standard symbol code, the character string to be converted to the symbol code “0123456” is displayed as “Century” as shown on the left side of FIG. If the input is made as a specific font character string, the printer driver 22 converts it into a CODE39 standard symbol code and creates its image data, so a CODE39 standard symbol code as shown on the right side of FIG. 13B is printed. It will be. further,
When the font character string “Courier New” is set to be replaced with a customer standard symbol code, the character string to be converted to the symbol code “01234500006” is “Courier New” as shown on the left side of FIG. If it is input as a specific font character string, the printer driver 22 converts it into a customer standard symbol code and creates its image data, so that a customer standard symbol code as shown on the right side of FIG. 13C is printed. It becomes.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a character string in a specific format is used as a character string that is converted into a symbol code using a specific font set in advance in association with the symbol code name to be used. By linking the creation of the code into the font, the characteristics of the character string having various fonts can be utilized. At this time, since the symbol code replacement font setting dialog 61 is used in advance in association with the symbol code name that uses the specific font, it is excellent in the user interface, such as setting a font that is not frequently used as the specific font. Can be set.

[Third embodiment]
In this embodiment, a quiet zone (Quiet zone) defined as a blank portion necessary for reading a symbol code such as a barcode is used to create image data of a symbol code based on a character string of a specific format as described above. In order to secure a (Zone), a blank is added to the background of the symbol code.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, an example of operation control of the printer driver 22 when drawing data created according to an application program 21 is printed out by the printer 1 will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. In the printer driver 22, first, the command processing module 31 obtains a print command including a character string in response to a print request from the application program 21 operating on the host computer 3 (S11), and has a specific format as in the above-described embodiment. When the symbol code image data is created based on the character string (S12), the symbol code is successfully created (Y in S13), and the UI processing module 32 is set to remove the symbol code background white. (Y of S14), the symbol code drawing module 34 automatically calculates the size of the whitened portion of the background according to the print size and character size of the symbol code and the settings in the UI processing module 32 when creating the image data of the symbol code. (S15, S16), calculated blank part Was given to the image data of the symbol code (S17), it delivers the page arrangement module 35. The page arrangement module 35 arranges symbol code image data including a blank portion on the page memory for printing (S18), and print data in which the symbol code image data is arranged via the input / output port 36 is supplied to the printer 1. Transmit (S19) and print out.

  According to the present embodiment, since the blank is added to the background of the created symbol code, the reading accuracy of the printed symbol code can be improved. At this time, since the size of the blank portion to be assigned is determined according to the size of the created symbol code, an appropriate blank portion is secured without burdening the user, and the printed symbol code is read. Accuracy can be improved.

  Another embodiment regarding the size setting of the blank portion will be described. Here, as a function of the UI processing module 32, the print condition setting print dialog 51 as shown in FIG. 10 provided as a user interface according to the application program 21 is used. That is, in the detailed bar code setting dialog of the print condition setting print dialog 51, for example, the setting of the quiet zone is associated with the symbol code setting field 56 using the left and right (A) setting field 54 and the upper and lower (B) setting field 55. The size information of the blank area for the quiet zone set by the user through the setting fields 54 and 55 is recognized by the symbol code drawing module 34 as one of the setting information designated by the UI processing module 32. You can make it.

  In this way, by setting the size of the blank portion using the print condition setting print dialog 51, the user can arbitrarily set the size of the blank portion, improving versatility, and printing the printed symbol code. Reading accuracy can be improved.

[Fourth embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created by image data using the application program 21, and the symbol code information is included in the image data of the drawing data input from the application program 21. In this case, the printer driver 22 is configured to read the contents of the symbol code, regenerate the image data of the symbol code based on the contents, and transmit the image data to the printer 1 side.

  For this reason, in the functional block diagram of the printer driver 22 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, in place of the character processing module 33, an image such as image data or graphic data in the print request from the application program 21. An image processing module 37 for processing a portion related to the drawing processing is provided, and whether or not symbol code information is included in the image data of the drawing data processed by the image processing module 37 is analyzed. A symbol code extraction module 38 is added.

  Also, in the barcode detailed setting dialog of the print condition setting print dialog 71 as shown in FIG. 16 provided as a user interface according to the application program 21 as a function of the UI processing module 32, the “correct barcode in image” column When the check box 72 is checked, the mode is set to make use of the functions of the symbol code extraction module 38 and the like.

  An example of operation control of the printer driver 22 when the printer 1 prints out drawing data created according to an application program 21 in such a configuration will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. In the printer driver 22, first, when the command processing module 31 acquires a print command including a character string in response to a print request from the application program 21 operating on the host computer 3 (S 21), the print request is delivered to the image processing module 37. . Thereafter, in the image processing module 37, if it is image data (Y of S22), the image data is analyzed using the symbol code extraction module 38 (S23), so that a specific rule or specific data in the image data is analyzed. It is determined whether or not there is drawing data of a symbol code consisting of an array (S24). If there is drawing data for the symbol code, the contents of the symbol code are read and the parameters for drawing the symbol code set by the UI processing module 32 or the like are acquired (S25). The symbol code image data is recreated by the symbol code drawing module 34 in accordance with the parameters for use (S26), and delivered to the page layout module 35. The page arrangement module 35 arranges the image data of the symbol code on the page memory for printing (S27), and transmits the print data on which the image data of the symbol code is arranged via the input / output port 36 to the printer 1 (S28). ) Print out. If no image data is included (N in S22) or no symbol code is included (N in S24), normal drawing processing is performed (S29) via the input / output port 36. The print data is transmitted to the printer 1 (S28) and printed out.

  For example, when the drawing data 81 created and input by the application program 21 as shown in FIG. 18A includes a barcode (symbol code) 82 as image data, it is conventional. For example, since the barcode 82 is normally handled as an object as general image data, as shown in FIG. 18B, an image correction or the like is performed, resulting in a printing result that is adversely affected such as a barcode symbol blurring. Sometimes. On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment, based on the analysis result that the portion of the barcode 82 is not normally identified as general image data and is a barcode portion, the barcode is generated in the printer driver 22. Since the image data 82 is re-created (redrawn), unnecessary image correction or the like is eliminated, and the barcode 82 can be printed and reproduced as specified, as shown in FIG.

  For example, when the “display correction information” field 72 is checked in the bar code detail setting dialog of the print condition setting / printing dialog 71 shown in FIG. 16, the contents of the symbol code read and recreated are displayed. It can be printed out. For example, when the “dialog” column 74 is checked, after the symbol code placement processing is completed, the page placement module 35 acquires the symbol code processing content from the symbol code drawing module 34 and uses the UI processing module 32 before actual printing. By creating a dialog (S30) and displaying the contents of the recreated symbol code on the dialog (S31), the conversion result of the symbol code can be confirmed, and the user has an error in the operation of the symbol code. You can easily check for it.

  For example, when there is barcode data pasted in the drawing data as shown in FIG. 19, the contents of the barcode recreated in the printer driver 22 are displayed in a dialog as shown in FIG. In this case, FIG. 20B shows an example with a report such as “Replaced with CODE 39 in the printer driver”.

  Further, when the “display correction information” column 72 is checked, and when the “print on paper” column 75 is checked, the page layout module 35 displays the symbol code drawing module 34 after the symbol code layout process ends. After the actual printing, a report regarding the content of the symbol code is generated, and a detailed report regarding the printing of the symbol code is transmitted from the input / output port 36 to the printer 1 for printing (S32). ), The conversion result of the symbol code can be confirmed, and the user can easily check whether there is a mistake in the operation of the symbol code.

  It should be noted that by checking the “Append to text” column 76, the replacement content can be written in a portion that does not affect the barcode.

  According to the present embodiment, the symbol code drawing information is the symbol code created from the image data. In this case, the printer driver 22 reads the content of the symbol code and re-reads the symbol code image data based on the content. Can be generated and output to the printer 1, while using existing resources related to symbol code drawing such as the application program 21, unnecessary image processing can be avoided and high-quality symbol code printing can be performed.

[Fifth embodiment]
In the present embodiment, the symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created from graphic data such as a square or a line using the application program 21, and the symbol is included in the graphic data of the drawing data input from the application program 21. When the code information is included, the printer driver 22 reads the contents of the symbol code, creates image data of the symbol code again based on the contents, and transmits the data to the printer 1 for transmission. Yes.

  For this purpose, the functional block diagram of the printer driver 22 of the present embodiment is the same as that in FIG. 15, and the symbol code extraction module 38 includes symbol codes in the graphic data of the drawing data processed by the image processing module 37. It is determined whether or not information is included.

  Further, in the detailed bar code setting dialog of the print condition setting / printing dialog 71 as shown in FIG. 16 provided as a user interface in accordance with the application program 21 as a function of the UI processing module 32, “correct the bar code drawn in graphics”. When the "" column 77 is checked, the mode setting that makes use of the functions of the symbol code extraction module 38 and the like is set.

  An example of operation control of the printer driver 22 when the printer 1 prints out drawing data created according to an application program 21 in such a configuration will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. In the printer driver 22, first, when the command processing module 31 acquires a print command including a character string in response to a print request from the application program 21 operating on the host computer 3 (S 41), the print request is delivered to the image processing module 37. . Thereafter, in the case of graphic data (Y in S42), the image processing module 37 analyzes the graphic data using the symbol code extraction module 38 (S43), and thereby the specific rule and specific data in the graphic data are analyzed. It is determined whether or not there is drawing data of a symbol code composed of an array or the like (S44). If there is drawing data for the symbol code, the contents of the symbol code are read and the symbol code drawing parameters set by the UI processing module 32 or the like are acquired (S45). The symbol code image data is created by the symbol code drawing module 34 in accordance with the parameters for use (S46) and delivered to the page layout module 35. The page arrangement module 35 arranges the image data of the symbol code on the page memory for printing (S47), and transmits the print data on which the image data of the symbol code is arranged via the input / output port 36 to the printer 1 (S48). ) Print out. If graphic data is not included (N in S42) or symbol code is not included (N in S44), normal drawing processing is performed (S49) via the input / output port 36. The print data is transmitted to the printer 1 (S48) and printed out.

  Also in this case, for example, referring to FIG. 18, a barcode (symbol code) 82 as graphic data is pasted into the drawing data 81 created and inputted by the application program 21 as shown in FIG. In the conventional case, since the barcode 82 is normally handled as an object of general graphic data, the barcode symbol is blurred due to image correction or the like as shown in FIG. Printing results may be adversely affected. On the other hand, in the case of the present embodiment, based on the analysis result that the portion of the barcode 82 is not the same as ordinary graphic data and is a barcode portion, the barcode is generated in the printer driver 22. Since the image data 82 is created (redrawn), unnecessary image correction and the like are wiped out, and the barcode 82 can be printed and reproduced as specified as shown in FIG.

  Note that the processes in steps S50, S51 and S52 are the same as those in steps S30, S31 and S32 in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, the symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created by graphic data, and in this case, the content of the symbol code is read in the printer driver 22 and the image data of the symbol code is based on the content. Is generated and output to the printer 1, while utilizing existing resources related to symbol code drawing such as the application program 21, unnecessary image processing can be avoided and high-quality symbol code printing can be performed.

[Sixth embodiment]
In the present embodiment, a conformity determination function for a created symbol code and a notification function in the case of nonconformity are added. That is, when the syntax of a symbol code, for example, a character string to be converted to a barcode, does not conform to the barcode specification, or the image quality of the barcode in the image is poor and cannot be read normally as a barcode, The user is informed through the dialog that it does not conform, or is not replaced with a symbol code such as a barcode (creation processing), or an error report is printed out.

  An example of operation control of the printer driver 22 when the printer 1 prints out drawing data created according to an application program 21 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to a schematic flowchart shown in FIG. In the printer driver 22, first, when the command processing module 31 acquires a print command including a character string in response to a print request from the application program 21 operating on the host computer 3 (S 61), the print request is delivered to the image processing module 37. . After that, the symbol code image data is created by the symbol code drawing module 34 as in the above-described embodiment (S62).

  In this series of processing, it is determined whether or not the symbol code has been successfully created (S63). This determination processing is performed when symbol code drawing information (a character string of a specific format or a symbol code by an image or graphic) is included as a result of determination of drawing data by the character processing module 33 or the image processing module 37. This is executed as a function for determining whether or not there is suitability as a symbol code in creating a symbol code based on information. For example, by determining whether the syntax that forms a character string in a specific format conforms to the symbol code specification, or by determining whether the symbol code in the image has been read correctly as a symbol code It is processed. If it is suitable (Y in S63), the print data including the image data of the generated symbol code is transmitted to the printer 1 via the input / output port 36 (S64) as in the above-described embodiment, thereby printing. Run the action. On the other hand, if it is determined that it does not match (N of S63), an error display indicating that it does not match is displayed through a dialog (S65). This is executed as a function or step informed by the process of step S65. FIG. 23 shows a display example of the error dialog 91. In this example, for example, when barcode printing is specified by a character string of a specific format, an example of an error message when the syntax of the character string does not match is shown.

  According to the present embodiment, when the symbol code drawing information is included as a result of the determination, the suitability as the symbol code is determined in creating the symbol code based on the information, and it is determined that the information does not match. In such a case, the user is informed of this fact, so that inappropriate symbol code printout can be avoided in advance. At this time, the fact that it is not compatible is displayed as a user interface by the error dialog 91, so that the user can be surely notified without waste of printing.

  In addition, in the suitability determination as the symbol code, as an aspect to notify the user when it does not match, for example, since it is determined at the drawing data analysis stage, in the case of incompatible drawing data as shown on the left side of FIG. As shown on the right side of FIG. 24, notification may be performed by not performing conversion processing to symbol code (processing to create or re-create symbol code). FIG. 24A illustrates the case of a barcode using image data, and FIG. 24B illustrates the case of a character string having a specific format. According to this, since the user is notified that the symbol code is not created by not creating the symbol code, it is possible to avoid unnecessary symbol code creation processing.

  Further, as another aspect, in the case of non-conforming drawing data as shown on the left side of FIG. 25, “cannot be recognized as a bar code” instead of symbol code printout as shown on the right side of FIG. Error reports 92 and 93 with an error message such as “The code has a syntax problem” may be printed out from the printer 1. Also in this case, FIG. 25A illustrates a case of a bar code based on image data, and FIG. 25B illustrates a case of a character string having a specific format. According to this, by causing the printer 1 to print out the error report 92 or 93 indicating that it does not conform, the user can be surely notified using the printer resources.

[Contrast with conventional example]
Based on each of the embodiments described above, the difference between the present invention and the prior art will be described with reference to the schematic process transition diagram of FIG. 26 (the symbol code is, for example, a barcode).

  First, from the conventional method, the process transition path A shows an example in which an application program creates a barcode as image data and inputs it to a printer driver, and the printer prints it as image data. In this case, the printer driver or printer cannot determine the barcode as a barcode, and handles it in the same way as general image data. Therefore, on the processing transition path A (OS, application, printer driver, or printer), the general image Since the image correction processing equivalent to the data is performed, there is a drawback that the quality as a barcode cannot be guaranteed. In addition, for the application program, a barcode-dedicated function is required.

  The process transition path B shows an example in which a barcode is created with fonts and input to the printer driver, and the printer prints the barcode as characters. As described above, the method of creating barcodes with fonts is generally available. For example, if “123” is entered, the corresponding barcode is displayed on the monitor, and the printer also uses True Type fonts. Be recognized. In this case, since the font is used, the size can be arbitrarily set. However, the quality of barcodes for all sizes cannot be guaranteed, and the application scales according to the resolution of the printer, so errors are likely to occur in the size. In this case, the accuracy of barcode reading also decreases. There is a concern. That is, the barcode pitch and size depend on the font information, and there is a possibility that the error is large and the recognition rate as a barcode is low. Moreover, since it is a font, it is the same when it receives the image correction for characters.

  The process transition path C allows the printer driver to have a barcode drawing command for providing a specific font, causes the printer driver to input a character string created with the barcode font, and if the specific font is specified, the printer driver Shows an example of printing by sending a barcode drawing command to the printer and drawing the barcode. However, this is possible only when the printer controller in the printer has a function (barcode dedicated function) that can draw barcodes based on barcode drawing commands. There is a bug that cannot be converted to code.

  Next, the method of the present invention will be described. In the process transition path D, for example, as in the first to third embodiments, the application program 21 causes the printer driver 22 to input drawing data including a character string in a specific format, and the characters in the specific format are input in the printer driver 22. In the example, the column is analyzed and converted into a barcode (barcode image data is created) and transmitted to the printer 1 so that the printer 1 prints the barcode as image data. In the case of this method, the application program 21 does not require a barcode-dedicated function, and the printer driver 22 recognizes the barcode portion, so that unnecessary processing such as image correction is not performed. The barcode image data optimized for the printer 1 can be created, and the barcode can be printed out to ensure the quality. Further, since the printer 1 has a minimum image data printing function, a barcode-dedicated function for drawing a barcode is unnecessary.

  For example, as in the fourth or fifth embodiment, the process transition path E causes the printer driver 22 to input drawing data including a barcode drawn with an image or graphic by the application program 21, and By analyzing the code, it is recognized that it is a bar code, and when it is recognized as a bar code, image data of the bar code is created or recreated in the printer driver 22 and transmitted to the printer 1. As a result, the printer 1 shows an example of printing a barcode as image data. In the case of this method, the application program 21 requires a barcode-dedicated function, but the printer driver 22 recognizes the barcode portion, so that image correction or the like is unnecessary even for images and graphics. Barcode image data optimized for the printer 1 can be created or recreated without processing, and barcode printout with guaranteed quality can be achieved. Further, since the printer 1 has a minimum image data printing function, a barcode-dedicated function is not required for drawing a barcode.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a printing system showing a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the software structural example. 2 is a functional block diagram of a printer driver. FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation control of a printer driver. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a printing result with respect to a created document. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the example of the character string of a specific format. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the example of the print output of the symbol code corresponding to the character string example of a specific format. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the example which changed the character size of the character string of a specific format. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the example of the print output of the symbol code corresponding to the character size of the character string of a specific format. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a printing condition setting print dialog screen. 6 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation control of a printer driver according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a font setting dialog screen for symbol code replacement. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates the example of the character string of a specific font, and the example of the printing output of a corresponding symbol code. 10 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation control of a printer driver according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a printer driver according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a printing condition setting print dialog screen. 3 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation control of a printer driver. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the printing result with respect to a created document compared with a prior art example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a barcode affixed on the created document. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a dialog display of the result of having produced the barcode again. 10 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation control of a printer driver according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 14 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of operation control of a printer driver according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an error dialog display. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drawing data in the case of incompatibility, and the result example which does not perform a replacement process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the drawing data and error report output example in the case of nonconformity. It is a schematic process transition diagram showing characteristics of the present invention in contrast to the conventional example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 3 Computer 11 Storage medium 22 Printer driver 33 Determination function 34 Creation function 35 Printing function 37, 38 Determination function 41 Drawing data 42 Character string information 44 in a specific format Symbol code 51 Print condition setting print dialog 61 Symbol code Replacement font setting dialog 81 Drawing data 82 Symbol code 91 Error dialog 92, 93 Error report

Claims (37)

Installed on a computer connected to a printer,
A function for determining whether or not symbol code drawing information is included in drawing data input in response to a print request;
As a result of the determination, if symbol code drawing information is included, a function of analyzing the symbol code drawing information and creating image data of the symbol code based on the analyzed information;
A function of outputting the created symbol code image data to the printer and printing the symbol code;
A printer driver that runs The symbol code drawing information is character string information in a specific format set in advance,
The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein the determination function determines whether or not character string information of the specific format is included in character string information in the input drawing data. The character string in the specific format consists of [name of symbol code to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code],
The determination function determines that the symbol code drawing information is included by including the symbol code name to be used,
The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the creating function creates image data of a symbol code based on information on a character string to be converted into the symbol code. The character string of the specific format consists of [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code, symbol code size]
The determination function determines that the symbol code drawing information is included by including the symbol code name to be used,
The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the creating function creates image data of a symbol code having a size according to a size of the symbol code based on information of a character string to be converted into the symbol code. The character string of the specific format is a character string to be converted into a symbol code with a specific font set in advance in association with the symbol code name to be used,
The determination function determines that symbol code drawing information is included by including a character string of the specific font,
The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the creating function creates image data of a symbol code based on information on a character string to be converted into the symbol code.   6. The printer driver according to claim 5, wherein the computer is caused to execute a function of providing a symbol code replacement font setting dialog that is set in advance in association with a symbol code name that uses the specific font as a user interface.   7. The printer driver according to claim 3, wherein a control code portion that cannot be expressed by a character string is designated in a character string to be converted into the symbol code using a preset character string.   8. The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the function to create determines a size of image data of a symbol code to be created according to a character size of character string information in the specific format. Causing the computer to execute a function of providing a print condition setting print dialog including a symbol code size setting as a user interface;
8. The printer driver according to claim 2, wherein the function to be created determines a size of symbol code image data to be created according to a size set through the print condition setting print dialog.   The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein the function to be created causes the computer to execute a function of adding a blank to the background of the created symbol code.   The printer driver according to claim 10, wherein the function of assigning a blank determines the size of the blank to be imparted according to the size of the created symbol code. Causing the computer to execute a function of providing a print condition setting print dialog including a size setting of the blank portion to be provided as a user interface;
The printer driver according to claim 10, wherein the function of adding a blank adds a blank of a size set through the print condition setting print dialog. The symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created with image data,
The determination function analyzes whether or not symbol code information is included in the image data in the input drawing data,
As a result of the determination, when the symbol data is included in the image data, the creating function reads the content of the symbol code and creates symbol code image data again based on the content. Item 2. The printer driver according to Item 1. The symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created with graphic data,
The determination function determines whether or not symbol code information is included in graphic data in the input drawing data,
2. As a result of the determination, when the symbol data is included in the graphic data, the creating function reads the content of the symbol code and creates image data of the symbol code based on the content. The printer driver described. As a result of determination, when symbol code drawing information is included, a function for determining suitability as a symbol code in creating a symbol code based on the information;
A function to notify the user when it is determined to be non-conforming, and
The printer driver according to claim 1, wherein the printer is executed by the computer.   The printer driver according to claim 15, wherein the notifying function notifies the user of the fact by not causing the creating function to create a symbol code.   The printer driver according to claim 15, wherein the notification function causes the printer to print out an error report indicating that the information does not conform.   The printer driver according to claim 15, wherein the notification function displays an error dialog as a user interface indicating that the function is not compatible.   A computer-readable storage medium in which the printer driver according to any one of claims 1 to 18 is stored. Determining whether or not symbol code drawing information is included in drawing data input to the printer driver in response to a print request when a print request from an application is transmitted to the printer;
If the determination result includes symbol code drawing information, the printer driver creates symbol code image data based on the symbol code drawing information;
Outputting image data of the created symbol code from the printer driver to the printer, and printing the symbol code;
A symbol code printing method comprising: The symbol code drawing information is character string information in a specific format set in advance,
21. The symbol code printing method according to claim 20, wherein the determining step determines whether or not character string information of the specific format is included in character string information in the input drawing data. The character string in the specific format consists of [name of symbol code to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code],
The determining step determines that the symbol code drawing information is included by including the symbol code name to be used,
The symbol code printing method according to claim 21, wherein the creating step creates image data of a symbol code based on information on a character string to be converted into the symbol code. The character string of the specific format consists of [symbol code name to be used, character string to be converted to symbol code, symbol code size]
The determining step determines that the symbol code drawing information is included by including the symbol code name to be used,
The symbol code printing method according to claim 2, wherein the creating step creates image data of a symbol code having a size according to a size of the symbol code based on information of a character string to be converted into the symbol code. The character string of the specific format is a character string to be converted into a symbol code with a specific font set in advance in association with the symbol code name to be used,
The determining step determines that symbol code drawing information is included by including the character string of the specific font;
The symbol code printing method according to claim 2, wherein the creating step creates image data of a symbol code based on information on a character string to be converted into the symbol code.   25. The symbol code printing method according to claim 24, further comprising a step of providing a symbol code replacement font setting dialog that is set in advance in association with a symbol code name that uses the specific font as a user interface.   26. The symbol code printing method according to claim 22, wherein a control code portion that cannot be expressed by a character string is specified in a character string to be converted into the symbol code using a preset character string.   27. The symbol code printing method according to claim 21, 22, 24, 25, or 26, wherein the creating step determines a size of symbol code image data to be created according to a character size of the character string information of the specific format. Providing a print condition setting print dialog including a symbol code size setting as a user interface,
27. The symbol code printing method according to claim 21, wherein the size of the symbol code image data to be created is determined in accordance with a size set through the print condition setting print dialog. .   The symbol code printing method according to any one of claims 20 to 28, wherein the creating step includes a step of adding a blank to a background of the created symbol code.   30. The symbol code printing method according to claim 29, wherein in the step of assigning a blank, the size of the blank portion to be assigned is determined according to the size of the created symbol code. Providing a print condition setting print dialog including a size setting of the blank portion to be provided as a user interface;
30. The symbol code printing method according to claim 29, wherein in the step of assigning a blank, a blank corresponding to a size set through the print condition setting print dialog is given. The symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created with image data,
The determining step analyzes whether or not symbol code information is included in the image data in the input drawing data;
As a result of the determination, when the symbol data is included in the image data, the creating step reads the content of the symbol code and recreates the symbol code image data again based on the content. Item 20. The symbol code printing method according to Item 20. The symbol code drawing information is a symbol code created with graphic data,
The determining step analyzes whether or not symbol code information is included in graphic data in the input drawing data;
21. As a result of the determination, if the graphic data includes symbol code information, the creating step reads the content of the symbol code and creates image data of the symbol code based on the content. The described symbol code printing method. As a result of the determination, when symbol code drawing information is included, a step of determining suitability as a symbol code in creating a symbol code based on the information;
If it is determined that it does not fit, informing the user to that effect;
34. The symbol code printing method according to claim 20, further comprising:   35. The symbol code printing method according to claim 34, wherein in the notifying step, the user is informed by not creating a symbol code in the creating step.   35. The symbol code printing method according to claim 34, wherein the notifying step causes the printer to print out an error report indicating that it does not conform. 35. The symbol code printing method according to claim 34, wherein in the notifying step, an error dialog is displayed as a user interface to the effect that the information is not compatible.

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