KR20160094677A - Method for driving universal printer driver based on label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for driving a universal printer driver based on a label printer and a recording medium. The method for driving a universal printer driver based on a label printer comprises: a step of loading image data, which is a printing object, in a point that a message is received from a laser label printer; a step of generating vector data by converting the loaded image data; a step of loading the generated vector data in a queue list; and a step of performing marking based on a marking sequence by driving one or more laser modules included in the laser label printer.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a general printer driver based on a label printer,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a label printer-based general-purpose printer driver driving method and a recording medium, and more particularly, to a method and a recording medium capable of outputting print data of at least one application and a program from a label printer.

One embodiment of the present invention is derived from the national task supported by the SME Innovation Development Project [Task No. S2222232, Title: Universal Driver-based Multi-Array Laser Label Printer 100% Compatible with Existing Thermal Printer System Development]

In general, products with a warranty period will become obscured if the letters or bar codes, such as the production date and serial number printed on the label, are erased. In such cases, the A / S has to be implemented, resulting in continuous loss of the enterprise.

At this time, a method of printing a label is a method of printing a label by a thermal transfer method. In this connection, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0688599 (published on Mar. 2, 2007) discloses a method of printing a label using a thermal transfer method.

However, in the case of printing a label using a thermal transfer method, there is a possibility that the text including the symbol, the character and the graphic form of the label may be erased as frequently used. In order to solve this problem, in the case of using a laser label printer, Since the print driver must be matched and replaced on a one-to-one basis in accordance with the format, it is impossible to use a program other than one program in one laser printer, and one laser printer must be provided for each program. .

Korean Patent No. 10-0688599 (published on Mar. 2, 2007) discloses "an optical recording / reproducing apparatus having a label printer for an optical disc and a method for printing a label on an optical disc ".

An embodiment of the present invention extracts vector data of image data included in print data and performs laser marking based on the extracted vector data to obtain print data based on a plurality of programs and applications, A method of driving a universal printer driver based on a label printer and a recording medium capable of printing on a laser label printer can be provided. It should be understood, however, that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described technical problems, and other technical problems may exist.

As a technical means for achieving the above technical object, an embodiment of the present invention is a method of converting image data, which is a print object, at the time of receiving a message in a laser label printer, Generating vector data, loading the generated vector data into a queue list, driving at least one laser module included in the laser label printer, and performing marking based on the marking sequence .

According to any one of the above-mentioned objects of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the erasure of letters and codes including the manufacture date and serial number of the label, based on a general-purpose driver compatible with a conventional thermal printer system , Which can contribute to securing competitiveness by reducing cost loss caused by unnecessary A / S.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a laser label printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram for explaining the general purpose printer driver shown in Fig. 1. Fig.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment in which the general-purpose print driver shown in FIG. 1 and at least one laser module are driven in cooperation with each other.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment for separating text using the erosion algorithm in the general-purpose print driver shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of extracting vector data with an edge extraction algorithm in the general purpose print driver of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process of transmitting and receiving data between respective components included in the laser label printer of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a general-purpose print driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In order to clearly illustrate the present invention, parts not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are denoted by like reference characters throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as being "connected" to another part, it includes not only "directly connected" but also "electrically connected" with another part in between . Also, when an element is referred to as "including" an element, it is to be understood that the element may include other elements as well as other elements, And does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a laser label printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the laser label printer 1 may include a general printer driver 100, and at least one laser module 300. However, since the laser label printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is only an embodiment of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to FIG.

The general purpose printer driver 100 may be mapped one-to-many with at least one application or at least one program. For example, although the general-purpose printer driver 100 has various formats such as PDF, DOC, DWG, and JPG, the image format for printing laser labels includes text and images input to the laser label printer 1 So that the print data can be output. Since a conventional laser printer driver needs to be mapped to at least one application or at least one program on a one-to-one basis (one to one), a laser printer drive corresponding to at least one application or at least one program is required, The general purpose printer driver 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide a driver that is compatible with any application or program and can output print data of any format through the laser label printer 1 .

The at least one laser module 300 may be a module for marking a laser label using print data received from the general purpose printer driver 100. [ Here, the at least one laser module 300 may include a beam expander, a laser driving module, a lens, and a motor.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the general printer driver shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an embodiment in which the general-purpose print driver and at least one laser module shown in FIG. 1 are driven in conjunction with each other, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an embodiment for distinguishing text using an erosion algorithm in the general purpose print driver shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an edge extraction process in the general purpose print driver of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. And extracting vector data with an algorithm.

2 and 3, a general printer driver 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first loading unit 110, a generating unit 120, a second loading unit 130, A segmentation unit 150, an edge extraction unit 160, and a calculation unit 170. [0033]

The first loading unit 110 may load image data, which is a print object, at a point of time when the laser label printer 1 receives a message.

The generating unit 120 may convert the loaded image data to generate vector data. That is, the generating unit 120 must convert print data received from a terminal such as a computer into print data that can be interpreted by the laser label printer 1. [ At this time, the generating unit 120 needs to convert the metafile corresponding to the image data into print data. To do so, the coordinates (x, y) of the input image data may be required. Accordingly, the generating unit 120 may convert the loaded image to generate vector data.

The second loading unit 130 may load the generated vector data into a queue list. Here, the second loading unit 130 may load data in a queue mode in the order in which the vector data is generated in the generating unit 120. Here, the output sequence may be determined according to the loaded order.

The execution unit 140 may drive at least one laser module 300 included in the laser label printer 1 to perform marking based on a marking sequence. Here, the performing unit 140 may perform the marking based on the loading order of the cuelist at the second loading unit 130 or a separate marking sequence.

After the image data is loaded in the first loading unit 110, the classifying unit 150 may classify symbols, characters, and graphics included in the image data before generating the vector data in the generating unit 120. [ In other words, laser marking is required to distinguish symbols, characters, and graphics in image data. For this purpose, the segmenting unit 150 may use an erosion and dilation algorithm. Accordingly, when the width (Width) of the eroded image data exceeds the predetermined shape threshold value, the segmenting unit 150 erases the symbols, characters, and graphics included in the image data using the erosion algorithm, So that the surface in the figure can be filled with laser. In addition, the division unit 150 can erode the symbols, characters, and graphics included in the image data using the erosion algorithm before the vector data is generated after the image data is loaded in the first loading unit 110 And if the width of the eroded image data matches at least one predetermined thickness threshold value, it is classified into symbols and characters of a thickness corresponding to at least one predetermined thickness threshold value and printed so as to have a thickness of a symbol and a character .

For example, referring to FIG. 4, the division unit 150 may not be able to distinguish characters such as (a) and figures like (b) The space between the outline of the character and the space between the outline lines may have to be marked according to the thickness set by the user. Accordingly, when the width and width of the eroded character and the figure erode the character and the figure as shown in (a) and (b) as shown in (a) and (b) , It can be divided into the thickness or the figure of the corresponding character. At this time, the surface in the figure can be marked so as to be filled in a hatching manner.

Referring back to FIGS. 2 and 3, the edge extracting unit 160 may be configured to read the image data before the vector data is generated in the generating unit 120 after the image data is loaded in the first loading unit 110, Before loading the image data in the loading unit 110 and dividing the image data in the dividing unit 150 and then generating the vector data in the generating unit 120, Edge extraction can be performed to extract the values. Accordingly, the edge extracting unit 160 extracts coordinate values of at least one edge extracted by the edge extracting algorithm using the edge extraction algorithm to recognize the image data and generate coordinate values, Can be stored and mapped.

Referring to FIG. 5, it is assumed that the edge extracting unit 160 is driven by laser marking the character "HKopto ". At this time, each coordinate of HKopto must be extracted to enable laser marking in at least one laser module 300. Therefore, the edge extracting unit 160 can extract the edge of HKopto and extract the coordinates of each minutiae point. Here, the edge extraction algorithm used in the edge extraction unit 160 includes a Harris Corner feature point extraction method, a Shi & Tomasi feature point extraction method, a Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), a Feature from Accelerated Segment Test (FAST) Corner Detection based Accelerated Segment Test), SURF (Speed Up Robust Features), Ferns (Fast Keypoint Recognition in Ten Lines of Code), BRIEF (Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features), ORB, BRISK (Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints) And FREAK (Fast Retina Keypoint).

2 and 3, the calculation unit 170 may calculate the marking scale Scale to be marked on the laser label printer 1 before it is loaded into the cuelist after generating the vector data.

Incidentally, the following Tables 1 to 3 include the main classes and main functions used in the general-purpose printer driver 100. [

CCommonApproach ImgPrintInfoList m_listPrintInfo List with information to print ImgPrintInfoList m_listToDoLoadingPrintInfo List to load print information  void AddImgPrintInfo (CString path, int copies, HANDLE hFile, BOOL docStart A function that loads information to be printed into a list. BitmapPrintInfo GetHeadTodoLoadingPrintInfo Retrieves header data from the loaded List void RemoveHeadTodoLoadingPrintInfo Erase data in header after data processing

CMarkProcess AllVectorDataList m_listAllData Variables that have a vectorData structure as a List structure static UINT ImageLoadingProcThread (LPVOID pParam) A thread that converts an image to create a Vector  static UINT MainProcThread (LPVOID pParam) Thread using internal soft start in step by step mode  static UINT MainExtProcThread (LPVOID pParam) Thread using external start in Fly mode BOOL DownLoadVectorData (int imgConvertType) Function to drop data to RTC when using internal soft start in Step by Step mode BOOL DownLoadExtVectorData Function to output data to RTC when using external start in Fly mode

CInitialTable BOOL m_bHatchUse Enable hatching int m_iHatchDist Hatching distance in pixels int m_nConvertType Image conversion type double m_dLaserDotSize Laser line width BOOL m_bOulineUse Enable outlines BOOL m_bFly Fly mode setting UINT m_nFlyScaleCount Count setting of mm / Count when setting fly double m_dFlyScaleMM Mm setting of fly / mm of count double m_dFlyMotorSpeed Motor speed setting value in fly mode int m_iHatchDirect Set hatching direction int m_nLineThickness Set the degree of erosion at the time of image conversion (erosion of pixels outside the image according to the set value in pixels)

Here, CCommonApproach is a class that includes variables or functions that are commonly accessed such as printer information and image lists. CMarkProcess is a class that performs variables and functions related to the marking process. The CInitialTable is a class that includes various setting value information to be. However, it is to be understood that the class used in the laser label printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described contents.

The method of driving a universal printer driver based on a laser label printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is based on a general-purpose driver compatible with a conventional thermal printer system. When the printer driver is used, It can be prevented from being erased at all, thereby contributing to securing competitiveness by reducing cost loss caused by unnecessary A / S.

2 to 5 do not describe the method of driving the universal printer driver based on the label printer. The method of driving the universal printer driver based on the label printer of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1, It is possible to deduce that the following description will be omitted.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a process of transmitting and receiving data between respective components included in the laser label printer of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an example of a process of transmitting and receiving a signal according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 6, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and in accordance with various embodiments described above, It is apparent to those skilled in the art that the process of transmitting and receiving the shown data can be changed.

6, the general-purpose printer driver 100 receives print data from the laser label printer 1 (S6100), and receives image data corresponding to the received print data (S6200).

Then, the general-purpose printer driver 100 distinguishes symbols, characters, and graphics included in the text using the erosion and expansion algorithm (S6300), and determines whether the width of the eroded symbols, characters, and graphics exceeds a preset width (S6400). If the width of the eroded symbols, characters, and graphics exceeds the predetermined width, the graphic or thickness is recognized as a set character (S6500). Otherwise, the recognized character is recognized as a normal character S6600).

In addition, the general-purpose printer driver 100 extracts at least one edge coordinate value using the edge extraction algorithm (S6700), generates vector data by mapping with at least one edge (S6800) The marking scale is calculated (S6910). In the case of a character whose shape or thickness is set, the face between the outline and the contour line is filled with hatching (S6920). In the case of the normal character, The marking can be controlled with a default value (S6930).

The control signals according to S6920 and S6930 are transmitted to at least one laser module 300 (S6940, S6950), and at least one laser module 300 can start marking on the label (S6960).

The order between the above-described steps S6100 to S6960 is merely an example, but is not limited thereto. That is, the order between the above-described steps S6100 to S6960 may be mutually varied, and some of the steps may be executed or deleted at the same time.

6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a universal printer driver based on a laser label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, So that the following description will be omitted.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a general-purpose print driver according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The general-purpose printer driver loads image data, which is a print object, at a point of time when the laser label printer receives the message (S7100).

Then, the general-purpose printer driver converts the loaded image data to generate vector data (S7200).

The general-purpose printer driver loads the generated vector data into the queue list (S7300), drives at least one laser module included in the laser label printer to perform marking based on the marking sequence (S7400).

7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of driving a universal printer driver based on a laser label printer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, So that the description will be omitted.

The method of driving a general-purpose printer driver based on a laser label printer according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 7 may also be implemented in the form of a recording medium including instructions executable by a computer, such as an application executed by a computer or a program module . Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer and includes both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. In addition, the computer-readable medium can include both computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Communication media typically includes any information delivery media, including computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism.

The method of driving a general-purpose printer driver based on a laser label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention may be applied to an application installed basically in a terminal (which may include a program that is basically installed in a terminal or a program included in an operating system) And may be executed by an application (that is, a program) directly installed on a master terminal by a user via an application providing server such as an application store server, an application, or a web server associated with the service. In this sense, the method of driving a general-purpose printer driver based on a laser label printer according to an embodiment of the present invention is basically installed in a terminal or implemented as an application (i.e., a program) directly installed by a user, And can be recorded on a readable recording medium.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only and that those of ordinary skill in the art can readily understand that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. will be. It is therefore to be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. For example, each component described as a single entity may be distributed and implemented, and components described as being distributed may also be implemented in a combined form.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the detailed description and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention do.

Claims (10)

A method of driving a universal printer driver executed in a laser label printer,
Loading image data that is a print object at the time of receiving a message in the laser label printer;
Transforming the loaded image data to generate vector data;
Loading the generated vector data into a queue list;
A step of driving at least one laser module included in the laser label printer to perform marking based on a marking sequence
Wherein the printer driver is a laser printer.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the image processing apparatus uses an erosion and dilation algorithm to distinguish symbols, characters, and graphics included in the image data.
The method according to claim 1,
Before generating the vector data after loading the image data,
Eroding symbols, characters, and graphics included in the image data using an erosion algorithm;
If the width of the eroded image data exceeds a predefined geometric threshold value, setting the geometry to fill the surface in the figure with the laser;
Further comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether or not the printer driver is operating in accordance with the print command;
The method according to claim 1,
Before generating the vector data after loading the image data,
Eroding symbols, characters, and graphics included in the image data using an erosion algorithm;
If the width of the eroded image data is matched to at least one predetermined thickness threshold value, the width of the eroded image data is divided into symbols and characters of a thickness corresponding to the at least one preset thickness threshold value, Steps to set
Further comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether or not the printer driver is operating in accordance with the print command;
The method of claim 3,
And the surface in the figure is filled in a hatching manner.
The method according to claim 1,
Before generating the vector data after loading the image data,
Using an edge extraction algorithm to recognize the image data and generate a coordinate value;
Extracting coordinate values of at least one edge extracted by the edge extraction algorithm, mapping the at least one edge, and storing the coordinates;
Further comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether or not the printer driver is operating in accordance with the print command;
The method according to claim 6,
The edge extraction algorithm includes a Harris Corner feature point extraction method, a Shi & Tomasi feature point extraction method, a Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT), a Feature from Accelerated Segment Test (FAST), an Adapative and Generic Corner Detection based Accelerated Segment Test (AGAST) , Fast Up Robust Features (SURF), Ferns (Fast Keypoint Recognition in Ten Lines of Code), BRIEF (Binary Robust Independent Elementary Features), ORB, Binary Robust Invariant Scalable Keypoints Is used as the printer driver.
The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the general-purpose printer driver based on the laser label printer is one-to-many mapped with at least one application and at least one program.
The method according to claim 1,
After generating the vector data, before loading the cuelist into the cuelist,
Calculating a marking scale (Scale) to be marked on the laser label printer
Further comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether or not the printer driver is operating in accordance with the print command;
A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for providing a general-purpose printer driver,
A recording medium on which a computer program capable of executing the printer driver driving method according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is recorded.

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