JP2003526845A - Printer programming tools and methods - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A program is created for enabling a printer (20) to print labels, tags, and the like using a data stream (84) that is originally incompatible with the printer (20). Printer programming tool (40) used by programmers for The printer programming tool (40) provides a visual display of at least a portion (108) of the data stream, and a user specifies a delimiter of the data stream identified by the user and / or a delimiter of the automatically identified data stream. To be able to The printer programming tool (40) creates a program (140) that can be used by the printer based on the delimiter. The printer programming tool (40) preferably provides a visual comparison of at least a portion of the data stream and at least a portion of a label, tag, etc. (110) that includes variables. The printer programming tool (40) preferably displays a data correlator (112) listing variables such as labels and tags, and provides a field in which the identified delimiters are displayed. A method for programming a printer interpreter is also provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

[Related application]

This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 162,789, filed October 29, 1999.

[0002]

【background】

The present invention relates mainly to bar code printers adapted to print labels, tags and the like. The present invention is particularly directed to a data extraction tool or printer for receiving a legacy data stream that is otherwise unacceptable and creating a program to be executed by the printer to print one or more labels, tags, etc.・ Regarding programming tools. The invention further relates to a method of programming a bar code printer with a printer programming tool.

A conventional conventional bar code printer is connected to a host system that sends a data stream to a proprietary (proprietary) protocol that the bar code printer uses to print labels, tags, and the like. The data stream has information that clarifies the design and layout of labels, tags, etc. to be printed. This information typically includes a depiction of lines, boxes, logos and other graphics, bar code symbols, and text fields, along with their dimensions and placement on the label. Similar data streams are free (arbitrary) to specify variable (variable) data for representation or coding by one or more of these objects. Alternatively, a similar data stream may have more (other) data
Data can be specified (named) so that it can be received in a dedicated data stream. For example, one such proprietary protocol is the Zebra II® Programming Guide Rev. 1 is the Zebra Programming Language (ZPL) available from Zebra Technologies Corporation of Vernon Hills, Illinois.

Bar code printers typically use a microprocessor to perform imaging and printing functions. In the prior art, the received protocol is
Received as data by a firmware program stored in read only memory (ROM) or erasable program ROM (EPROM). The program performs the work necessary to represent the data as a printed font or coded data within the printed bar code symbol. Recently, bar code printers have had an electrically erasable read-only memory (
Equipped with flash memory). Flash memory is electrically erasable and reprogrammable in the printer. This allows all or part of the printer firmware program to be upgraded or replaced with a new program created by the printer manufacturer. The upgrade or exchange program is supplied from the Internet, a floppy disk or a CD-ROM. They are provided with a memory image and an arbitrary program to be downloaded from a personal computer and stored in a flash memory of a printer via an interface such as serial, parallel, or network.

The use of proprietary protocols has limited the usefulness of conventional bar code printers to applications that have special (proprietary) software. Alternatively, it has limited utility for use with "middleware" applications designed to transform legacy data (special data) from other sources, or to add other uses to the proprietary protocols of barcode printers. Was. One such middleware system is BarOn.
"Label pre-processing" applications such as e and JetForm. They allow designers to design labels using a "wysiwyg" graphical interface, then receive legacy data from other sources and are required for barcode printers. Build a dedicated protocol stream. These systems run on a computer connected to a bar code printer. Alternatively, it runs as a process or driver on a multitasking computer. In both cases, the barcode
It must be in progress whenever the printer is in use.

A basic printer 10 is shown schematically in FIG. As shown, printer 10 receives a data stream via port 12. Also, the printer 1
The formatter 14 in 0 creates a bitmap 16 using the data stream. After that, the printer 10 prints a label, a tag and the like according to the bitmap 16. The data stream and the formatter 14 must be compatible for the printer 10 to work properly. In other words, the data stream must be in a format that the formatter 14 can use to create the appropriate bitmap 16. If the data stream is in a format that is not compatible with the formatter 14 of the printer 10, the formatter 14 will not be able to create the proper bitmap 16 and the printer 10 will not be able to print acceptable labels, tags, etc. Will.

A more sophisticated printer 20 is shown schematically in FIG. As shown, printer 20 receives the data stream via port 22, and interpreter 24 in the printer receives the data stream. Interpreter 24 interprets the data stream and effectively transforms the data stream from one format to a new format compatible with formatter 26 in printer 20. The formatter 26 creates a bitmap 28 using the new format data, and the printer 20 prints a label, a tag, etc. according to the bitmap 28. Accordingly, the printer 20 shown in FIG. 2 offers advantages over the printer 10 of FIG. In particular, the printer 20 shown in FIG. 2 can receive a data stream that is originally incompatible with the printer 20, can convert that data stream into a format compatible with the printer 20, and then use the new format. Labels, tags, etc. can be printed using the data of.

While the printer 20 shown in FIG. 2 has distinct advantages, the interpreter 24 of the printer 20 must be configured to properly transform the data stream received via port 22. In order to make interpreter 24 so, the program used by interpreter 24 must typically be provided. Unfortunately, writing such programs often requires having considerable programming skills.

[0009]

[Issues and outline]

From the above, it will be appreciated that there is a need for a system and method for a barcode printer that can directly receive a usable data stream from a non-barcode application and that does not require middleware. .

An object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a printer that can be used to create an executable program for a barcode printer that prints labels, tags, etc. using a data stream that is incompatible with the printer. To provide programming tools.

Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide executable code that can be executed directly by the printer's microprocessor so as to print labels, tickets, tags, etc. from any data stream as quickly as possible. Is.

A further object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a printer programming tool as an easy-to-use graphical tool that can be used by those with limited programming skills to create executable programs. .

Briefly and in accordance with at least one of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention allow a printer to print labels, tags, etc. using a data stream that is not inherently compatible with the printer. Printer programming tools that programmers use to create programs for such printers. The printer programming tool is configured to provide a visual display of at least a portion of the data stream and create a program usable by the printer based on the identified delimiters.

The printer programming tool preferably provides a visual comparison of at least a portion of the data stream with at least a portion of a label, tag, etc. that includes the variable. Printer programming tools should display a data correlator that lists variables such as labels and tags, as well as fields that allow the user to specify the identified delimiter of the displayed data stream. Is preferred. The printer programming tool may also be configured to automatically identify the delimiters of a given data stream.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method of programming a printer with a printer programming tool. This method is
Import the data stream into the tool, let the printer programming tool display at least a portion of the data stream, and let the printer programming tool use the data stream that was originally incompatible with the printer based on the identified delimiters. This includes having the printer create a program that it uses to print labels, tags, etc.

The printer programming tool preferably displays at least a portion of the data stream and at least a portion of labels, tags, etc. (which include variables). The printer programming tool preferably displays a data correlator that lists variables such as labels and tags, and provides fields that allow the user to specify the identified delimiters of the data stream.
The printer programming tool may also be configured to automatically identify the delimiters of a given data stream.

The structures and functional configurations and methods of the present invention, other problems and advantages will be understood by referring to the following detailed description (embodiments) together with the accompanying drawings.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the invention may be embodied in various forms, it is understood that it is merely an illustration of the nature of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the one illustrated and described. One embodiment of the present invention is shown in the drawings and described below.

FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement 30 that can be used to program the interpreter 24 of the printer 20. Arrangement 30 comprises a printer programming tool or data extraction tool 40 according to one embodiment of the invention. The printer programming tool 40 receives data in a given format (format A) and creates a program for converting the given format (format A) into another format (format B). The program is then downloaded to the printer 20 and the interpreter 24 (see FIG. 2) uses the program to interpret the data stream received in one format (format A) and to transform the data stream into a different format (format B). ). This new format (Format B) is compatible with the printer formatter 26. The formatter 26 creates a bitmap 28 using the data of this new format, and the printer 20 prints a label, a tag, etc. according to the bitmap 28. Therefore, the interpreter 24
The program used by allows printer 20 to use a data stream that is inherently incompatible with printer 20.

In the past, in order to write a suitable program for converting the format of a given data stream, one had to have considerable programming skills. The program typically depends on the data format compatible with the formatter 26 of the printer 20 and the data format received via the port 22 of the printer 20. Usually, each company has its own data format. The following are some of the existing data stream formats. That is, BASIC, IPL (Intermec Printer Language), Datamax Pr
inter Language, Sato Printer Language,
ZPL (Zebra Programming Language), EPL (Eltron Programming Language)
, QMS and EPOS (Epson Point of Sale).

For example, if a printer configured to print labels, tags, etc. based on ZPL is expected to receive a data stream in the format of EPOS, the given program will cause the interpreter to transfer from EPOS to ZPL. It must be used by the printer's interpreter so that it can be translated. On the other hand, if a printer configured to print based on ZPL is expected to receive a data stream in the format of QMS, the interpreter will print Q
Another program must be written to be used by the printer interpreter so that it can convert from MS to ZPL. The printer programming tool 40 of the present invention allows the printer 20 to have a certain format or language (ie, BAS).
Other formats (such as IC, IPL, EPL) that the printer 20 can use to print labels, tags, etc.
That is, it provides a relatively easy-to-use graphical tool that a programmer can use to create a program that can be converted to ZPL, etc.).

FIG. 4 illustrates a sample computer network with printer programming tools according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the server 42 runs an operating system (hereinafter OS) 44 having a print queue 46 and a connection 48 to a network 50. The OS 44 does not have to be for graphics, and any type can be used. For example, Unix (registered trademark), Linux, Windows (registered trademark) NT
Server, or early "regacy" operating system, etc. The server 42 further has a connection 48 to a network 50 by means of which it is possible to communicate with a line printer 52 which is likewise connected to the network 50. The server 42 runs conventional "legacy" applications 54. A “legacy” application 54 is an ERP application adapted to print human-readable documents on line printer 52, such as purchase orders and packaging lists. As such, the print job sent from the application 54 through the OS 44 and the print queue 46 to the line printer 52 via the connection 42 and the network 48 is generally a text font suitable for the shape to be printed. And variable data to be printed, mixed with a format code suitable for the type of line printer to specify character alignment.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 4, a client system 56 (typically corresponding to the printer 20 of FIG. 3) is shown. The client system 56 uses the print queue 6
Operating system (hereinafter referred to as OS) 58 having 0 and network 5
It has a connection 62 to 0. The client system 56 further comprises a graphic display 64 and a user input system 66. User input system 66 preferably comprises a keyboard 68 and a mouse 70.
The OS 58 is preferably an operating system for graphics such as Windows (registered trademark) 95 or Windows NT for the reason described later. The client 56 further has a connection 62 to its own network 50, which allows it to communicate with a bar code printer 72, which is also connected to the network 50. As shown,
Client 56 preferably executes printer programming tool 40 according to one embodiment of the invention.

The barcode printer 72 is a microprocessor, a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM) for storing (recording / saving) a bitmap image of a label to be printed, and a port for connecting to a network. Is preferably provided (see FIG. 4). The printer 72 preferably further comprises a motor driver and a printhead interface connected to the printing mechanism. All of these are commonly known in the art. The printing mechanism is preferably thermal printing, but ink jets, lasers or other types adapted for printing barcodes can alternatively be used.

The barcode printer 72, the client 56 and the server 42 (see FIG. 4) are
It is preferable that they are continuously connected by the network 50. However,
Each of them may be equipped with a normal serial or parallel port for connecting the barcode printer 72.

The printer programming tool 40 and the method using the same will be described in more detail. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, at step 80, the user preferably selects a new project from the file menu. Then step 8
At 2, the legacy data stream is imported from the non-barcode application 54. As described above, the legacy data stream has the format code and variable data suitable for the line printer 52. Also in step 82, printer programming tool 40 optionally displays legacy data 108 in window 106 (see FIG. 6) (window 106 is described in more detail below). The printer programming tool 40 can be configured to perform the functions of the line printer 52 with respect to the format code, thereby displaying the printed image on the window screen. The printer programming tool 40 normally interprets the format code,
Create a label that looks similar to the legacy label (steps 86 and 88),
Thereafter, the data 84 from the data stream is automatically associated with the variable field on the created label (step 90).

Additionally or alternatively, the printer programming tool 40 allows the user to identify fixed information on the label and to allow the user to draw or create a label similar to a legacy label. It may be formed (steps 86 and 88). Then, in step 90, the user identifies the variable data in the legacy data stream and indicates where on the label in step 86 the variable information should be printed (step 90).

The printer programming tool 40 is configured to automatically interpret the data stream to create a label similar to a legacy label, or it may be configured to be manually created by a user. Printer, after which the variable data of the data stream is associated with the variable field on the label, the printer programming tool then extracts the displayed (specified) information from the legacy data stream 84. Preferably, the program is generated by the microprocessor of (step 92).
). This program is downloaded to the printer (step 94). The printer records the program in its flash ROM in the conventional manner. After that, when the printer receives the legacy label data (boxes 86, 88),
The printer uses the downloaded program (step 98) to extract necessary data and print appropriate labels, tags, etc. (boxes 100, 102).
.

Printer programming tool 40 is preferably a computer program running on Windows®, as shown in screen views 104 and 140 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively. After the legacy label data is imported, as shown in FIG. 6, the printer programming tool 4
0 preferably displays a window 106 containing at least a portion of the imported legacy data 108. The printer programming tool 40 also preferably displays a generated (automatically or by a user) label 110 that has a look that is similar to a legacy label. As shown, the displayed label 110 is to be printed on the label and preferably includes the variable names contained in the displayed data stream.

As shown, the printer programming tool 40 further includes a data
It is preferable to display the correlator 112. The data correlator 112 is in spreadsheet (spreadsheet) format, with columns (columns) and rows (columns).
It is preferable to have a large number of fields arranged in rows. One column 114 (ie column A) is what is printed on the label and the displayed data stream (ie “company name”, “company address”, “company phone number”, “vendor ID”). And the "container ID") and the variable names contained therein, and "format start" and "format end" are preferably displayed.

Another column 116 (ie, column B) preferably contains fields that allow the user to insert the identified data in the data stream. Each row preferably first lists "displays""Delimited" data. However, if the user has a certain type of data (ie "start format", "company name", "company address", "company phone number", "vendor ID").
, "Container ID" and "End of Format") are constant in the data stream, the user can identify the identified data entry (input).
Can be inserted. For example, in the data stream shown in window 106 of FIG. 6, "start of format" (ie, start of new label, tag, etc.)
It can be seen that is always indicated by "S50.C.", and "end of format" (that is, the end of a new label, tag, etc.) is always indicated by "E5. Therefore, the user enters "S50.C." and "E5.5." In the appropriate fields.

The other columns 118, 120 (ie columns C and D) preferably comprise fields in which the user can insert the identified delimiters (in) the data stream. For example, one column 118 (column C) is left delimiter or data on the left side of variable data (“company name”, “address”, “phone number”, “vendor ID”, and “container ID”). May be provided, and the other column 120 (column D) may be provided with a field for inserting the right delimiter or the data on the right side of the variable data. For example, "Sears" is displayed in the data stream displayed in FIG. Clearly, "Sears" is a company name. Therefore, the user inserts the left delimiter (ie, "H0;041,45;F0C20,7,11;d3") into the appropriate column and row. Do the same for the right delimiter. After inputting all identified delimiters into the appropriate locations within the data correlator 112,
The user commands the printer programming tool 40 to generate a program based thereupon that can be used to operate the printer with an inherently incompatible data stream. Such a program is shown in FIG.
It is shown within 0.

Alternatively, or in addition, as described above, the printer programming tool 40 automatically detects the delimiters of a given data stream, and the incompatible data stream as shown in FIG. May be formed so as to generate a program for operating the printer.

The printer programming tool 40 uses the usual method in Windows applications to allow a user to drag and drop objects from their associated toolbars to fill dialogs and label windows 110 with label designs. May be drawn.

Although FIG. 6 shows one preferred screen view 104, it is possible to provide other screen views that effectively provide similar benefits. For example, printer
The programming tool 40 may simply provide a visual display of a portion of the legacy data stream 108 and allow the user to specify each delimiter, such as the variables contained therein. Additionally and / or the printer programming tool 40 may automatically identify the delimiters of a given data stream. The printer programming tool 40 is described in US Provisional Application No. 60 / 162,789 (October 1999, 1999) to which this application claims priority.
Other features and advantages can be provided that will be apparent from the accompanying document accompanying the application filed on March 29th. U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 162,789 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The printer programming tool 40 may be configured to automatically recognize certain known printer label languages and quickly generate programs for downloading to the printer. The printer programming tool preferably identifies the delimiters of the data stream and displays a list of the identified variables of the data stream. The user can then identify which variables are needed from the variable list.

The program created by the printer programming tool 40 is preferably downloaded from the network to the printer via a telephone line. In this case, the printer is connected to the telephone line via a modem. The printer may be instructed to perform a print test, either off-site or on-site over the telephone line, and the test results communicated back over the telephone line and / or on the label. preferable. The data stream delimiter is
It is preferably any identified or any other information useful in determining why the printer is unable to print the label correctly.

Advantageously, the printer programming tool and method of the present invention allows a programmer to convert a data stream in one format with a printer into another format that the printer can use to print labels, tags, etc. You can effectively write programs that can be used to convert. Preferably, this printer programming tool and method does not require the programmer to be highly programming.

The printer programming tool 40 is preferably configured to interpret and extract variable data from an XML data stream. According to those skilled in the art
It will be appreciated that XML is text / ASCII based on a data format consisting of a series of hierarchical tags that classify variable data.

While one embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described, those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to devise various modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the above description.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram of a basic printer showing a printer that receives a data stream and prints labels, tags, and the like.

2 is an evolution of the printer of FIG. 1 that receives a data stream of one format (format A), converts the data stream to another format (format B), and prints labels, tags, etc. FIG. FIG. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram of the printer.

FIG. 3 is an arrangement that can be used to program a printer interpreter and that includes a printer programming tool according to one embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer network with printer programming tools according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a method that can be used with the arrangements shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 6 is a screen view of the printer programming tool shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, listing a portion of a data stream, a label containing variables, and variables for the label, as well as the data stream. Of the identified delimiters of the data collator with the listed fields.

FIG. 7 is another screen view of the printer programming tool shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, created by the printer programming tool, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. 3 illustrates a program used to program a printer.

[Explanation of symbols]

  20 printers   40 Printer Programming Tool   84,108 data streams   106 visual display   110 labels   112 Data Correlator   140 programs

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ , CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, K E, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG , ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, BZ, C A, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK, DM , DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, JP, K E, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS , LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, R U, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM , TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Pool, David, Elle             Palatine, Illinois, United States               Thornhill Lane 459 E F term (reference) 5B021 AA13 BB01 BB04 BB08 BB09                       CC05                 5B076 DB01 DB09 DC01 [Continued summary] Yes. Also how to program the printer interpreter Provided.

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A programmer for creating a program that enables a printer (20) to print labels, tags, etc. using a data stream (84, 108) that is not originally compatible with the printer (20). A printer programming tool (40) for use by, which provides a visual display (106) of at least a portion (108) of a data stream (84) and which is inherently incompatible with the printer based on the identified delimiters. A program used by a printer to print labels, tags, etc. using a stream (1
40) A printer programming tool, characterized in that 2. The printer programming tool of claim 1, wherein the printer programming tool provides a visual comparison of at least a portion of a data stream (108) with at least a portion of a label, tag, etc. (110). 3. A data correlator (11) for listing variables such as labels and tags.
The printer programming tool of claim 1, further comprising a field for displaying 2) and for allowing a user to specify an identified delimiter of the displayed data stream (108). 4. Automatically identifying the delimiters of the data stream (84),   The printer programming tool according to claim 1. 5. The printer programming tool of claim 1, interpreting and extracting variable data from an XML data stream (84). 6. A printer programming tool (40) used by a programmer to create a program that enables a printer to print labels, tags, etc. using a data stream (84) that is inherently incompatible with the printer. )
And providing a visual display (106) of at least a portion (108) of the data stream (84), and based on the identified delimiters, labels, tags, etc., using a data stream that is inherently incompatible with the printer. A data collection that creates a program used by a printer to print, provides a visual comparison of at least a portion of a data stream with at least a portion of a label, tag, etc. (110), and lists variables such as labels, tags, etc. A printer programming tool characterized by displaying a parameter (112) and providing a field in which a user can specify an identified delimiter of the displayed data stream. 7. Automatically identifying the delimiters of the data stream (84),   The printer programming tool according to claim 6. 8. The printer programming tool of claim 6, interpreting and extracting variable data from an XML data stream (84). 9. A printer (40) using a printer programming tool (40).
20) Programming a data stream (84) into the printer programming tool, causing the printer programming tool to display at least a portion (108) of the data stream, the method comprising: A method (140) for creating a program (140) used by the printer to print a label, a tag, etc. using a data stream that is originally incompatible with the printer based on the delimiter created. 10. At least a portion (108) of the data stream (106).
) And at least a portion of the label, tag, etc. (110) is displayed. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein at least a portion (108) of the data stream (84) and at least a portion of a label, tag, etc. (110) are displayed using the printer programming tool. 12. A data correlator (1) that lists variables such as labels and tags.
12. The method according to claim 9, displaying 12) and also providing a field in which a user can specify an identified delimiter of the data stream (108). 13. The printer programming tool (40) is used to display a data correlator (112) that lists variables such as labels and tags, and the user specifies the identified delimiter of the data stream (108). 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the fields that can be provided are provided. 14. The method of claim 9, wherein the delimiter of the data stream (84) is automatically identified. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the printer programming tool (40) is used to identify a delimiter in a data stream (84). 16. An XM using the printer programming tool (40).
The method according to claim 9, comprising interpreting and extracting variable data from the L data stream (84). 17. A method of programming a printer (20) using a printer programming tool (40), the method comprising: importing a data stream (84) into the printer programming tool; At least a portion (108) is displayed, and the printer programming tool is provided with a program used by the printer to print labels, tags, etc. based on the identified delimiters using a data stream that is not originally compatible with the printer. And creating at least a portion (108) of the data stream and at least a portion of the label, tag, etc. (110) using the printer programming tool, and using the printer programming tool to create a label or tag. Wherein the displaying data correlator (112) for providing a field for the identified delimiter of the data stream allows the user to specify with lists variables and the like. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the delimiter of the data stream (84) is automatically identified. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein a printer programming tool (40) is used to identify a delimiter of the data stream (84). 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the printer programming tool (40) is configured to interpret and extract variable data from an XML data stream (84).