To provide a general purpose means for operating a barcode using applications.

An input data checking and supplement means 111 checks the number of digits and a check digit, when newly generating barcode data. A bit line character string preparing means 112 prepares the bit line character string of a byte array or a word array concerning inputted barcode data. An image file preparation means 124 prepares image data for display or that for file output concerning the bit line character string. An embedded object preparing mans 131 retains the image data for file output in object format. An input data checking and supplement I/F 101, a bit-line character string preparation I/F 102, an image file preparation I/F 103 and an embedded object preparation IF 104 function for general purpose between the corresponding means 111, 112, 124 and 131, and a system class 20 which utilizes barcodes.