CA2178773C - Mobile multi-printer station printing barcode labels and signs - Google Patents
Mobile multi-printer station printing barcode labels and signs Download PDFInfo
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- CA2178773C CA2178773C CA002178773A CA2178773A CA2178773C CA 2178773 C CA2178773 C CA 2178773C CA 002178773 A CA002178773 A CA 002178773A CA 2178773 A CA2178773 A CA 2178773A CA 2178773 C CA2178773 C CA 2178773C
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1202—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to achieve a particular effect
- G06F3/1203—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management
- G06F3/1206—Improving or facilitating administration, e.g. print management resulting in increased flexibility in input data format or job format or job type
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1223—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to use a particular technique
- G06F3/1237—Print job management
- G06F3/126—Job scheduling, e.g. queuing, determine appropriate device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/12—Digital output to print unit, e.g. line printer, chain printer
- G06F3/1201—Dedicated interfaces to print systems
- G06F3/1278—Dedicated interfaces to print systems specifically adapted to adopt a particular infrastructure
- G06F3/1284—Local printer device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K1/00—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion
- G06K1/12—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
- G06K1/121—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching by printing code marks
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
- Printers Characterized By Their Purpose (AREA)
Abstract
A mobile multi-printer station communicates with a remote host station via radio frequency messages. The multi-printer station includes a number of different types of printers for printing on different types and sizes of record members such as labels, tags and signs. Each of the printers is supported on a cart for mobility. The cart also supports a radio frequency communicator for receiving and transmitting radio frequency printer messages to and from the host station. The radio frequency communicator couples received printer messages to each of the printers on the cart. Each of the printers includes a memory for storing a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the received digital information identifying a printer for comparing the information to the stored printer address and the printer processor processing digital data in response to a match between the stored printer address and the received digital information. Communication parameters may be programmed into a printer on the cart by multiple actuations of a single key to provide a very simple procedure for setting communication parameters.
Description
Docket No. 10836US01 PRINTING BARCODE LABELS AND SIGNS
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-printe:r station and more particularly to a mobile multi-printer station having a radio frequency S communicator coupled to a number of printers that are stzpport~=_d on a cart for printing record member: of various sizes and shapes based on print data contained in a received radio frequency message' .
D.Lfferent printers are known for printing information on record members of various sizes and types. Foz- example, tabletop label and tag printers arts known for printing barcodes and 15 alpha-numeric information on a web of record member: such as labels and tags. Hand-held labelers are' known for printing and applying labels.. Laser printers are known for printing on large record members such as signs . Each of these 20 printers typically prints on only one size or type of record member. When used in a retail environment, the location of all of the printers, except for any hand-held printers, is typically fixed and generally not in one common area. If a _2_ record member of a particular size or t.~ype is needed, the employee has to go t-o the location of_ the printer that is capable of printing that desired record member. This is an extremely inefficient= hroce.:~s.
U.S. Patent No. 5,202,825 issued to Miller_ et al. on April 13, 1993 teaches a. mobile customer service station including a console on a wheeled chassis. The console houses a number of components, such <~s a printer, credit card reader and cash drawer, all of which are li-nked to and controlled by a multifunction control un.i~. located within the console. A
transceiver unit housed in the console and coupled to the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a radio communications system. A,ithough the con sole in Miller et al. comprises two printers, they ~~re each connected by a dedicated connection t:o t=he control. u.nit~, which stores the sole address code for the station. Furthermore, the printers themselves are not able to pe rfcrm any processing tasks related to incoming radio messages.
SUMMARY (:)F THE I:NVENTLON
In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages ofv prior printing systems have been overcome.
The printing system of the present invention includes a mobile-multi printer statio:Z for printi.r3g on record members of various sizes and types based on print data contained in a received radio frequency message.
More part=icularly, a mobile--mufti printer station in accordance with the present. invention includes a cart for supporting a number of printers i.ncl~.zdes a barcode printer.
A radio frequency communicator supported on the cart receives radio frequency printer rn.essages that include a printer address identifying one of the printers and print data to be printed by that printer. Each c:~f l~he printer; supported on the cart. is coupled to the radio fre:~quency communicator to receive printer messages therefrom. Each of the printers -2a-includes a memory for staring a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of information identifying a printer for c:ompari.ng the information to the stored printer address. The processor is responsive to a match between the receivec:~ address information and the stored printer address for processung the print data contained in a received printer message.
Docket No. 10836US01 Each of the printers supported on the cart is preferably a different type of printer, although printers of the same type can be employed, for printing on different types of record members 5 labels and :signs. The multi-printer station may be moved to any desired location at which it can receive a radio frequency message from a host station. Therefore, record members of various sizes and t~rpes can be generated on the spot at 10 the desired location to increase the efficiency of the labeling and printing operation.
These and other advantages and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully 15 understood from the following description and drawing's .
BRIF'sF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system employing a mobile multi-printer station in 20 accord,~nce with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile multi-~~rinter station as shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment c>f a mobile multi-printer station in 25 accord,~nce with the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a printer communication driver contained in each of the.
printers of the multi-printer station of Fig. 1;
and 30 Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the programming of communication parameters into a printer of the multi-printer station.
21 ?8l ?3 Docket No. 10836US01 DI~SCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A mobile multi-printer station 10 as shown in Fig. .~ recESives radio frequency (RF) printer messages from a remote host station 12. The host 5 station 12 includes a host computer 14 for generating t:he printer messages according to a desired sigwalling protocol. The generated printer messages are coupled from the host computer 14 to a transmitter/receiver unit 16 or 10 transceiver for transmitting the printer messages via an antenna 18 as a radio frequency message.
The printer station 10 as shown in Figs. 1-2 includ~ss a number of different types of printers 20-24 that are supported on a cart 26 for 15 mobilil~y. Each of the printers preferably prints on a d:Lfferent type or size of record member such as a tag, label or sign. For example, the printe:rs 22 and 23 may be tabletop printers that print information on a web 28 of record members 20 such as taga or labels 32 but the size of the labels generated by the printer 22 may be larger than those generated by the printer 23. The printer 21 is shown as a hand-held labeler for generai:ing and applying labels. The labeler 21 25 may be supported on the cart in a support fixture 34 or t:he like if desired. The printer 24 may be a laser printer for printing on large record member:3 such as the sign 30.
Also supported on the cart 26 is a battery 36 30 for powering any number of the printers. For examplE~, the battery 36 is shown as powering the printers 22--24. The hand-held labeler 21 may included its own battery for supplying power thereto as is well known. The battery 36-thus Docket No. 10836US01 forms ;~ common power supply for a number of the printers on t=he mobile cart 26 so that none of the printers need to be plugged into a wall outlet or the like for power which would impede the mobility 5 of the stati~~n.
Al.thoug:h each of the printers 21-24 may be capable of receiving on-line communications including printer data from a host station via a hardwire connection to an RS 232 port or the like 10 on the printESr, such hardwire connections prevent true mobility of the multi-printer station 10.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the multi-printer station 10 includes a radio frequency communicator 40 that is coupled 15 to an antenna 42 for intercepting RF printer ~ message's. More particularly, the RF communicator 40 may include a transceiver that converts the received analog printer message to received digital. printer message information. The digital 20 printer message information is then coupled to each o1. the printers 21-24 via a signal routing device such ass the multiplexor 44 or a serial code switch devicES .
Each of the printers 21-24 includes a central 25 proces~~ing unit (CPU) 46 that operates in accordance w_Lth software stored in a type of read only mE~mory 47 to control the operation of the printer to print data stored in a random access memory 48. Upon receipt of printer message 30 information, as discussed in detail below, the CPU
46 compares a printer address contained in the received printer message to printer address information stored in either the ROM 47 or the RAM
48 to unique:Ly identify the printer. If the CPU
35 46 determines that the received printer address Docket No. 10836US01 matches the stored printer address, the CPU 46 controls the printer to accept for processing subseq~sently received printer data. If the CPU 46 of a particular printer determines that the 5 received address does not match its stored printer address, the CPU 46 controls the printer to ignore subseq,aently received printer data.
A;s shown in Fig. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention the radio frequency communicator 10 40 is contained in a data collector 50. The data collec'~~or 50 preferably includes a barcode scanner for scanning barcode information and a memory for storin~~ the scanned barcode information in the data collector 50 for subsequent transmittal to 15 the remote host station 12 as a radio frequency message.
Because the cart 26 supports a power supply such as the battery 36 for the printers 21-24 and further includes a radio frequency communicator 40 20 for providing wireless communication to a host computESr for receiving print data therefrom, the multi-printer station 10 is completely self-contained a.nd does not require a hardwire connect=ion t~~ any device not supported on the cart 25 26. The cart 26 has wheels 52 so that it may be easily moved to any location within a given environment from which it is able to communicate via radio frequency signals to the remote host stati0ll 12. Thus, regardless of the type of 30 record member that is required at a particular station, such as labels, tags and even signs, the printer station 10 is capable of generating such various printed records at the desired location.
In another embodiment of the present 35 invent_Lon a;s depicted in Fig. 3, one of the Docket No. 10836US01 printers, 21' takes the form of a labeler/data collector having a barcode scanner integrated therein. The data collected by the labeler/data collector 21' may be selectively used for printing 5 on a l;~bel or for transmittal to the remote host statiOTl 12. The RF communicator 40' may include a central processing unit (CPU) 54 that operates in accordancES with software stored in a ROM 56 and data stored :in a RAM 58. The RF communicator 40' 10 converts into=_rcepted radio frequency signals into a digital printer message information that is routed according to the data contained therein to a particular printer 21', 22, 23 or 24.
Alternatively, as discussed above, the RF
15 communicator 40' couples each received printer message to a.11 of the printers 21'-24 connected thereto wherE~in the printers themselves determine whether- the printer messages was intended for them or not.
20 For wirESless communications between the host station 12 amd the mobile multi-printer station 10, the follc>wirig signal protocol may be utilized.
The printer message frame is preferably a variable frame that contains the data being sent to.a 25 particular printer. The printer message frame includes a number of fields including a preamble, start-c>f-frame field, source address field, destinaition address field, protocol ID, type, sequence, length, data and checksum. Each of the 30 printers 21-24 requires the preamble characters before the start-of-frame character in order to recognize the start of a printer message frame.
The source address field contains a value that represents the identification of the host station 35 12. This information allows a printer to respond ~ 17 8 7 7 3 Docket No. 10836US01 g _ to a particular host station 12. The destination address fie~.d represents the address identifying a particular printer and is required for a printer to accept and process a printer message frame.
5 Only frames with the printer address that corresponds to the particular printer or a group of printers if so configured, are acted upon. All other printer message frames are ignored. The protocol ID field indicates the type of protocol 10 being used. The various types of protocols may include: a simplex short protocol with one byte of data for length of data field; simple long protocol with two bytes of data for length of data field; duplex short protocol with one byte of data 15 for le~agth of data field; and duplex long protocol with two bytes of data for length of data field.
The ty~~e field indicates the type of frame such as a data frame, last data frame, acknowledge frame, associate frame and associate response frame. The 20 sequence field represents a sequence number that is used for duplicated detection and is preferably a four bit value. The length field indicates the size of the data portion of the frame in bytes.
This value allows the printer to know how much 25 data i.s to be interpreted by the printer. The data field contains the printer commands and/or printer data packets and may be for example, up to 64k bytes ir.~ length. The checksum field may be a 16 bit: value utilizing a CRC-16 checksum. The 30 checksum va7.ue is utilized for verification such that this r~=ceived value must be valid in order for the printer to accept the frame. If the checksum verification fails, the printer will not accept the received printer message frame.
FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to a multi-printe:r station and more particularly to a mobile multi-printer station having a radio frequency S communicator coupled to a number of printers that are stzpport~=_d on a cart for printing record member: of various sizes and shapes based on print data contained in a received radio frequency message' .
D.Lfferent printers are known for printing information on record members of various sizes and types. Foz- example, tabletop label and tag printers arts known for printing barcodes and 15 alpha-numeric information on a web of record member: such as labels and tags. Hand-held labelers are' known for printing and applying labels.. Laser printers are known for printing on large record members such as signs . Each of these 20 printers typically prints on only one size or type of record member. When used in a retail environment, the location of all of the printers, except for any hand-held printers, is typically fixed and generally not in one common area. If a _2_ record member of a particular size or t.~ype is needed, the employee has to go t-o the location of_ the printer that is capable of printing that desired record member. This is an extremely inefficient= hroce.:~s.
U.S. Patent No. 5,202,825 issued to Miller_ et al. on April 13, 1993 teaches a. mobile customer service station including a console on a wheeled chassis. The console houses a number of components, such <~s a printer, credit card reader and cash drawer, all of which are li-nked to and controlled by a multifunction control un.i~. located within the console. A
transceiver unit housed in the console and coupled to the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a radio communications system. A,ithough the con sole in Miller et al. comprises two printers, they ~~re each connected by a dedicated connection t:o t=he control. u.nit~, which stores the sole address code for the station. Furthermore, the printers themselves are not able to pe rfcrm any processing tasks related to incoming radio messages.
SUMMARY (:)F THE I:NVENTLON
In accordance with the present invention, the disadvantages ofv prior printing systems have been overcome.
The printing system of the present invention includes a mobile-multi printer statio:Z for printi.r3g on record members of various sizes and types based on print data contained in a received radio frequency message.
More part=icularly, a mobile--mufti printer station in accordance with the present. invention includes a cart for supporting a number of printers i.ncl~.zdes a barcode printer.
A radio frequency communicator supported on the cart receives radio frequency printer rn.essages that include a printer address identifying one of the printers and print data to be printed by that printer. Each c:~f l~he printer; supported on the cart. is coupled to the radio fre:~quency communicator to receive printer messages therefrom. Each of the printers -2a-includes a memory for staring a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of information identifying a printer for c:ompari.ng the information to the stored printer address. The processor is responsive to a match between the receivec:~ address information and the stored printer address for processung the print data contained in a received printer message.
Docket No. 10836US01 Each of the printers supported on the cart is preferably a different type of printer, although printers of the same type can be employed, for printing on different types of record members 5 labels and :signs. The multi-printer station may be moved to any desired location at which it can receive a radio frequency message from a host station. Therefore, record members of various sizes and t~rpes can be generated on the spot at 10 the desired location to increase the efficiency of the labeling and printing operation.
These and other advantages and novel features of the present invention, as well as details of an illustrated embodiment thereof, will be more fully 15 understood from the following description and drawing's .
BRIF'sF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system employing a mobile multi-printer station in 20 accord,~nce with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a mobile multi-~~rinter station as shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment c>f a mobile multi-printer station in 25 accord,~nce with the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a printer communication driver contained in each of the.
printers of the multi-printer station of Fig. 1;
and 30 Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the programming of communication parameters into a printer of the multi-printer station.
21 ?8l ?3 Docket No. 10836US01 DI~SCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A mobile multi-printer station 10 as shown in Fig. .~ recESives radio frequency (RF) printer messages from a remote host station 12. The host 5 station 12 includes a host computer 14 for generating t:he printer messages according to a desired sigwalling protocol. The generated printer messages are coupled from the host computer 14 to a transmitter/receiver unit 16 or 10 transceiver for transmitting the printer messages via an antenna 18 as a radio frequency message.
The printer station 10 as shown in Figs. 1-2 includ~ss a number of different types of printers 20-24 that are supported on a cart 26 for 15 mobilil~y. Each of the printers preferably prints on a d:Lfferent type or size of record member such as a tag, label or sign. For example, the printe:rs 22 and 23 may be tabletop printers that print information on a web 28 of record members 20 such as taga or labels 32 but the size of the labels generated by the printer 22 may be larger than those generated by the printer 23. The printer 21 is shown as a hand-held labeler for generai:ing and applying labels. The labeler 21 25 may be supported on the cart in a support fixture 34 or t:he like if desired. The printer 24 may be a laser printer for printing on large record member:3 such as the sign 30.
Also supported on the cart 26 is a battery 36 30 for powering any number of the printers. For examplE~, the battery 36 is shown as powering the printers 22--24. The hand-held labeler 21 may included its own battery for supplying power thereto as is well known. The battery 36-thus Docket No. 10836US01 forms ;~ common power supply for a number of the printers on t=he mobile cart 26 so that none of the printers need to be plugged into a wall outlet or the like for power which would impede the mobility 5 of the stati~~n.
Al.thoug:h each of the printers 21-24 may be capable of receiving on-line communications including printer data from a host station via a hardwire connection to an RS 232 port or the like 10 on the printESr, such hardwire connections prevent true mobility of the multi-printer station 10.
Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, the multi-printer station 10 includes a radio frequency communicator 40 that is coupled 15 to an antenna 42 for intercepting RF printer ~ message's. More particularly, the RF communicator 40 may include a transceiver that converts the received analog printer message to received digital. printer message information. The digital 20 printer message information is then coupled to each o1. the printers 21-24 via a signal routing device such ass the multiplexor 44 or a serial code switch devicES .
Each of the printers 21-24 includes a central 25 proces~~ing unit (CPU) 46 that operates in accordance w_Lth software stored in a type of read only mE~mory 47 to control the operation of the printer to print data stored in a random access memory 48. Upon receipt of printer message 30 information, as discussed in detail below, the CPU
46 compares a printer address contained in the received printer message to printer address information stored in either the ROM 47 or the RAM
48 to unique:Ly identify the printer. If the CPU
35 46 determines that the received printer address Docket No. 10836US01 matches the stored printer address, the CPU 46 controls the printer to accept for processing subseq~sently received printer data. If the CPU 46 of a particular printer determines that the 5 received address does not match its stored printer address, the CPU 46 controls the printer to ignore subseq,aently received printer data.
A;s shown in Fig. 1, in one embodiment of the present invention the radio frequency communicator 10 40 is contained in a data collector 50. The data collec'~~or 50 preferably includes a barcode scanner for scanning barcode information and a memory for storin~~ the scanned barcode information in the data collector 50 for subsequent transmittal to 15 the remote host station 12 as a radio frequency message.
Because the cart 26 supports a power supply such as the battery 36 for the printers 21-24 and further includes a radio frequency communicator 40 20 for providing wireless communication to a host computESr for receiving print data therefrom, the multi-printer station 10 is completely self-contained a.nd does not require a hardwire connect=ion t~~ any device not supported on the cart 25 26. The cart 26 has wheels 52 so that it may be easily moved to any location within a given environment from which it is able to communicate via radio frequency signals to the remote host stati0ll 12. Thus, regardless of the type of 30 record member that is required at a particular station, such as labels, tags and even signs, the printer station 10 is capable of generating such various printed records at the desired location.
In another embodiment of the present 35 invent_Lon a;s depicted in Fig. 3, one of the Docket No. 10836US01 printers, 21' takes the form of a labeler/data collector having a barcode scanner integrated therein. The data collected by the labeler/data collector 21' may be selectively used for printing 5 on a l;~bel or for transmittal to the remote host statiOTl 12. The RF communicator 40' may include a central processing unit (CPU) 54 that operates in accordancES with software stored in a ROM 56 and data stored :in a RAM 58. The RF communicator 40' 10 converts into=_rcepted radio frequency signals into a digital printer message information that is routed according to the data contained therein to a particular printer 21', 22, 23 or 24.
Alternatively, as discussed above, the RF
15 communicator 40' couples each received printer message to a.11 of the printers 21'-24 connected thereto wherE~in the printers themselves determine whether- the printer messages was intended for them or not.
20 For wirESless communications between the host station 12 amd the mobile multi-printer station 10, the follc>wirig signal protocol may be utilized.
The printer message frame is preferably a variable frame that contains the data being sent to.a 25 particular printer. The printer message frame includes a number of fields including a preamble, start-c>f-frame field, source address field, destinaition address field, protocol ID, type, sequence, length, data and checksum. Each of the 30 printers 21-24 requires the preamble characters before the start-of-frame character in order to recognize the start of a printer message frame.
The source address field contains a value that represents the identification of the host station 35 12. This information allows a printer to respond ~ 17 8 7 7 3 Docket No. 10836US01 g _ to a particular host station 12. The destination address fie~.d represents the address identifying a particular printer and is required for a printer to accept and process a printer message frame.
5 Only frames with the printer address that corresponds to the particular printer or a group of printers if so configured, are acted upon. All other printer message frames are ignored. The protocol ID field indicates the type of protocol 10 being used. The various types of protocols may include: a simplex short protocol with one byte of data for length of data field; simple long protocol with two bytes of data for length of data field; duplex short protocol with one byte of data 15 for le~agth of data field; and duplex long protocol with two bytes of data for length of data field.
The ty~~e field indicates the type of frame such as a data frame, last data frame, acknowledge frame, associate frame and associate response frame. The 20 sequence field represents a sequence number that is used for duplicated detection and is preferably a four bit value. The length field indicates the size of the data portion of the frame in bytes.
This value allows the printer to know how much 25 data i.s to be interpreted by the printer. The data field contains the printer commands and/or printer data packets and may be for example, up to 64k bytes ir.~ length. The checksum field may be a 16 bit: value utilizing a CRC-16 checksum. The 30 checksum va7.ue is utilized for verification such that this r~=ceived value must be valid in order for the printer to accept the frame. If the checksum verification fails, the printer will not accept the received printer message frame.
2~~~~~~~~3 Docket No. 10836US01 _ g _ It is noted that if the environment in which the multi-printer station 10 is utilized employs a numbE~r of such mobile stations, each station may be provided with its own unique identification that :is included in the transmitted printer message. In such an instance, the RF communicator 40 may store. the station address information and initia:Lly d.=termine whether an intercepted RF
message is intended for its station or not.
Alternatively, the RF communicator 40 may store information .identifying each of the printers 21-24 and may compare a received printer address with one of the stored printer addresses to determine if the received printer messages is intended for a printer at the particular station 10. In still a further embodiment, the RF communicator 40 may couple all messages intercepted by the antenna 42 to the printers 21-24 regardless of whether they were i.ntendESd for a printer carried on that particular station 10. The printers 21-24 would then individually determine whether a message is intended for that printer or not.
E<~ch of the printers 21-24 preferably operates in accordance with a communication driver software routine as depicted in Fig. 4 for determining whether a received printer message frame is intended for it or not. At the start of this routine,, the CPU 46 of the printer determines at a block 72. whether the printer address has. been 3 0 conf figured in the printer' s memory i . a . whether an addres:a is stored for the printer. If not, the CPU 46 proceeds to block 74 to process all message's that. are received by the printer. If the CPU 46 determines that the printer address has been configured, the CPU proceeds from block 72 to Docket No. 10836US01 block 76. At block 76, the CPU 46 determines whether a printer select command has been receiv~=d. If so, at block 78 the CPU 46 compares the printer address received with the printer select command to the stored printer address. If the C1?U 46 determines at block 78 that the receiv~sd adi,dress matches the stored printer address, the CPU 46 sets a printer selected flag equal 1:o true at block 80. Otherwise, the printer selected flag is set by the CPU 46 at block 82 to false. Thereafter, in processing the received information, the CPU 46 determines at a block 84 whether the printer selected flag is true or not.
If the printer selected flag is true, the CPU 46 proceeds to block 86 to process all of the received message information, If not, the remainder of the printer message information is ignored .
In accordance with another feature of the present= invention, one or more of the printers 21 24 may allow communication parameters to be set or programmed therein in accordance with the software routinE~ depicted in Fig. 5. Each printer 21-24 employing this routine includes a single key such as the key 90 that is actuated multiple times in order t:o pro~~ram the communication parameter data into the printer. The CPU 46 of a printer is responsive to the communication programming key 90 as follows. At block 92, the CPU 46 determines whether_ the programming key 90 has been pressed once within a predetermined period of time such as 2.5 seconds. If so, the CPU 46 enters a configure baud rate mode at block 92. In the configure baud rate mode o:E the printer, the CPU 46 may, for example, be' responsive to: one subsequent ~ i %~7l3 Docket No. 10836US01 actuation of the key 90 to set the baud rate to 38.4k baud; two actuations of the key 90 to set the baud rates to 19.2k baud; three actuations of the key 90 to set the baud rate to 9600 baud; four 5 actuations of. the key 90 to set the baud rate to 4800 b~~ud; f ive actuations of the key 90 to set the baud rates to 2400 baud and responsive to six actuations of: the key 90 to set the baud rate to 1200 baud. The particular sequence of key 10 actuations must be entered within 2.5 seconds.
After this period of time expires, the printer will display information back to the user to confirm. the entry of the particular selection.
Thereafter, ~~ next programming selection may be 15 made. For example, after configuring the baud rate at: block 94, if the programming key 90 is pressed twice, as determined by the CPU 46 at block 96, the CPU enters at block 98 a configure serial data parameters mode. If the programming 20 key is subse~~uently actuated once in this mode, the serial data parameters may be set equal to: no parity, 8 bit., 1 stop. If the programming key 90 is actuated twice, however, the serial data parameters may be set to even parity, 7 bit, 1 25 stop fcr example. If the CPU 46 determines that the programming key has been actuated three times at block 100,. the CPU 46 enters a configure flow control parameters mode at block 102. After entering thin mode, if the CPU 46 determines that 30 the programming key 90 as been actuated once, the transmitter parameters XON/XOFF are utilized indicating wireless transmission of information.
Actuation of the programming key twice in the configure flc>w control parameters mode identifies 35 the pins RTS,/CTS of a RS 232 part for hard wire Docket No. 10836US01 contro=L. Actuation of the programming key three times _Ln thus mode identifies the DTR pin of a RS
232 port. Actuation of the key 90 six times identij=ies a simplex frame whereas actuation of 5 the ke~~r 90 seven times in this mode identifies a duplex or half-duplex frame. The routine depicted in Fig. S a:Llows communication parameters to be easily programmed into a printer have a very limited keyboard; although the routine may also be 10 utilized to allow communication parameters to be simply entered into a printer having a more elaborate keyboard as well.
The mobile multi-printer station 10 in accordance with the present invention allows 15 various types of record members such as labels, tags and signs to be printed at any location within a given environment such as a store to substantiallyy increase the efficiency of marking product: s, shelves and product areas of the store.
20 Because' wirE~s are not needed to connect the printers to either a wall outlet for power or to a host computer to receive print data therefrom, the printer station 10 may be moved to any location at which it can receive radio frequency 25 printer mes~~ages from the host station. Many modific:ation~s and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the 30 invention may be practiced otherwise than as described he:reinabove .
What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letter:a Patent is
message is intended for its station or not.
Alternatively, the RF communicator 40 may store information .identifying each of the printers 21-24 and may compare a received printer address with one of the stored printer addresses to determine if the received printer messages is intended for a printer at the particular station 10. In still a further embodiment, the RF communicator 40 may couple all messages intercepted by the antenna 42 to the printers 21-24 regardless of whether they were i.ntendESd for a printer carried on that particular station 10. The printers 21-24 would then individually determine whether a message is intended for that printer or not.
E<~ch of the printers 21-24 preferably operates in accordance with a communication driver software routine as depicted in Fig. 4 for determining whether a received printer message frame is intended for it or not. At the start of this routine,, the CPU 46 of the printer determines at a block 72. whether the printer address has. been 3 0 conf figured in the printer' s memory i . a . whether an addres:a is stored for the printer. If not, the CPU 46 proceeds to block 74 to process all message's that. are received by the printer. If the CPU 46 determines that the printer address has been configured, the CPU proceeds from block 72 to Docket No. 10836US01 block 76. At block 76, the CPU 46 determines whether a printer select command has been receiv~=d. If so, at block 78 the CPU 46 compares the printer address received with the printer select command to the stored printer address. If the C1?U 46 determines at block 78 that the receiv~sd adi,dress matches the stored printer address, the CPU 46 sets a printer selected flag equal 1:o true at block 80. Otherwise, the printer selected flag is set by the CPU 46 at block 82 to false. Thereafter, in processing the received information, the CPU 46 determines at a block 84 whether the printer selected flag is true or not.
If the printer selected flag is true, the CPU 46 proceeds to block 86 to process all of the received message information, If not, the remainder of the printer message information is ignored .
In accordance with another feature of the present= invention, one or more of the printers 21 24 may allow communication parameters to be set or programmed therein in accordance with the software routinE~ depicted in Fig. 5. Each printer 21-24 employing this routine includes a single key such as the key 90 that is actuated multiple times in order t:o pro~~ram the communication parameter data into the printer. The CPU 46 of a printer is responsive to the communication programming key 90 as follows. At block 92, the CPU 46 determines whether_ the programming key 90 has been pressed once within a predetermined period of time such as 2.5 seconds. If so, the CPU 46 enters a configure baud rate mode at block 92. In the configure baud rate mode o:E the printer, the CPU 46 may, for example, be' responsive to: one subsequent ~ i %~7l3 Docket No. 10836US01 actuation of the key 90 to set the baud rate to 38.4k baud; two actuations of the key 90 to set the baud rates to 19.2k baud; three actuations of the key 90 to set the baud rate to 9600 baud; four 5 actuations of. the key 90 to set the baud rate to 4800 b~~ud; f ive actuations of the key 90 to set the baud rates to 2400 baud and responsive to six actuations of: the key 90 to set the baud rate to 1200 baud. The particular sequence of key 10 actuations must be entered within 2.5 seconds.
After this period of time expires, the printer will display information back to the user to confirm. the entry of the particular selection.
Thereafter, ~~ next programming selection may be 15 made. For example, after configuring the baud rate at: block 94, if the programming key 90 is pressed twice, as determined by the CPU 46 at block 96, the CPU enters at block 98 a configure serial data parameters mode. If the programming 20 key is subse~~uently actuated once in this mode, the serial data parameters may be set equal to: no parity, 8 bit., 1 stop. If the programming key 90 is actuated twice, however, the serial data parameters may be set to even parity, 7 bit, 1 25 stop fcr example. If the CPU 46 determines that the programming key has been actuated three times at block 100,. the CPU 46 enters a configure flow control parameters mode at block 102. After entering thin mode, if the CPU 46 determines that 30 the programming key 90 as been actuated once, the transmitter parameters XON/XOFF are utilized indicating wireless transmission of information.
Actuation of the programming key twice in the configure flc>w control parameters mode identifies 35 the pins RTS,/CTS of a RS 232 part for hard wire Docket No. 10836US01 contro=L. Actuation of the programming key three times _Ln thus mode identifies the DTR pin of a RS
232 port. Actuation of the key 90 six times identij=ies a simplex frame whereas actuation of 5 the ke~~r 90 seven times in this mode identifies a duplex or half-duplex frame. The routine depicted in Fig. S a:Llows communication parameters to be easily programmed into a printer have a very limited keyboard; although the routine may also be 10 utilized to allow communication parameters to be simply entered into a printer having a more elaborate keyboard as well.
The mobile multi-printer station 10 in accordance with the present invention allows 15 various types of record members such as labels, tags and signs to be printed at any location within a given environment such as a store to substantiallyy increase the efficiency of marking product: s, shelves and product areas of the store.
20 Because' wirE~s are not needed to connect the printers to either a wall outlet for power or to a host computer to receive print data therefrom, the printer station 10 may be moved to any location at which it can receive radio frequency 25 printer mes~~ages from the host station. Many modific:ation~s and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Thus, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the 30 invention may be practiced otherwise than as described he:reinabove .
What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letter:a Patent is
Claims (29)
1. A mobile multi-printer station capable of communicating with a remote host station having a radio frequency communication device with a transmitter for transmitting radio frequency printer messages comprising:
a cart for supporting a plurality of printers including a barcode printer;
a radio frequency communicator supported on said cart for receiving radio frequency printer messages including information identifying one of a plurality of printers and print data to be printed by said one printer said communicator converting said radio frequency printer message to a digital printer message; and a plurality of printers coupled to said communicator to receive said digital printer message, each of said printers including a memory for storing a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of digital information identifying a printer for comparing said information to said stored printer address and said processor processing received digital print data in response to a match between said stored printer address and said received digital information.
a cart for supporting a plurality of printers including a barcode printer;
a radio frequency communicator supported on said cart for receiving radio frequency printer messages including information identifying one of a plurality of printers and print data to be printed by said one printer said communicator converting said radio frequency printer message to a digital printer message; and a plurality of printers coupled to said communicator to receive said digital printer message, each of said printers including a memory for storing a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of digital information identifying a printer for comparing said information to said stored printer address and said processor processing received digital print data in response to a match between said stored printer address and said received digital information.
2. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 including a battery mounted on said cart for powering at least two or more of said printers.
3. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said printers includes a scanner for collecting data and said radio frequency communicator includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting collected data from said one printer.
4. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein said radio frequency communicator includes a scanner for collecting data and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting collected data to said host station.
5. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein said radio frequency communicator includes a transmitter for transmitting information received by said interface from one of said printers to said host station.
6. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said printers includes a keyboard for manual entry of print data into said printer.
7. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein said radio frequency communicator interface includes a computer with keyboard for manually entering data to be printed by one of said printers.
8. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 including a data collector having a scanner for inputting data to be collected, said data collector being coupled to said radio frequency communicator for providing collected data thereto and said communication interface includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting collected data.
9. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said printers includes a hand-held labeler for printing data on labels and applying the labels.
10. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein at least one of said printers is a sign printer.
11. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein said plurality of printers print information on record members of a plurality of types and sizes.
12. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein radio frequency communicator includes a memory for storing each of said printer addresses and a processor for comparing said received printer identifying information to said stored printer addresses to determine if said received printer message is intended for a printer on the cart.
13. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein said radio frequency printer message includes information identifying a station for which the message was intended and said radio frequency communicator includes a memory for storing information identifying said station and a processor for comparing the station identifying information in a received printer message to the stored station identifying information to determine if the received printer message was intended for one of the printers supported on said cart.
14. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 1 wherein the memory of at least one of said printers stores communication parameters controlling the way in which said printer communicates with a remote host station and said one printer includes at least one input switch actuable by a user for inputting information to said printer and the processor of said one printer is responsive to multiple actuations of said communication parameters is associated with a predetermined number of switch actuations.
15. A mobile multi-printer station capable of communicating with a remote host station having a radio frequency communication device with a transmitter for transmitting radio frequency printer messages comprising:
a mobile support for a plurality of printers and a power supply;
a plurality of printers of different types carried on said support for printing on record members of various sizes and types, said plurality of printers including at least one barcode printer;
a power supply for powering at least two or more of said printers; and a radio frequency communicator supported on said cart for receiving radio frequency printer messages including information identifying one of a plurality of printers and print data to be printed by said one printer, said communicator converting said radio frequency printer message to a digital printer message and each of said printers including a memory for storing a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of digital information identifying a printer for comparing said information to said stored printer address, said processor processing received digital print data in response to a match between said stored printer address and said received digital information.
a mobile support for a plurality of printers and a power supply;
a plurality of printers of different types carried on said support for printing on record members of various sizes and types, said plurality of printers including at least one barcode printer;
a power supply for powering at least two or more of said printers; and a radio frequency communicator supported on said cart for receiving radio frequency printer messages including information identifying one of a plurality of printers and print data to be printed by said one printer, said communicator converting said radio frequency printer message to a digital printer message and each of said printers including a memory for storing a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of digital information identifying a printer for comparing said information to said stored printer address, said processor processing received digital print data in response to a match between said stored printer address and said received digital information.
16. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 wherein at least one of said printers includes a scanner for collecting data and said radio frequency communicator includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting collected data from said one printer.
17. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 wherein said radio frequency communicator includes a scanner for collecting data and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting collected data to said host station.
18. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 wherein said radio frequency communicator includes a transmitter for transmitting information received by said interface from one of said printers to said host station.
19. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 wherein at least one of said printers includes a keyboard for manual entry of print data into said printer.
20. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 wherein said radio frequency communicator includes a computer with keyboard for manually entering data to be printed by one of said printers.
21. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 including a data collector having a scanner for inputting data to be collected, said data collector being coupled to said radio frequency communicator for providing collected data thereto and said communicator includes a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting collected data.
22. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 wherein at least one of said printers includes a hand-held labeler for printing data on labels and applying the labels.
23. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 15 wherein at least one of said printers is a sign printer.
24. A mobile multi-printer station capable of communicating with a remote host station having a radio frequency communication device with a transmitter for transmitting radio frequency printer messages comprising:
a mobile support;
a plurality of printers of different types carried on said support;
a data collector carried on said support said data collector including a scanner to input data to be collected;
a radio frequency communicator supported on said cart for receiving radio frequency printer messages including information identifying one of a plurality of printers and print data to be printed by said one printer, said communicator converting said radio frequency printer message to a digital printer message and each of said printers including a memory for storing a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of digital information identifying a printer for comparing said information to said stored printer address, and said processor processing received digital print data in response to a match between said stored printer address and said received digital information.
a mobile support;
a plurality of printers of different types carried on said support;
a data collector carried on said support said data collector including a scanner to input data to be collected;
a radio frequency communicator supported on said cart for receiving radio frequency printer messages including information identifying one of a plurality of printers and print data to be printed by said one printer, said communicator converting said radio frequency printer message to a digital printer message and each of said printers including a memory for storing a printer address and a processor that is responsive to the receipt of digital information identifying a printer for comparing said information to said stored printer address, and said processor processing received digital print data in response to a match between said stored printer address and said received digital information.
25. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 24 including a battery mounted on said cart for powering at least two or more of said printers.
26. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 24 wherein at least one of said printers includes a keyboard for manual entry of print data into said printer.
27. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 24 wherein at least one of said printers includes a hand-held labeler for printing data on labels and applying the labels.
28. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 24 wherein at least one of said printers is a sign printer.
29. A mobile multi-printer station as recited in claim 24 wherein said plurality of printers print information on record members of a plurality of types and sizes.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002426869A CA2426869A1 (en) | 1995-07-14 | 1996-06-11 | Mobile multi-printer station printing barcode labels and signs |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US50261295A | 1995-07-14 | 1995-07-14 | |
| US08/502,612 | 1995-07-14 |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002426869A Division CA2426869A1 (en) | 1995-07-14 | 1996-06-11 | Mobile multi-printer station printing barcode labels and signs |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2178773A1 CA2178773A1 (en) | 1997-01-15 |
| CA2178773C true CA2178773C (en) | 2003-12-16 |
Family
ID=23998603
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002178773A Expired - Fee Related CA2178773C (en) | 1995-07-14 | 1996-06-11 | Mobile multi-printer station printing barcode labels and signs |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2178773C (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2303478B (en) |
| HK (1) | HK1006067A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB0028475D0 (en) | 2000-11-22 | 2001-01-10 | Ncr Int Inc | Module |
| US7747699B2 (en) * | 2001-05-30 | 2010-06-29 | Prueitt James K | Method and system for generating a permanent record of a service provided to a mobile device |
| US7383321B2 (en) | 2002-07-09 | 2008-06-03 | Moyer Alan L | Method and system for communicating between a remote printer and a server |
| GB2384599A (en) * | 2002-01-23 | 2003-07-30 | Fastabs Ltd | Producing a product label |
| US7916322B2 (en) | 2002-03-14 | 2011-03-29 | Senshin Capital, Llc | Method and apparatus for uploading content from a device to a remote network location |
| US20060071063A1 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2006-04-06 | Duckett Jeanne F | RFID printer system, method of printing and sets of record members |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3944724A (en) * | 1972-05-18 | 1976-03-16 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Paging system with selectively actuable pocket printers |
-
1996
- 1996-06-11 CA CA002178773A patent/CA2178773C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1996-06-14 GB GB9612458A patent/GB2303478B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-06-10 HK HK98105113A patent/HK1006067A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9612458D0 (en) | 1996-08-14 |
| GB2303478B (en) | 1998-04-01 |
| GB2303478A (en) | 1997-02-19 |
| HK1006067A1 (en) | 1999-02-05 |
| CA2178773A1 (en) | 1997-01-15 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |