EP1231561B1 - A printer system - Google Patents
A printer system Download PDFInfo
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- EP1231561B1 EP1231561B1 EP02076710A EP02076710A EP1231561B1 EP 1231561 B1 EP1231561 B1 EP 1231561B1 EP 02076710 A EP02076710 A EP 02076710A EP 02076710 A EP02076710 A EP 02076710A EP 1231561 B1 EP1231561 B1 EP 1231561B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- printing
- printer
- data
- computer
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
- B41J3/36—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for portability, i.e. hand-held printers or laptop printers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a printing system and to a printer unit for use in such a system.
- a number of printers arranged to be manually placed on an image receiving medium are known.
- the printing means of the printer or the entire printer is operable to scan over the image receiving medium in the printing operation.
- the medium is not fed through the printer - as in most office sheet printers, but the printer is placed upon the medium.
- Such a printer is known from EP 564297-A.
- the printer has an ink jet print head which is scanning in two orthogonal directions over the image receiving medium, onto which the printer is placed manually.
- the printer is connected to a computer and capable e.g. of printing addresses onto envelopes, but can also be used separately from the computer for printing data downloaded from the computer to the printer.
- US 5634730 A Another ink jet printer to be placed on a printing medium is disclosed in US 5634730 A.
- This printer is provided with a keyboard for data inputting, but can also print images downloaded from a computer.
- the print head scans over the image receiving medium along a special path, e.g. helically or like a pendulum. It can print data downloaded from a computer or one of a set of predetermined words such as "PAID" etc.
- DE 3142937-A refers to a so-called hand stamp which is placed manually on the image receiving medium. It can print data downloaded from an accounting machine, or images consisting of user-selected fixed phrases.
- the hand stamp has a thermal print head and an ink ribbon for printing.
- the printers known in the prior art are thus capable of printing an image onto an image receiving medium, and make use of a scanning print head. Printing is performed in two steps: the first one is alignment of the printer on the image receiving medium such that the image can be printed in the desired position and the second step is printing.
- the printers can communicate with a computer to receive data to be printed, that is the limit of their interaction. There is no other active cooperation between the printer unit and a computer.
- EP-A-0376326, NL-A-9202068, US-A-5,126,955 and US-A-5,240,334 disclose sweepable type printers.
- EP-A-0598251 discloses a stamp like printer.
- EP-A-0449157 discloses a computer controlled electronic stamp.
- FR-A-2675739 discloses a programmable stamp using e.g. ink jet.
- a printer adapted for communication with a host computer, the printer comprising: communication means for receiving printing data to be printed from the host computer while a communication link exists between the printer and the host computer; a data path for conveying data received at the communication means to storage means for holding said data; a printing mechanism for printing said data; a user input means for instigating a print command; and a controller connected to the mechanism having a housing defining a print location by being placed on a medium to be printed, said printing data defining a sequence containing a plurality of images to be printed, and said controller being operable to allow the printing mechanism to print the plurality of successive images in the sequence at a plurality of respective print locations remote from the host computer with the communication link broken, each successive image being printed responsive to a said user instigated print command.
- a method of printing a series of images comprising: providing a printer with a printer mechanism having a housing; a communication link between the printer and a host computer; transferring printing data from the host computer to the printer; breaking the communication link and moving the printer to a first print location remote from the host computer; and afthe first remote print location, printing a first image responsive to a first user instigated print command at the printer; characterised in that a print location is defined by said housing being placed on a medium to be printed, and in that the printing data transferred from the host computer defines a plurality of images and after printing the first image in the sequence, the printer is moved to a second remote print location where a second image in the sequence is printed in response to a second user instigated print command.
- This feature can be used with the printer connected to the computer and for receiving successive images therefrom, or at a location remote from the host computer when the communication link is broken.
- the printer has a store for holding the printing data.
- the computer is connectable to the printer and is preferably configured to execute a printing application for generation of printing data for transmission to said printer for printing, wherein the printing system includes a memory which holds a plurality of default printing data options each having associated therewith a time activation period and means for determining the time at which the printing application is initiated, wherein the printing application includes a default output sequence for generating one of said default printing data options in accordance with the detected time of initiation of the printing application.
- the memory may be in the computer orwithin the printing unit.
- the printer includes a user input means for instigating a print command, the printing system preferably further comprising a base station configured to receive the printer when not in use, the computer being connected to the base station and configured to execute a printing application for generation of printing data for the printer, the computer comprising a keyboard, wherein printing of the printing data may be interrupted by operation of any key on the keyboard of the computer or the user input means on the printer.
- One key of the keyboard may be defined as a "hot key" which remains active as the application is running such that when the hot key is depressed, a particular function is initiated.
- Figure 1 shows a printing system consisting of a computer 10, a computer controlled display 12, which is in the device described herein a CRT, a keyboard 14 linked to the computer 10 by means of a cable 16, another cable 18, connecting the computer 10 with a base station 20, which is connected to a printer 24 by means of a cable 22.
- the printer 24 is linked to the computer via the cables 18, 22 and the base station 20.
- the computer 10 comprises a processor on which a software is running, comprising an operating system, a printer driver to enable printing with the printer 24 from the operating system and a software application by which data can be created, selected and formatted on the PC, for defining image patterns to be printed by the printer 24.
- the software application can be activated in a number of ways:
- the software application is activated on the computer 10 for controlling the printer 24 by lifting the printer 24 off the base station 20.
- a switch 32 is provided in the base station 24 sensing the presence or absence of the printer 24 by means of a pin 30.
- the pin 30 When the printer 24 is placed upon the base station, the pin 30 is depressed, and the switch 32 is closed. In the case that the printer 24 is removed from the base station 20, the pin 30 which is biased in the vertical direction moves upwardly and the switch 32 opens.
- the switch is connected via some electronic circuits to the computer 18 and activates the software application for printing. Conversely, when the printer 24 is returned to the base station, the state of the switch is detected to automatically return the computer to the main application which it was executing when the printer was removed. This functionality is described in more detail later with reference to Figure 4.
- a default printing application on the computer changes to the present printing application when it is “activated” by one of the techniques mentioned.
- the default printing application is returned to an original printing application.
- the base station 20 is connected to the computer 10 by means of the cable 18, which can be a parallel or a USB cable. Electric power is supplied to the base station 20 by a separate mains transformer, but could also be supplied from the computer via the cable 18, preferably when the cable 18 is a USB cable.
- the cable 18 can be hard-wired to the base station 20, or connected to a socket of the base station, which is preferably provided at the rear thereof.
- the handheld printer will be placed in the base station 20.
- the base station 20 will ensure that the ink jet print head of the printer 24 is protected when not in use by a capping device that will be automatically triggered whenever the printer is inserted into the base station 20.
- the base station 20 will also cause the print head of the printer 24 to eject ink into a reservoir and mechanically clean the surface of the print head. These measures are necessary to maintain optimum print quality.
- the umbilical cable 22 connects the base station 20 to the hand held printer 24, providing both power and data.
- a LED on the printer will indicate that power is on.
- the printer 24 is removed from the base station 24 and positioned on the surface to be printed. The length of the cable 22 limits the distance of travel from the base station.
- the printer is arranged to be disconnected from the base station by unplugging the umbilical cable 22 and moved to another location wherein printing of the contents of on-board memory, i.e. downloaded image data, can be effected.
- the user will employ scroll buttons on the printer to select the required print data, which appear in a small LCD. Once a selection has been made, pressing the print button 34 will activate printing. Having selected the data to print using the software application (or the scroll buttons on the printer), the user will activate printing from the print button 34 on the hand held printer 24 itself.
- data for printing can be sent to the printer using RF or IR technology.
- the scroll buttons may be used to select data which may be stored on the "smart card" or which resides in the computer.
- Print alignment is achieved visually through a transparent window 36 in the print casing.
- This window 36 can also be opened for inserting an ink cartridge into the printer 24 before use. The cartridge is then clamped in a carriage of the printer 24.
- the window 36 must be closed before printing; thus there is a switch provided in the housing of the printer for detecting whether the window is closed or not. When the window 36 is not closed, the switch disables printing. Changing a cartridge is achieved by lifting a retaining lever and extracting the cartridge in use and replacing this with a new or different colour cartridge in the way described above. If the removed cartridge still contains ink and is to be reused it must be capped to avoid the ink drying out.
- a Think jet type head from Hewlett Packard may be used which utilises a different type of ink which does not dry out in the print head.
- the printer 24 contains a print mechanism with the ink jet print head having a number of print nozzles, and an ink supply.
- the print head is moved by means of motor driven scanning means within the housing in two (generally orthogonal) directions such that a rectangular area can be imprinted through an aperture of the printer 24 at the bottom of its housing.
- the printer 24 is placed manually on an image receiving medium and - when the print button 34 is depressed - the print head scans over the medium and imprints it by spitting ink droplets onto it.
- FIG. 1 shows the presence of a "Smart Card” reader 28 in the base station 20.
- Smart cards 26 i.e. memory cards, may be used for storing data or images or as a substitute for additional RAM in the base station.
- a printer which can only be used as a stand-alone device, i.e. in cooperation with a base station.
- the functionality of the printer is then as follows: the user removes the printer from the base station.
- a single button 36 (see Figure 2) will switch the printer on and off, and a LED on the printer will indicate that power is on.
- a ROM card containing the selected image data is inserted into the printer.
- the ROM card is printed with images of its content and the sequence of images provided on the ROM card is indicated numerically on a display of the printer.
- the user will select the desired image using scroll buttons to scroll forward or backwards through the numbered content.
- the user will activate printing from the button 36 on the handheld printer itself.
- the printer 24 has a housing, the underside of which can be abutted against the surface of the image receiving medium to be printed.
- a print face 11 is defined by the scanning range of an ink jet print head cartridge 126 which can be replaced using the cartridge release mechanism described above.
- the ink jet print head cartridge 126 is mounted for movement along a write axis 128 by virtue of a cooperating lead screw 130 and nut 132. The movement is controlled by a stepper motor 134.
- the position of the writing axis 128 can be altered by an indexing axis lead screw and bush 136 controlled by a further stepper motor 138.
- Reference numeral 140 designates a stability bar which extends parallel to the write axis 128, the ink jet print head cartridge 126 being mounted between the write axis 128 and the stability bar 140.
- Reference numeral 142 designates an indexing axis stability bar and bush.
- the printer also includes an electronic controller 100 having a microprocessor for controlling movement of the stepper motor 34 and generating signals for controlling the print head and having a buffer memory for storing data.
- the microprocessor is capable of converting data from a computer to which the device is connected into a format suitable for driving the print head.
- the buffer memory can store information in a variety of formats to enable the printer to work with a variety of computer equipment.
- a DC motor and encoder may be used in place of a stepper motor.
- a printer 24 positioned on an image receiving medium 40 is shown ready for use. That is, it has been removed from the base station 20 and placed on the medium 40 to be printed. In doing so, the application software is automatically initiated to allow printing data to be selected and configured by a user using the computer 12 and keyboard 14.
- FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the printing application. Assume the computer is executing a main application (step SO) and the printer 24 stands ready for use on the base station 20. At step S1, the state of the switch is monitored by the application software to determine whether or not the printer 24 is on the base station 20. When the printer 24 is removed from the base station 20, at step S2 the printing application is initiated by the computer. At step S3, the printing application determines whether or not default options are set.
- a number of print options are displayed on the PC display at step S4 from which a user may select his required option at step S5.
- a user may simply use the printing application initiated at step S2 to create, select and format printing data using the keyboard 14 and the display 12 as with any existing printing application.
- the provision of default options simplifies use of the printing system for a user, in particular a user who has predictable requirements.
- step S3 If default options are found to be set at step S3, the application software selects one of the default options based on the time of use, as indicated at step S6. This is described in more detail later.
- step S7 print data is generated in accordance either with the user selected option at step S5 or the default option selected by the application software at S6. Then, at step S8 the printing data is transmitted to the printer 24 ready for printing.
- Step S1 is periodically implemented to check the status of the printer 24. If it is determined to have been returned to the base station, the computer automatically returns to the main application, step S0.
- Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating elements of the system to implement default options with time related activation periods.
- a default control block 50 selects from a plurality of default options held in a memory 52. The selected option is used by a default output sequence 54 to generate default printing data for the printer 24.
- Default control block 50 can be responsive to an internal clock 56 or diary function 58 of the computer system so that a default options is selected in accordance with the time of day or day of the week.
- the default options may be supplied to the display 12 where a user selects a particular option, for example using user activated icons.
- a user could set the default output to be "RECEIVED" when the internal clock 56 of the computer indicates the time between 9am and 11am, and from 11.01 am and 5.30pm the default output could be an address format.
- the system may be interrupted at any stage by pressing any key on the keyboard 14 or any button on the printer 24 itself, in particular the print command button 34.
- the printer may be used at locations remote from the computer.
- this is the case where the cable 22 which normally connected the printer 24 to the base station 20 can be detached.
- It may be the case that it is desired to print sequential information at a number of different remote locations, for example so as to print on a number of different products.
- Figure 6 illustrates a sequence of images denoted I1, I2, I3 each of which carry a common part 60 of information and a sequentially varying part 62, that is the numbers 1, 2, 3.
- the system described herein allows the whole sequence of images to be transmitted to the printer during operation of the application software (step S8 in Figure 4).
- each image in the sequence can be individually printed responsive to operation of the print command button 34 on the printer 24.
- the controller in the printer automatically selects the next image for printing on the next print command. This technique is useful for example in printing sequential numbers as illustrated in Figure 6, barcodes or a sequence of database information.
- Figure 3 illustrates the printer in use to print a sequence of images.
- the first image, 11, has been printed by the printer 24.
- the printer 24 has been lifted up and relocated in a different position.
- the next image, I2 in the sequence will be printed at the new printer location.
Description
- The present invention relates to a printing system and to a printer unit for use in such a system.
- In the state of the art, a number of printers arranged to be manually placed on an image receiving medium are known. The printing means of the printer or the entire printer is operable to scan over the image receiving medium in the printing operation. Thus, the medium is not fed through the printer - as in most office sheet printers, but the printer is placed upon the medium.
- Such a printer is known from EP 564297-A. The printer has an ink jet print head which is scanning in two orthogonal directions over the image receiving medium, onto which the printer is placed manually. The printer is connected to a computer and capable e.g. of printing addresses onto envelopes, but can also be used separately from the computer for printing data downloaded from the computer to the printer.
- Another ink jet printer to be placed on a printing medium is disclosed in US 5634730 A. This printer is provided with a keyboard for data inputting, but can also print images downloaded from a computer. The print head scans over the image receiving medium along a special path, e.g. helically or like a pendulum. It can print data downloaded from a computer or one of a set of predetermined words such as "PAID" etc.
- DE 3142937-A refers to a so-called hand stamp which is placed manually on the image receiving medium. It can print data downloaded from an accounting machine, or images consisting of user-selected fixed phrases. The hand stamp has a thermal print head and an ink ribbon for printing.
- The printers known in the prior art are thus capable of printing an image onto an image receiving medium, and make use of a scanning print head. Printing is performed in two steps: the first one is alignment of the printer on the image receiving medium such that the image can be printed in the desired position and the second step is printing. However, although the printers can communicate with a computer to receive data to be printed, that is the limit of their interaction. There is no other active cooperation between the printer unit and a computer.
- EP-A-0376326, NL-A-9202068, US-A-5,126,955 and US-A-5,240,334 disclose sweepable type printers. EP-A-0598251 discloses a stamp like printer. EP-A-0449157 discloses a computer controlled electronic stamp. FR-A-2675739 discloses a programmable stamp using e.g. ink jet.
- It is an aim of the present invention to provide a printer unit for use in a printing system which has a wider range of user interface functions.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a printer adapted for communication with a host computer, the printer comprising: communication means for receiving printing data to be printed from the host computer while a communication link exists between the printer and the host computer; a data path for conveying data received at the communication means to storage means for holding said data; a printing mechanism for printing said data; a user input means for instigating a print command; and a controller connected to the mechanism having a housing defining a print location by being placed on a medium to be printed, said printing data defining a sequence containing a plurality of images to be printed, and said controller being operable to allow the printing mechanism to print the plurality of successive images in the sequence at a plurality of respective print locations remote from the host computer with the communication link broken, each successive image being printed responsive to a said user instigated print command.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of printing a series of images comprising: providing a printer with a printer mechanism having a housing; a communication link between the printer and a host computer; transferring printing data from the host computer to the printer; breaking the communication link and moving the printer to a first print location remote from the host computer; and afthe first remote print location, printing a first image responsive to a first user instigated print command at the printer; characterised in that a print location is defined by said housing being placed on a medium to be printed, and in that the printing data transferred from the host computer defines a plurality of images and after printing the first image in the sequence, the printer is moved to a second remote print location where a second image in the sequence is printed in response to a second user instigated print command.
- This feature can be used with the printer connected to the computer and for receiving successive images therefrom, or at a location remote from the host computer when the communication link is broken. The printer has a store for holding the printing data.
- The computer is connectable to the printer and is preferably configured to execute a printing application for generation of printing data for transmission to said printer for printing, wherein the printing system includes a memory which holds a plurality of default printing data options each having associated therewith a time activation period and means for determining the time at which the printing application is initiated, wherein the printing application includes a default output sequence for generating one of said default printing data options in accordance with the detected time of initiation of the printing application.
- This allows a user profile to be recognised so that the printing system is responsive to a user's requirements. The memory may be in the computer orwithin the printing unit.
- The printer includes a user input means for instigating a print command, the printing system preferably further comprising a base station configured to receive the printer when not in use, the computer being connected to the base station and configured to execute a printing application for generation of printing data for the printer, the computer comprising a keyboard, wherein printing of the printing data may be interrupted by operation of any key on the keyboard of the computer or the user input means on the printer.
- One key of the keyboard may be defined as a "hot key" which remains active as the application is running such that when the hot key is depressed, a particular function is initiated.
- For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1 is a plan view showing a printer, a base station and a computer;
- Figure 2 is a view of the printing mechanism of the printer;
- Figure 3 is a view of a printer in use;
- Figure 4 is a flow diagram of the software printing application;
- Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating time related activation default options; and
- Figure 6 illustrates a sequence of images to be printed.
-
- Figure 1 shows a printing system consisting of a
computer 10, a computer controlleddisplay 12, which is in the device described herein a CRT, akeyboard 14 linked to thecomputer 10 by means of acable 16, anothercable 18, connecting thecomputer 10 with abase station 20, which is connected to aprinter 24 by means of acable 22. Thus, theprinter 24 is linked to the computer via thecables base station 20. - As known in the prior art, the
computer 10 comprises a processor on which a software is running, comprising an operating system, a printer driver to enable printing with theprinter 24 from the operating system and a software application by which data can be created, selected and formatted on the PC, for defining image patterns to be printed by theprinter 24. The software application can be activated in a number of ways: - selected by the user at start-up or from the desktop: the user places the software application in the start-up directory or creates an icon on the desktop;
- from within another application: the user invokes the software application from a button (displayed on the display 12) in the toolbar of another software application or from its own floating toolbar.
- from the
handheld printer 24 itself: if the application is not running, the user presses aprint button 34 on thehandheld printer 24, which will automatically invoke the software application in the first instance. -
- In the device described herein, however, the software application is activated on the
computer 10 for controlling theprinter 24 by lifting theprinter 24 off thebase station 20. Aswitch 32 is provided in thebase station 24 sensing the presence or absence of theprinter 24 by means of apin 30. When theprinter 24 is placed upon the base station, thepin 30 is depressed, and theswitch 32 is closed. In the case that theprinter 24 is removed from thebase station 20, thepin 30 which is biased in the vertical direction moves upwardly and theswitch 32 opens. The switch is connected via some electronic circuits to thecomputer 18 and activates the software application for printing. Conversely, when theprinter 24 is returned to the base station, the state of the switch is detected to automatically return the computer to the main application which it was executing when the printer was removed. This functionality is described in more detail later with reference to Figure 4. - That is, a default printing application on the computer changes to the present printing application when it is "activated" by one of the techniques mentioned. When it is "deactivated", the default printing application is returned to an original printing application.
- The
base station 20 is connected to thecomputer 10 by means of thecable 18, which can be a parallel or a USB cable. Electric power is supplied to thebase station 20 by a separate mains transformer, but could also be supplied from the computer via thecable 18, preferably when thecable 18 is a USB cable. Thecable 18 can be hard-wired to thebase station 20, or connected to a socket of the base station, which is preferably provided at the rear thereof. When theprinter 24 is not in use, the handheld printer will be placed in thebase station 20. Thebase station 20 will ensure that the ink jet print head of theprinter 24 is protected when not in use by a capping device that will be automatically triggered whenever the printer is inserted into thebase station 20. Thebase station 20 will also cause the print head of theprinter 24 to eject ink into a reservoir and mechanically clean the surface of the print head. These measures are necessary to maintain optimum print quality. - The
umbilical cable 22 connects thebase station 20 to the hand heldprinter 24, providing both power and data. A LED on the printer will indicate that power is on. Theprinter 24 is removed from thebase station 24 and positioned on the surface to be printed. The length of thecable 22 limits the distance of travel from the base station. - In another embodiment of the invention, the printer is arranged to be disconnected from the base station by unplugging the
umbilical cable 22 and moved to another location wherein printing of the contents of on-board memory, i.e. downloaded image data, can be effected. The user will employ scroll buttons on the printer to select the required print data, which appear in a small LCD. Once a selection has been made, pressing theprint button 34 will activate printing. Having selected the data to print using the software application (or the scroll buttons on the printer), the user will activate printing from theprint button 34 on the hand heldprinter 24 itself. - According to a further alternative, data for printing can be sent to the printer using RF or IR technology. The scroll buttons may be used to select data which may be stored on the "smart card" or which resides in the computer.
- Print alignment is achieved visually through a
transparent window 36 in the print casing. Thiswindow 36 can also be opened for inserting an ink cartridge into theprinter 24 before use. The cartridge is then clamped in a carriage of theprinter 24. Thewindow 36 must be closed before printing; thus there is a switch provided in the housing of the printer for detecting whether the window is closed or not. When thewindow 36 is not closed, the switch disables printing. Changing a cartridge is achieved by lifting a retaining lever and extracting the cartridge in use and replacing this with a new or different colour cartridge in the way described above. If the removed cartridge still contains ink and is to be reused it must be capped to avoid the ink drying out. - Alternatively a Think jet type head from Hewlett Packard may be used which utilises a different type of ink which does not dry out in the print head.
- The
printer 24 contains a print mechanism with the ink jet print head having a number of print nozzles, and an ink supply. The print head is moved by means of motor driven scanning means within the housing in two (generally orthogonal) directions such that a rectangular area can be imprinted through an aperture of theprinter 24 at the bottom of its housing. Thus, theprinter 24 is placed manually on an image receiving medium and - when theprint button 34 is depressed - the print head scans over the medium and imprints it by spitting ink droplets onto it. - Figure 1 shows the presence of a "Smart Card"
reader 28 in thebase station 20.Smart cards 26, i.e. memory cards, may be used for storing data or images or as a substitute for additional RAM in the base station. - In another device described herein,, a printer is provided which can only be used as a stand-alone device, i.e. in cooperation with a base station. The functionality of the printer is then as follows: the user removes the printer from the base station. A single button 36 (see Figure 2) will switch the printer on and off, and a LED on the printer will indicate that power is on. A ROM card containing the selected image data is inserted into the printer. The ROM card is printed with images of its content and the sequence of images provided on the ROM card is indicated numerically on a display of the printer. Thus, the user will select the desired image using scroll buttons to scroll forward or backwards through the numbered content. The user will activate printing from the
button 36 on the handheld printer itself. - The print mechanism of the printer will now be described with reference to Figure 2. The
printer 24 has a housing, the underside of which can be abutted against the surface of the image receiving medium to be printed. Aprint face 11 is defined by the scanning range of an ink jetprint head cartridge 126 which can be replaced using the cartridge release mechanism described above. The ink jetprint head cartridge 126 is mounted for movement along awrite axis 128 by virtue of a cooperatinglead screw 130 andnut 132. The movement is controlled by astepper motor 134. The position of the writingaxis 128 can be altered by an indexing axis lead screw andbush 136 controlled by afurther stepper motor 138.Reference numeral 140 designates a stability bar which extends parallel to thewrite axis 128, the ink jetprint head cartridge 126 being mounted between thewrite axis 128 and thestability bar 140.Reference numeral 142 designates an indexing axis stability bar and bush. - The printer also includes an
electronic controller 100 having a microprocessor for controlling movement of thestepper motor 34 and generating signals for controlling the print head and having a buffer memory for storing data. The microprocessor is capable of converting data from a computer to which the device is connected into a format suitable for driving the print head. The buffer memory can store information in a variety of formats to enable the printer to work with a variety of computer equipment. - If a Think jet print head is used, a DC motor and encoder may be used in place of a stepper motor.
- In Figure 3, a
printer 24 positioned on animage receiving medium 40 is shown ready for use. That is, it has been removed from thebase station 20 and placed on the medium 40 to be printed. In doing so, the application software is automatically initiated to allow printing data to be selected and configured by a user using thecomputer 12 andkeyboard 14. - Some aspects of the application software will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6. In addition to the automatic initiation of the application, the application allows for a number of default print options depending on a user profile as will now be described. Figure 4 is a flow chart of the printing application. Assume the computer is executing a main application (step SO) and the
printer 24 stands ready for use on thebase station 20. At step S1, the state of the switch is monitored by the application software to determine whether or not theprinter 24 is on thebase station 20. When theprinter 24 is removed from thebase station 20, at step S2 the printing application is initiated by the computer. At step S3, the printing application determines whether or not default options are set. If no default options are set, a number of print options are displayed on the PC display at step S4 from which a user may select his required option at step S5. Alternatively, a user may simply use the printing application initiated at step S2 to create, select and format printing data using thekeyboard 14 and thedisplay 12 as with any existing printing application. However, the provision of default options simplifies use of the printing system for a user, in particular a user who has predictable requirements. - If default options are found to be set at step S3, the application software selects one of the default options based on the time of use, as indicated at step S6. This is described in more detail later. At step S7, print data is generated in accordance either with the user selected option at step S5 or the default option selected by the application software at S6. Then, at step S8 the printing data is transmitted to the
printer 24 ready for printing. - Step S1 is periodically implemented to check the status of the
printer 24. If it is determined to have been returned to the base station, the computer automatically returns to the main application, step S0. - Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating elements of the system to implement default options with time related activation periods. A
default control block 50 selects from a plurality of default options held in amemory 52. The selected option is used by adefault output sequence 54 to generate default printing data for theprinter 24. -
Default control block 50 can be responsive to aninternal clock 56 ordiary function 58 of the computer system so that a default options is selected in accordance with the time of day or day of the week. Alternatively, the default options may be supplied to thedisplay 12 where a user selects a particular option, for example using user activated icons. - For example, for options with a time related activation period, a user could set the default output to be "RECEIVED" when the
internal clock 56 of the computer indicates the time between 9am and 11am, and from 11.01 am and 5.30pm the default output could be an address format. - During printing, the system may be interrupted at any stage by pressing any key on the
keyboard 14 or any button on theprinter 24 itself, in particular theprint command button 34. - One of the advantages of the system described herein is that the printer may be used at locations remote from the computer. In particular, this is the case where the
cable 22 which normally connected theprinter 24 to thebase station 20 can be detached. It may be the case that it is desired to print sequential information at a number of different remote locations, for example so as to print on a number of different products. Figure 6 illustrates a sequence of images denoted I1, I2, I3 each of which carry acommon part 60 of information and a sequentially varyingpart 62, that is thenumbers 1, 2, 3. The system described herein allows the whole sequence of images to be transmitted to the printer during operation of the application software (step S8 in Figure 4). Subsequently, each image in the sequence can be individually printed responsive to operation of theprint command button 34 on theprinter 24. After an image in the sequence has been printed, the controller in the printer automatically selects the next image for printing on the next print command. This technique is useful for example in printing sequential numbers as illustrated in Figure 6, barcodes or a sequence of database information. - Figure 3 illustrates the printer in use to print a sequence of images. The first image, 11, has been printed by the
printer 24. Theprinter 24 has been lifted up and relocated in a different position. On actuation of theprint command button 34, the next image, I2, in the sequence will be printed at the new printer location.
Claims (4)
- A printer (24) adapted for communication with a host computer (10), the printer (24) comprising:communication means for receiving printing data to be printed from the host computer (10) while a communication link (22) exists between the printer (24) and the host computer (10); a data path for conveying data received at the communication means to storage means for holding said data;a printing mechanism for printing said data;a user input means (34) for instigating a print command; anda controller connected to the storage means and to the printing mechanism,
- A method of printing a series of images comprising:providing a printer with a printer mechanism having a housing ;establishing a communication link (22) between the printer (24) and a host computer (10);transferring printing data from the host computer (10) to the printer (24);breaking the communication link (22) and moving the printer (24) to a first print location remote from the host computer (10); andat the first remote print location, printing a first image responsive to a first user instigated print command at the printer (24);
- A printing system comprising:a printer (24) according to claim 1; anda computer (10) connectable to the printer (24) and configured to execute a printing application for generation of printing data for transmission to said printer (24) for printing;
- A printing system according to claim 3, wherein:the printing system further comprises a base station (20) configured to receive the printer (24) when not in use,the computer (10) being connected to the base station (20) and configured to execute a printing application for generation of printing data for the printer (24), the computer (10) comprising a keyboard (14),
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB9825020 | 1998-11-13 | ||
GBGB9825020.2A GB9825020D0 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 1998-11-13 | A printer system |
EP99308201A EP1001362B1 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-10-18 | A printer system |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99308201A Division EP1001362B1 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-10-18 | A printer system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1231561A1 EP1231561A1 (en) | 2002-08-14 |
EP1231561B1 true EP1231561B1 (en) | 2004-05-19 |
Family
ID=10842471
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99308201A Expired - Lifetime EP1001362B1 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-10-18 | A printer system |
EP02076710A Expired - Lifetime EP1231561B1 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-10-18 | A printer system |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP99308201A Expired - Lifetime EP1001362B1 (en) | 1998-11-13 | 1999-10-18 | A printer system |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP1001362B1 (en) |
DE (3) | DE69905539T2 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9825020D0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120013933A1 (en) * | 2010-04-06 | 2012-01-19 | I/O Interconnect, Ltd. | Method for operating printing process |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3142937C2 (en) | 1981-10-29 | 1984-03-01 | Dieter Dipl.-Volksw. 7022 Leinfelden-Echterdingen Wesser | Hand stamp with an electrically or electronically controllable needle printing unit |
US4949283A (en) * | 1988-12-28 | 1990-08-14 | Casio Computer Co., Ltd. | Manually sweepable printing apparatus |
JPH02210523A (en) * | 1989-02-10 | 1990-08-21 | Toshiba Corp | Mouse |
IT1247684B (en) * | 1990-03-28 | 1994-12-30 | Selenia Ind Elettroniche | ELECTRONIC STAMP TO BE CONNECTED TO A CALCULATOR ABLE TO PRINT ALSO ON FIXED SURFACES. |
FR2675739A1 (en) * | 1991-04-26 | 1992-10-30 | Aem Megras | Programmable stamp for printing signs on a support |
GB9207287D0 (en) | 1992-04-02 | 1992-05-13 | Esselte Dymo Nv | Printing device |
US5240334A (en) * | 1992-06-04 | 1993-08-31 | Saul Epstein | Hand held multiline printer with base member for guiding |
DE4237275C1 (en) * | 1992-11-05 | 1993-11-04 | Dorothea Wolf | STAMP |
NL9202068A (en) * | 1992-11-30 | 1994-06-16 | Adrianus Franciscus Van Der Ge | Printing device designed for being fitted in electronic equipment |
US5634730A (en) | 1995-11-06 | 1997-06-03 | Bobry; Howard H. | Hand-held electronic printer |
-
1998
- 1998-11-13 GB GBGB9825020.2A patent/GB9825020D0/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-10-18 EP EP99308201A patent/EP1001362B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-10-18 DE DE69905539T patent/DE69905539T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-10-18 EP EP02076710A patent/EP1231561B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1999-10-18 DE DE1999308201 patent/DE1001362T1/en active Pending
- 1999-10-18 DE DE69917495T patent/DE69917495T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE69917495D1 (en) | 2004-06-24 |
DE69917495T2 (en) | 2004-09-16 |
EP1001362B1 (en) | 2003-02-26 |
EP1231561A1 (en) | 2002-08-14 |
EP1001362A1 (en) | 2000-05-17 |
DE69905539T2 (en) | 2004-02-19 |
GB9825020D0 (en) | 1999-01-06 |
DE69905539D1 (en) | 2003-04-03 |
DE1001362T1 (en) | 2001-08-23 |
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