Program, information processing device, code generation method

Abstract

This reduces the burden on users in generating QR codes containing URLs. [Solution] The computer, which is an information processing device, executes a program to generate code that stores the information entered in the data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates code that stores the default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to a program, an information processing apparatus, and a code generation method.

Background Art

[0002] As one means for facilitating access to various services provided on the Web, a two-dimensional code storing a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is used. Techniques for generating such a two-dimensional code storing a URL are described in, for example, Patent Document 1.

[0003] By simply reading a two-dimensional code storing a URL using a smartphone or the like, a user can access a service specified by the URL stored in the two-dimensional code without manually inputting the URL.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By contrast, when generating a two-dimensional code, unlike when using the two-dimensional code described above, a URL must be input to specify the URL to be coded. Therefore, a technique for generating a two-dimensional code storing a URL without imposing an excessive burden on a user is desired.

[0006] Based on the above circumstances, an object according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique for reducing the burden on a user required for generating a two-dimensional code storing a URL.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to execute a process that generates code containing the information entered in a data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates code containing a default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area.

[0008] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control unit that generates a code containing the information entered in a data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates a code containing a default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area.

[0009] A code generation method according to one aspect of the present invention generates a code that stores the information entered in a data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates a code that stores a default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the above configuration, the burden on the user in generating a two-dimensional code containing a URL can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a partial plan view of a printing device with the lid open. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates an example of a transport route for the printing medium. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing device. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 6]This is an example of a label editing screen displayed by an information processing device. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an example of the state of selecting the type of code. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing an example of the state of selecting a service specified by a code. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the information processing device. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing an example of the initial display of the data area. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing an example of the code generation processing performed by the information processing device. [Figure 12] This is a diagram showing an example of the state where a code is displayed within the label editing screen. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing an example of the state where the information within the data area is edited. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing an example of the information stored in the storage unit. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing an example of the state where the information within the data area is further edited. [Figure 16] This is a diagram showing another example of the information stored in the storage unit. [Figure 17] This is a diagram showing an example of the state of inputting additional information. [Figure 18] This is a diagram showing an example of the state where a code and additional information are displayed within the label editing screen. [Figure 19] This is a flowchart showing another example of the code generation processing performed by the information processing device. [Figure 20] This is a diagram showing another example of the state where a code and additional information are displayed within the label editing screen.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, embodiments of the present invention will be described using a system as an example, which includes a printing device capable of printing characters, images, etc., onto a tape that is a printing medium, cutting the printed tape (label) and ejecting it to the outside of the device, and an information processing device on which an application that assists in the creation of the label (label creation support application) operates.

[0013] In this specification, tape refers to a long, thin, strip-shaped printable medium made of plastic, paper, or any other material. Tape typically has an adhesive layer and is detachable; however, tape does not necessarily have an adhesive layer. A label, on the other hand, is a piece of tape used as a printable medium, on which some information has been printed.

[0014] The printing method of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment is not particularly limited. The printing apparatus is, for example, a thermal printer that performs printing by thermal transfer or heat-sensitive method. However, the printing apparatus is not limited to a thermal printer, but may also be an inkjet printer or a laser printer.

[0015] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a system according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a partial plan view of the printing apparatus 1 according to one embodiment with the lid open.

[0016] The system shown in Figure 1 includes a printing device 1 and an information processing device 1000. In the system shown in Figure 1, the information processing device 1000 outputs a print command for a label image to the printing device 1, and the printing device 1 prints the label image onto tape 13 to create a label with the label image printed on it.

[0017] The information processing device 1000 is a device that creates label images to be printed on labels by the printing device 1, and a label creation support application runs on it. The information processing device 1000 can include codes such as barcodes and QR codes (registered trademarks) in the label images it creates.

[0018] The information processing device 1000 may be, for example, a notebook-type terminal like the information processing device 1000a shown in Figure 1, a tablet-type terminal like the information processing device 1000b shown, or a smartphone like the information processing device 1000c shown. Note that the information processing device 1000 is not limited to a mobile terminal; it may also be a stationary device.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 exchange data, for example, by wireless communication. The wireless communication standard used between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 is not particularly limited. For example, a wireless LAN standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used. Communication may be conducted in an ad-hoc mode as shown in Figure 1, or in an infrastructure mode via an access point. In addition, a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as BLE) may be used for wireless communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000. However, communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 is not limited to wireless communication; it may also be communication using a wired cable.

[0020] The printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises an apparatus housing 2 and a lid 4 attached to the apparatus housing 2. The apparatus housing 2 is provided with a recessed adapter mounting section 201 for mounting a tape adapter 11. The tape adapter 11 is a container that houses a roll of tape 13 (hereinafter referred to as "tape roll 12") and supplies the tape 13 to the printing apparatus 1. The underlined number "9" in Figures 1 and 2 indicates that the width of the tape 13 housed in the tape adapter 11 is 9 mm. Note that the tape 13 is not limited to 9 mm width; various widths such as 12 mm, 18 mm, and 36 mm can be used.

[0021] The adapter mounting section 201 of the device housing 2 is connected to an outlet 202 provided on the side of the device housing 2. The printing device 1 transports the tape 13, which is pulled out from the tape adapter 11 mounted on the adapter mounting section 201, along a transport path provided in the device housing 2, and discharges it from the outlet 202. The device housing 2 is equipped with a platen roller (transport roller) 6 for transporting the tape 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11, a printing unit 7 for printing on the tape 13, and a cutting unit 8 for cutting the tape 13.

[0022] The lid 4 is attached to the device housing 2 so that the adapter mounting section 201 on the device housing 2 can be opened and closed. In the printing device 1, the keyboard 3 is provided in an area of ​​the device housing 2 that does not interfere with the lid 4 in the closed position, and the display 5 is provided on the surface of the lid 4. The keyboard 3 is an input device having multiple keys for inputting and selecting various information related to the operation of the printing device 1. The display 5 is a display device that displays various information input or selected by the keyboard 3.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates an example of a transport path for the printing medium. Figure 3 schematically shows the transport path of the tape 13 in the printing device 1 as a straight line.

[0024] The tape 13, unwound from the tape roll 12 and supplied to the printing device 1, is transported along a transport path that passes between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 of the printing unit 7 and leads to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2. The tape 13 is, for example, gripped between the circumferential surface of the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 when the lid 4 moves to the closed position, and is transported along the transport path as the platen roller 6 rotates.

[0025] In the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the platen roller 6 feeds the tape 13 toward the discharge port 202 using the power of a motor (not shown). The thermal head 701 prints on the tape 13 by applying heat to the transported tape 13. The tape 13 transported along the transport path is cut by the first cutter 801 at a full-cut position between the printing position where the tape 13 and the thermal head 701 come into contact in the transport path, and the discharge position corresponding to the discharge port 202 of the apparatus housing 2. The tape 13 transported along the transport path is also cut by the second cutter 802 at a half-cut position between the full-cut position and the discharge position.

[0026] The first cutter 801 is a full cutter that cuts the entire tape 13 at the cut line of the tape 13 at the full cut position, separating it into two parts. For example, if the tape 13 is a printing medium that includes a substrate which is an adhesive tape layer and a separator which is a protective layer that protects the adhesive tape layer, the first cutter 801 cuts both the substrate and the separator, separating the substrate and the separator into two parts each.

[0027] The second cutter 802 is a half-cutter that cuts the tape 13 at the cut line of the tape 13 at the half-cut position, maintaining a unified state with the uncut portions on both sides of the cut line. For example, if the tape 13 is a printing medium that includes a base material which is an adhesive tape layer and a separator which is a protective layer that protects the adhesive tape layer, the second cutter 802 may cut only the base material and not the separator. The second cutter 802 may also be a cutter that cuts the tape 13 so that perforations are created in the tape 13.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the printing apparatus 1 may be provided with a pair of discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 that hold the tape 13 between the half-cut position and the discharge position in the transport path and assist in the transport of the tape 13. The discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 operate, for example, so that when the tape 13 is cut by the first cutter 801, the tape 13 located downstream of the full-cut position is transported.

[0029] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to one embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 4 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 140, a transport unit 150, a printing unit 160, a cutting unit 170, a sensor 180, and a communication unit 190.

[0030] The input unit 130 is an input device for inputting various information into the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the keyboard 3 described above. The display unit 140 is a display device for displaying various information to the user of the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the display 5 described above.

[0031] The transport unit 150 transports the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The transport unit 150 includes, for example, a platen roller 6, a motor connected to the platen roller 6, a drive circuit for driving the motor, and an encoder for detecting the rotation speed (rotation angle) of the platen roller 6.

[0032] The printing unit 160 prints on the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The printing unit 160 corresponds to the printing unit 7 described above and includes, for example, a thermal head 701, a drive circuit for driving the heating element of the thermal head 701, and a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the thermal head 701.

[0033] The cutting unit 170 cuts the tape 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The cutting unit 170 corresponds to the cut unit 8 described above and includes, for example, a first cutter 801, a second cutter 802, motors connected to each cutter, a drive circuit for driving the motors, and a pair of discharge rollers 1501 and 1502.

[0034] The control unit 100 controls the transport unit 150, the printing unit 160, and the cutting unit 170. The control unit 100 controls the execution of the transport process, printing process, and cutting process in the printing device 1 by controlling the operation of one or more of the transport unit 150, the printing unit 160, and the cutting unit 170.

[0035] Control by the control unit 100 is performed, for example, by executing a program stored in the memory unit 120 by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 100 may include an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0036] The memory unit 120 stores various programs executed by the processor, which acts as the control unit 100, and various data used when executing those programs. The memory unit 120 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) 121 and ROM (Read Only Memory) 122.

[0037] The sensor 180 detects, for example, whether or not the tape adapter 11 is installed, and also detects the width of the tape 13 supplied from the installed tape adapter 11. The communication unit 190 is a communication interface that communicates with the information processing device 1000. The communication unit 190 can perform at least one of wireless communication in accordance with known short-range wireless communication standards and wired communication using a transmission cable.

[0038] As described above, the printing device 1, upon receiving a print instruction including a label image from the information processing device 1000, performs a process (operation) such as printing the label image onto the tape 13 to create a label.

[0039] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 1000 according to one embodiment. The information processing device 1000 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in Figure 5, it is a computer including a processor 1001, a storage device 1002, an input interface 1003, an output interface 1004, and a communication interface 1005, which may be connected via a bus.

[0040] The processor 1001 is an example of a control unit of the information processing device 1000. The processor 1001 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes a program stored in the storage device 1002. The processor 1001 may also include any electrical circuit such as a GPU (Graphics processing unit), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0041] The storage device 1002 is a non-temporary computer-readable medium, such as any semiconductor memory. One or more storage devices 1002 include volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), and flash memory. The storage device 1002 may also include magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, and other types of storage devices.

[0042] It is desirable that the storage device 1002 stores a program 1002a and data 1002b. Program 1002a is, for example, an application that assists in label creation (label creation support application). Data 1002b includes, for example, the default URL and code generation history, which will be described later.

[0043] The input interface 1003 is connected to a touch panel, keyboard, or the like. The input interface 1003 may also be connected to an audio input device such as a microphone. The output interface 1004 is connected to a display device. The display device may be a display device of the information processing device 1000, or it may be a different display device from the information processing device 1000. The communication interface 1005 exchanges data with the printing device 1, for example, by wireless communication. The wireless communication standard between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 (communication interface 1005) is not particularly limited. Communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 1000 (communication interface 1005) is not limited to wireless communication; it may also be communication using a wired cable.

[0044] In the system configured as described above, the processor 1001 executes program 1002a, causing the information processing device 1000 to create a label image. Furthermore, the information processing device 1000 instructs the printing device 1 to print the created label image, causing the printing device 1 to produce a label with the label image printed on it. The following describes program 1002a, which is a label creation support application, in detail.

[0045] Figure 6 is an example of a label editing screen displayed by the information processing device. Figure 7 is an example of selecting a code type. Figure 8 is an example of selecting a service identified by a code. Figure 9 is a flowchart of an example of a process performed by the information processing device. Figure 10 is an example of the initial display of the data area. Figure 11 is a flowchart of an example of a code generation process performed by the information processing device. Figure 12 is an example of how a code is displayed on the label editing screen. Figure 13 is an example of how information in the data area has been edited. Figure 14 is an example of information stored in the memory unit. Figure 15 is an example of how information in the data area has been further edited. Figure 16 is another example of information stored in the memory unit.

[0046] When the processor 1001 executes program 1002a, the label editing screen 1100 shown in Figure 6 is displayed on the display device of the information processing device 1000. The user can create any label image on the label editing screen 1100. Hereafter, the process performed by the information processing device 1000 will be described using the example of creating a label image that includes a QR code containing a URL for accessing an SNS (Social Networking Service). Hereafter, the QR code containing a URL for accessing an SNS will also be referred to as an SNS QR code.

[0047] When a user taps the "+" icon on the label editing screen 1100, the information processing device 1000 displays a group of buttons on the label editing screen 1100 for selecting the type of information to be added to the label image (in this case, text, icon, date, image, and code), as shown in Figure 6. To create a QR code for social media, the user simply presses button B1, which indicates "code".

[0048] When a user presses button B1, which indicates a code, from this group of buttons, the information processing device 1000 displays a group of buttons (buttons B11, B12, and B13) for selecting the type of code shown in Figure 7, and a cancel button B14.

[0049] Button B11 is pressed when generating a QR code as a label image. Button B12 is pressed when generating a QR code for social media as a label image. Button B13 is pressed when generating a barcode as a label image.

[0050] When a user presses button B12 shown in Figure 7, the information processing device 1000 displays a group of buttons (buttons B21, B22, and B23) for selecting the type of SNS shown in Figure 8, and a cancel button B24. Since SNS is a type of membership-based service on the web, the group of buttons shown in Figure 8 is an example of a GUI for selecting a service. When a button for selecting the type of SNS is pressed, the information processing device 1000's processor 1001 executes the SNS code generation process shown in Figure 9.

[0051] When the processor 1001 starts the process shown in Figure 9, it first obtains information corresponding to the service (SNS) from the storage device 1002 (step S10). The service-specific information obtained in step S10 includes the default URL corresponding to the service selected using the button group shown in Figure 8. Therefore, for example, if button B21 shown in Figure 8 is pressed, in step S10 the processor 1001 obtains the default URL for "SNS A" (for example, https: / / sns_a.com) from the storage device 1002.

[0052] Furthermore, the information obtained in step S10, which corresponds to the service, includes the history of code generation performed when that service was selected, or more specifically, the information stored in the latest generated code. Therefore, for example, if button B21 shown in Figure 8 is pressed, in step S10, the processor 1001 obtains the history of code generation for "SNS A," or more specifically, the information stored in the latest code generated for "SNS A," from the storage device 1002.

[0053] Furthermore, the storage device 1002 stores the default URL for each service. In other words, the storage device 1002 associates a URL with each service. Therefore, the process of obtaining service-specific information in step S10 corresponds to the process of setting the default URL corresponding to the service selected by the user as the default URL for display, as described later. In addition, the storage device 1002 may also store information that was stored in the latest code generated for that service, for each service. Once code has been created with that service selected, the storage device 1002 stores the code generation history for that service, more specifically, the information that was stored in the latest code generated for that service. On the other hand, as long as code has not been created with that service selected, the storage device 1002 does not store the code generation history for that service, nor does it contain any information that was stored in the latest code. Therefore, in step S10, the processor 1001 obtains at least the default URL, and if there is a code generation history, it also obtains the information that was stored in the latest code.

[0054] Next, the processor 1001 performs initial display processing (step S20). Here, the processor 1001 causes the data area 1200 to be displayed on the display device as shown in Figure 10. Information is initially displayed in the data area 1200. The processor 1001 determines the information to be initially displayed as follows.

[0055] If no code generation history is obtained in step S10, that is, if there is no code generation history in the storage device 1002, the processor 1001 determines the information initially displayed in the data area 1200 to be the default URL. Figure 10 shows how the default URL for "SNS A" is displayed in the data area 1200. On the other hand, if a code generation history is obtained in step S10, that is, if there is a code generation history in the storage device 1002, the processor 1001 determines the information initially displayed in the data area 1200 to be the information stored in the latest code generated for that service. In other words, the information stored in the last code generated for that service (in this case, "SNS A") is initially displayed.

[0056] Subsequently, if the user presses the cancel button shown in Figure 10 (step S30: cancel), the SNS QR code generation process is canceled, and the process shown in Figure 9 ends. If the user presses the confirm button shown in Figure 10 (step S30: confirm), the processor 1001 performs the code generation process shown in Figure 11 (step S40).

[0057] When the processor 1001 starts the process shown in Figure 11, it first determines whether information is entered in the data area 1200 (step S41). If information is entered in the data area 1200, the processor 1001 generates a QR code containing the information entered in the data area 1200 (step S42). On the other hand, if no information is entered in the data area 1200, the processor 1001 generates a QR code containing the default URL obtained in step S10 (step S43). Note that some information is initially displayed in the data area 1200 by the process in step S20. Therefore, the process in step S43 is performed by the processor 1001 when no information is entered in the data area because information has been deleted from the data area 1200.

[0058] Once a QR code is generated, the processor 1001 displays the generated QR code on the display device (step S50), updates the code generation history stored in the storage device 1002 (step S60), and terminates the SNS QR code generation process. As a result, for example, as shown in Figure 12, QR code C1 (QR code) is displayed on the label editing screen 1100.

[0059] Furthermore, for SNS personal account URLs, URLs often use the username as the directory name immediately following the FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name). As shown in Figure 13, when a personal account URL is entered into the data area 1200 to generate a QR code, in step S60, as shown in Figure 14, the history H1 indicating the personal account URL is stored in the storage device 1002 as information that was stored in the latest code generated for "SNS A".

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 15, if the data area 1200 is left blank when generating the QR code, in step S60, as shown in Figure 16, the history H2 indicating the default URL is stored in the storage device 1002 as information that was stored in the latest code generated for "SNS A".

[0061] In the information processing device 1000 configured as described above, information is initially displayed in the data area 1200 even before the user manually inputs any information. In particular, the initially displayed information is changed based on the latest code that was previously generated, so there is a high probability that the information the user needs will be displayed in the data area 1200 from the beginning. For this reason, the information processing device 1000 makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of information that the user must manually input when generating a QR code, thereby reducing the burden on the user in generating a two-dimensional code that stores a URL.

[0062] Furthermore, even if a user instructs the information processing device 1000 to generate a QR code when no information has been entered in the data area 1200, the device will generate a QR code containing the default URL. Therefore, for example, even if the initially displayed information is accidentally deleted, the information processing device 1000 can generate a QR code containing the default URL without requiring manual re-entry.

[0063] Furthermore, if there is a history of code generation in the information processing device 1000, the data area 1200 will initially display the information stored in the most recently created QR code. In particular, when creating QR codes for social networking services (SNS), users almost always create QR codes that store the URL of their personal account. Therefore, since the information stored in the most recently created QR code is initially displayed in the data area 1200, in most cases, users do not need to edit the information initially displayed in the data area 1200, and can generate the desired QR code with the information processing device 1000 with simple operations.

[0064] Furthermore, even if there is no history of code generation, the information processing device 1000 initially displays a default URL in the data area 1200, so it can be changed to a personal account URL simply by adding a username after the FQDN. Therefore, with the information processing device 1000, it is possible to create a QR code with minimal operation, and the burden on the user required to generate a two-dimensional code containing a URL can be reduced.

[0065] Furthermore, the information processing device 1000 generates a QR code containing the default URL by deleting the initially displayed information in the data area 1200 and creating a blank QR code. The history (information stored in the latest QR code) is also updated to the default URL. Therefore, the default URL will be displayed on the next initial display. In this way, the information processing device 1000 allows users to intentionally change the next initial display to the default URL. For example, when the information processing device 1000 is shared by multiple users, it is not always desirable for the URL of a personal account to be displayed initially, and the function that allows the initial display to be changed to the default URL is very useful.

[0066] Furthermore, the information processing device 1000 stores information (default URL, code generation history) for each SNS in the storage device 1002. Therefore, even when QR codes are created for multiple different SNSs, the user simply selects the type of SNS, and the information processing device 1000 uses the information corresponding to the selected SNS to appropriately perform the initial display of the data area 1200 and generate a QR code when no data is entered, according to the selected SNS.

[0067] Figure 17 shows an example of how additional information is entered. Figure 18 shows an example of how the code and additional information are displayed in the label editing screen. Figure 19 is a flowchart showing another example of the code generation process performed by the information processing device. Figure 20 shows another example of how the code and additional information are displayed in the label editing screen.

[0068] As shown in Figure 12, when QR code C1 is displayed on the label editing screen 1100, the user can add additional information next to QR code C1. That is, a label image including QR code C1 and additional information can be generated. To add additional information, the user simply taps the "+" icon below QR code C1. Tapping the "+" icon displays an additional area 1300 for entering additional information, as shown in Figure 17.

[0069] The additional area allows users to enter any information, which will then be displayed next to the QR code. Figure 17 shows an example where the URL of a personal account stored in QR code C1 is entered in the additional area 1300. In this case, pressing the confirmation button shown in Figure 17 will display the personal account URL as additional information A1 next to QR code C1, as shown in Figure 18.

[0070] The information processing device 1000 may perform the code generation process shown in Figure 19 instead of the code generation process shown in Figure 11 when generating a code for SNS. In the information processing device 1000, the generation of the QR code and the generation of additional information are separate processes and are not basically linked to each other, and are generated according to the explicit instructions of the user. However, if the data area 1200 is left blank when a QR code is generated, the default URL is forcibly stored in the QR code, making it easy for the user to overlook the inconsistency between the information stored in the QR code and the additional information. For this reason, the information processing device 1000 may perform the code generation process shown in Figure 19 to prevent inconsistencies between the information stored in the QR code and the additional information.

[0071] When the processor 1001 starts the process shown in Figure 19, it first determines whether information is entered in the data area 1200 (step S141). If information is entered in the data area 1200, the processor 1001 generates a QR code that stores the information entered in the data area 1200 (step S142).

[0072] In contrast, if no information is entered in the data area 1200, the processor 1001 generates a QR code containing the default URL (step S143). Then, it determines whether a URL is entered in the additional area (step S144), and if a URL is entered, it changes the additional information (i.e., the information entered in the additional area) to the default URL (step S145).

[0073] As a result, for example, if the label image shown in Figure 18 is displayed on the label editing screen 1100, and the data area 1200 is changed to blank to recreate the QR code, both the QR code and the additional information will be updated, as shown in Figure 20. Specifically, QR code C1, which stores the personal account URL, is updated to QR code C2, which stores the default URL, and additional information A1, which indicates the personal account URL, is updated to additional information A2, which indicates the default URL.

[0074] Note that if anything other than a URL is entered in the additional field, such as a message inviting the user to join a social networking service (e.g., "Access here"), the code generation process shown in Figure 19 will not update the additional information. However, if updating the additional information is necessary, the user can update it manually.

[0075] Even if the information processing device 1000 performs the code generation process shown in Figure 19 instead of the code generation process shown in Figure 11, the burden on the user required to generate a two-dimensional code containing a URL can be reduced. Furthermore, by performing the code generation process shown in Figure 19, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of inconsistencies between the additional information and the information stored in the QR code.

[0076] The embodiments described above are provided as concrete examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but should be understood as encompassing various modifications and alternative forms of the embodiments described above. For example, it will be understood that each embodiment can be materialized by modifying its components without departing from its spirit and scope. It will also be understood that various embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments described above. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various embodiments can be implemented by deleting some components from all the components shown in the embodiments, or by adding some components to the components shown in the embodiments. In other words, the information processing device, code generation method, and program can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0077] In this specification, QR codes are used as an example of a code that stores a URL used to access social networking services (SNS), but the code that stores a URL is not limited to QR codes. Codes other than QR codes may be used to store URLs. However, a two-dimensional code is preferable because it requires a data capacity sufficient to store a URL. Therefore, any two-dimensional code, including QR codes, may be used as a code for SNS. Furthermore, although QR codes for SNS were used as an example of a code that stores a URL above, the URL stored in the code is not limited to an SNS URL, but may be a URL of any web service.

[0078] Figure 19 shows an example where the additional information is changed to the default URL when the information entered in the additional area is a URL. However, the additional information may be changed to the default URL even if the information entered in the additional area is not limited to a URL, but is related to the QR code generated in step S143. This is because if the additional information is related to the code, inconsistencies may arise between the code and the additional information due to the automatic modification of the code's content.

[0079] In this specification, the expression "based on A" does not mean "based solely on A," but rather "based on at least A." That is, "based on A" may also mean based on B in addition to A.

[0080] The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] On the computer, A process that generates code containing the information entered in the data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates code containing the default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area. A program that executes the command. [Note 2] In the program described in Appendix 1, On the computer, Process to change the information displayed in the data area based on the latest generated code. A program that executes the command. [Note 3] In the program described in Appendix 1 or 2, On the computer, When a URL is associated with each service, the process of setting the URL corresponding to the service selected by the user as the default URL. A program that executes the command. [Note 4] In the program described in Appendix 3, To the aforementioned computer, If there is no code generation history, the information displayed in the data area is determined to be the default URL. If there is a code generation history, the information displayed in the data area is determined to be the information stored in the most recently generated code. A program that executes the command. [Note 5] In the program described in Appendix 4, To the aforementioned computer, If no information is entered in the data area when code generation is instructed, and a URL is entered in the additional area for entering information to be displayed next to the code, the process of changing the information entered in the additional area to the default URL is performed. A program that executes the command. [Note 6] In the program described in Appendix 1, To the aforementioned computer, If no information is entered in the data area when code generation is instructed, and a URL is entered in the additional area for entering information to be displayed next to the code, the process of changing the information entered in the additional area to the default URL is performed. A program that executes the command. [Note 7] A control unit generates a code containing the information entered in the data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates a code containing the default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area. An information processing device equipped with the following features. [Note 8] If information is entered in the data area, a code is generated that stores the information entered in the data area. If information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area, a code is generated that stores the default URL. A code generation method characterized by the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0081] 1:Printing device 2: Device housing 3: Keyboard 4: Lid 5: Display 6: Platen Roller 7: Printing Unit 8: Cutting Unit 11: Tape adapter 12: Tape Roll 13: Tape 100: Control Unit 120: Storage section 130: Input section 140: Display section 150: Conveying section 160: Printing Department 170: Cutting section 180: Sensor 190: Communications Department 201: Adapter mounting section 202: Outlet 701: Thermal head 801: First cutter 802: The second cutter 1000, 1000a~1000c: Information Processing Devices 1001: Processor 1002: Storage device 1002a: Program 1002b: Data 1003: Input Interface 1004: Output Interface 1005: Communication Interface 1100: Label editing screen 1200: Data area 1300: Additional area 1501: Discharge Roller A1, A2: Additional information C1, C2: QR code H1, H2: History

Claims

1. On the computer, A process that generates a code containing the information entered in the data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates a code containing the default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area. A program that executes the command.

2. In the program described in claim 1, On the computer, Process to change the information displayed in the data area based on the latest generated code. A program that executes the command.

3. In the program according to claim 1 or 2, On the computer, When a URL is associated with each service, the process of setting the URL corresponding to the service selected by the user as the default URL. A program that executes the command.

4. In the program described in claim 3, To the aforementioned computer, If there is no history of code generation, the information displayed in the data area is determined to be the default URL. If there is a history of code generation, the information displayed in the data area is determined to be the information stored in the most recently generated code. A program that executes the command.

5. In the program described in claim 4, To the aforementioned computer, If, when code generation is instructed, no information is entered in the data area, and furthermore, a URL is entered in the additional area for entering information to be displayed next to the code, the process of changing the information entered in the additional area to the default URL is performed. A program that executes the command.

6. In the program described in claim 1, To the aforementioned computer, If, when code generation is instructed, no information is entered in the data area, and furthermore, a URL is entered in the additional area for entering information to be displayed next to the code, the process of changing the information entered in the additional area to the default URL is performed. A program that executes the command.

7. A control unit generates a code containing the information entered in the data area when information is entered in the data area, and generates a code containing the default URL when information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area. An information processing device equipped with the following features.

8. If information is entered in the data area, a code is generated that stores the information entered in the data area. If information is deleted from the data area and no information is entered in the data area, a code is generated that stores the default URL. A code generation method characterized by the following features.

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