Printer

Abstract

The invention provides a printer capable of easily expanding functions. A printer according to an embodiment includes an API, a first package API, a second package API, an installation unit, and an execution unit. And the API is used as an interface of each function of the printer. The first and second encapsulated APIs translate programming languages of the APIs to enable one or more of the functions to be utilized in first and second programming language execution environments. The installation unit installs an application program that is created using a first programming language and a second programming language and that is capable of using one or more of the respective functions in the first programming language execution environment and the second programming language execution environment. And a function capable of executing, in the second programming language execution environment, editing of data used when using one or more of the respective functions in the first programming language execution environment. The execution unit executes the application program.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Japanese application No. JP2024-085081, filed on May 24, 2024, and incorporates the contents of the aforementioned application in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to printers. Background Technology

[0003] Label printers print text, barcodes, and other images onto label sheets to create labels. The image data for printing is created, edited, and sent to the label printer by a personal computer (PC). As a standard printing function, label printers have the ability to receive signals from a PC and execute print jobs.

[0004] Label printers can provide additional standalone printing capabilities by extending their printing functionality. Label printers with standalone printing capabilities can obtain information from external input devices such as barcode readers and combine it with the label template data within the printer for printing. To extend printing functionality, an application software package that performs the standalone printing function needs to be installed separately from the label printer's firmware. Hereinafter, the application software is sometimes simply referred to as an "application".

[0005] However, the standalone printing function so far can only use predefined label printing data (template data) in the application package. If you want to change the template data, you must reinstall the application that packages the changed template data. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above problems, the embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a printer with easily expandable functions.

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the printer in embodiments of the present invention includes an API (Application Programming Interface), a first wrapper API, a second wrapper API, an installation unit, and an execution unit. The API serves as an interface to various functions of the printer, including print control, which controls the formation of images of labels or logos. The first wrapper API translates the programming language of the API, enabling the use of one or more of the functions in a first programming language execution environment. The second wrapper API translates the programming language of the API, enabling the use of one or more of the functions in a second programming language execution environment. The installation unit installs an application program written using both the first and second programming languages, capable of utilizing one or more of the functions in both the first and second programming language execution environments, and including a function for editing data used when utilizing one or more of the functions in the first programming language execution environment in the second programming language execution environment. The execution unit includes a unit for executing the application program in the first programming language execution environment and a unit for executing the application program in the second programming language execution environment.

[0008] The printer described above is designed to be easy to expand in terms of functionality, as it allows editing of data used when utilizing more than one function in a first programming language execution environment without overwriting the installed application.

[0009] In the aforementioned printer, the first programming language is qml, and the second programming language includes any one of Python, HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

[0010] Based on the printers described above, printers with easily expandable functionality can be provided using QML as the primary programming language and Python, HTML, CSS, or JavaScript as a secondary programming language.

[0011] In the printer described above, the first programming language execution environment is Qt, and the second programming language execution environment is a web application execution environment that utilizes a Python server.

[0012] Based on the printer described above, a printer with an execution environment that is a first programming language execution environment (Qt) and a second programming language execution environment (a web application execution environment utilizing a Python server) can be provided that allows for easy functional expansion.

[0013] In the aforementioned printer, the first programming language and the first encapsulated API are used to program the independent printing functions that utilize the input device control, panel control, and print control functions of the printer.

[0014] Based on the printer described above, using a first programming language and a first encapsulated API, the independent printing functions utilizing input device control, panel control, and print control among the printer's various functions are programmed, thus providing a printer with easily expandable functions.

[0015] In the aforementioned printer, the editing function of the template data of the label, which utilizes the network control of the printer's various functions, is programmed using the second programming language and the second encapsulated API.

[0016] Based on the printer described above, using a second programming language and a second encapsulated API, the editing function of the template data of the label, which utilizes the network control of the printer's various functions, is programmed, thus providing a printer with easily expandable functions.

[0017] In the aforementioned printer, the API serves as the interface for various functions including input device control, panel control, print control, and network control.

[0018] Based on the printer described above, a printer with an API that provides interfaces for various functions such as input device control, panel control, print control, and network control can be provided, making it easy to expand its functionality.

[0019] In the printer described above, the first encapsulated API enables the input device control, panel control, and print control functions to operate, while the second encapsulated API enables the network control function to operate.

[0020] Based on the printer described above, a printer with a first encapsulated API that enables input device control, panel control, and print control functions, and a second encapsulated API that enables network control functions, can provide a printer with easy function expansion.

[0021] In the printer described above, the application installed in the installed unit includes a panel application for performing the functions of input device control, panel control, and print control, and a web application for performing the network control functions. The web application uses the network control functions to edit the template data and reference data of the labels.

[0022] The printer described above, by installing a panel application for performing various functions such as input device control, panel control, and print control, and a web application for editing template data and reference data of labels using network control functions, can provide a printer with easy function expansion.

[0023] In the aforementioned printer, the installed application also includes the label template data and the reference data, which are packaged together.

[0024] Based on the printer described above, it is possible to install applications that package panel applications, web applications, label template data, and reference data.

[0025] In the printer described above, the unit executing in the first programming language execution environment performs the input device control function, the panel control function, and the printing control function, while the unit executing in the second programming language execution environment uses the network control function to edit the label template data and reference data.

[0026] Based on the printer described above, after installing the application that performs the stand-alone printing function onto the printer, it is possible to edit and save template data and reference data for stand-alone printing from a web browser or other means. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a system architecture diagram including the printer involved in the embodiments.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a block diagram representing the hardware structure of the printer described above.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a block diagram representing the functional structure of the printer described above.

[0030] Figure 4 This is an illustration of the independent printing functions performed by the aforementioned printer.

[0031] Figure 5 It is a template for labels that are printed independently.

[0032] Figure 6 It is label data printed through independent printing.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a database of reference data extracted from independent printouts.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of installing a standalone printing application and performing printing.

[0035] Figure 9 This is the Web Utility screen for installing applications.

[0036] Figure 10 This is the panel display screen when performing independent printing.

[0037] Figure 11 This is the Web Utility screen for changing reference data.

[0038] Figure 12 This is the Web Utility screen for editing template data.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 1. Label printer, 34. API, 35. API for panel applications (first encapsulated API), 35. API for web applications (second encapsulated API), 40. Panel application, 41. Web application, 42. Template data, 43. Reference data, 44. Application management department, 46. Web server. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a label printer will be described in detail according to an embodiment. It should be noted that in each figure, the same structures are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0042] Figure 1 This is an example of the system architecture of the label printer 1 described in the embodiment. The label printer 1 and a personal computer (PC) 10 are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) 11. The LAN 11 is also connected to a wireless LAN router 12. A smart device 13 is wirelessly connected to the LAN 11 via the wireless LAN router 12, for example, via WiFi (registered trademark). The personal computer 10 and the smart device 13 are each capable of using a web browser 14. An external input device 15 is connected to the label printer 1 via wired or wireless means. The LAN (Local Area Network) 11 can also be further connected to the Internet via a firewall, etc. The drivers and applications used by the label printer 1 can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website via the Internet.

[0043] Label printer 1 forms a label by printing an image on a label sheet. The printed image can be various types of images, such as text, borders, barcodes, or logos. Thermal transfer or thermal printing is preferred. Other printing methods, such as electrophotography or inkjet printing, can also be used. The label sheet is the printing medium used to form the label. The label sheet can be a roll of sheet with multiple adhesive sheets arranged on a peelable sheet, or a sheet embedded with RFID (radio frequency identification), etc. The shape of the label sheet is not limited. In the case of a tag printer, which is another example of a printer according to this embodiment, a tag is formed by printing an image on a tag sheet such as a price tag or RF logo. That is, label printer 1 and tag printer are examples of printers that include the function of printing images to form labels or logos.

[0044] Label printer 1 can expand its printing capabilities and enable it to perform stand-alone printing. The installation method for the expanded printing capability will be described later. Label printer 1 with stand-alone printing capability, as an example, creates label data by combining "variable data" based on information obtained from external input device 15 with "fixed data" stored in the printer, and then prints it on label sheets. An example of fixed data is label template data, etc. An example of variable data is, for example, individual information such as product ID and price. A specific example of label data will be described later.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of label printer 1. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the label printer 1 includes an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 21, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 22, an interface (I / F) 23 for external devices, a front panel 24, a communication interface (I / F) 25, a label database 26, and a printer device 27. These are connected via a bus or interface. The MPU 20 reads the BIOS, OS, and various applications from the ROM 21 and executes them on the RAM 22. The I / F 23 for external devices is a connection terminal for connecting external input devices 15 such as barcode readers and keyboards. The front panel 24 displays the printer's status, printing progress, etc., and serves as the user's operating screen. The front panel 24 is a touch-screen LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The communication I / F 25 is used for communication with the personal computer 10 and the smart device 13.

[0046] The label database 26 stores data on labels that the label printer 1 can print. This data includes label template data, reference data based on information from the external input device 15, and so on. Reference data may include, for example, a database of prices corresponding to product IDs.

[0047] In the case of thermal transfer or thermal printing, the printer device 27 includes a print head with multiple heating elements arranged to correspond to the printing dots, a drive circuit that supplies current to the heating elements at predetermined timings, a pressure roller for conveying printing media such as label sheets, a pressure roller motor for driving the pressure roller, and various sensors.

[0048] Next, the functional structure of label printer 1 will be explained. Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional structure of label printer 1. These functions, including execution of various applications via MPU20, control... Figure 2 The hardware shown is used for implementation. The external input device control unit 30 controls external input devices 15 such as barcode readers and USB keyboards. The panel control unit 31 displays the screen and operation screen of the control panel 24. The print control unit 32 controls the operation of the printer 27, performing print jobs according to normal printing and independent printing. The network control unit 33 controls communication with the personal computer 10 and smart devices 13 via LAN 11.

[0049] Thus, label printer 1, as a function of the printer, has external input device control function (input device control function), panel control function, print control function, and network control function. These are examples of the basic functions possessed by label printer 1.

[0050] API34 is obtained by API (Application Programming Interface)-izing the aforementioned control functions. That is, API34 serves as the interface for the functions of the external input device control unit 30, panel control unit 31, print control unit 32, and network control unit 33.

[0051] The panel application API 35 is a wrapper that converts the programming language of API 34 to a first scripting language (e.g., qml: Qt Modeling Language) to operate the external input device control unit 30, panel control unit 31, and print control unit 32. In other words, it is an example of a "first-package API" that encapsulates API 34 using an API. The panel application API 35 can utilize one or more functions of the printer within the first scripting language execution environment. The web application API 36 is a wrapper that converts the programming language of API 34 to a second scripting language (e.g., Python / HTML / CSS / Javascript) to operate the network control unit 33. In other words, it is an example of a "second-package API" that encapsulates API 34 using an API. The web application API 36 can utilize one or more functions of the printer within the second scripting language execution environment.

[0052] Application 4 (the application program) includes application program (panel application) 40, application program (web application) 41, label template data 42, and reference data 43. Panel application 40 is a program written in a first scripting language (e.g., qml: Qt Modeling Language). The first scripting language is an example of a first programming language. Panel application 40 performs the external input device control function, panel control function, and print control function of the printer described above. Web application 41 is a web application written in a second scripting language (e.g., Python) and HTML / CSS / Javascript. The second scripting language is an example of a second programming language. Web application 41 performs the network control function of the printer described above. Web application 41 includes an application for editing the label template data 42 and reference data 43 using the network control function.

[0053] Application Management Unit 44 manages the installation, uninstallation, startup, and termination of applications. Application Management Unit 44 is one example of a unit that installs application 4 (the application). Furthermore, Application Management Unit 44 is also an example of a unit that executes applications (external input device control functions, panel control functions, and print control functions) in a first scripting language execution environment, and simultaneously an example of a unit that executes applications (network control functions, and functions for editing label template data 42 and reference data 43 using network control functions) in a second scripting language execution environment.

[0054] Web Utility program 45 is the program that constitutes Web Utility. Web server 46 enables Web Utility program 45 to operate and view the Web Utility screen, which will be described later.

[0055] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the stand-alone printing function. The stand-alone printing function is the ability of the label printer 1 to control the external input device 15 to acquire information and create label data for printing based on that information. It has the advantage of being able to print even without the special infrastructure required for creating and sending label data as in normal printing.

[0056] The independently printed label consists of a fixed area and a variable area. In the fixed area, fixed data such as template data 42 is stored in the printer. The variable area displays individual information, such as product ID and price. This individual information is either direct information obtained from the external input device 15 or information extracted from reference data 43 based on information obtained from the external input device 15. The label printer 1 embeds the information obtained from the external input device 15 as variable data into the template data 42, which becomes the label data for printing.

[0057] As an example, external input device 15 may be a barcode reader, USB keyboard, scanner, measuring instrument, thermometer, multifunction printer, server, etc. Information from these external input devices 15 includes information obtained by reading barcodes with a barcode reader, input via a USB keyboard, information about objects read by a scanner, the mass of objects measured by a measuring instrument, the temperature of objects measured by a thermometer, and information about objects read by the scanner function of a multifunction printer.

[0058] Figure 5 This is an example of a label template before synthesizing variable data. Figure 5 (a) represents label data (PDL: Printer Description Language, printing commands). Figure 5 (b) is the printed image corresponding to the label data (print command). The label data (PDL data) predefines the area 5 where the variable data string enters (the position shown by the dashed line in the figure). Furthermore, it predefines which external input device 15, such as a barcode reader or a USB keyboard, will retrieve the information from. Figure 5 The label data shown in (a) is Figure 3 This is a specific example of template data 42. Figure 5 The printed image shown in (b) is blank because no input was made in area 5 of the variable data.

[0059] Figure 6(a) is the label data (PDL data) after the variable data is synthesized. Figure 6 (b) is the printed image corresponding to the label data (print command). A string of variable data is embedded in the label data (PDL data). In this example, ProductID = "12345670" and Price = "10" are variable data. Label printer 1 performs a print job based on the label data (PDL data) with embedded variable data. Figure 6 The printed image shown in (b) is based on variable data, printing product ID, price, and barcode.

[0060] The product ID in the aforementioned variable data is information obtained from an external input device 15 such as a barcode reader. The price is information extracted from reference data 43 corresponding to the obtained product ID. Figure 7 This represents an example of reference data 43. Reference data 43 stores the mapping between product IDs and prices in a database. The database could be, for example, JSON or CSV. In the above... Figure 6 In the example, a barcode reader is used to read the product ID (12345670) and the price (10) corresponding to the product ID is extracted from reference data 43.

[0061] The above series of processes are performed by the MPU20 execution panel application 40, namely, obtaining information from the external input device 15, extracting information from the reference data 43 as needed, and embedding this information as variable data into the fixed data of the tag.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 8 The flowchart illustrates an example of the steps a user takes to install an application in label printer 1 to perform stand-alone printing, and then to perform stand-alone printing.

[0063] The user launches a web browser 14 on a personal computer 10 or smart device 13, accesses the web server 46 of the label printer 1 via LAN 11, and views the Web Utility screen 50. Figure 8 Act 10). Figure 9 This represents an example of a Web Utility screen 50. The Web Utility screen 50 is made public by activating the Web Utility program 45 through a Web server 46. Users can view and interact with the Web Utility screen 50 using a web browser 14.

[0064] The Web Utility screen 50 is a menu structure selectable on the left side of the screen. The user selects "Application List" and presses the "Install" button 51 on the Application List screen. If the "Install" button 51 is pressed, the application management unit 44 of the label printer 1 will perform the application installation. Figure 8 Act 11).

[0065] The installed application package includes an application for performing standalone printing, label template data 42, and reference data 43. The application for performing standalone printing includes a panel application 40 programmed for standalone printing and a web application 41. The panel application 40, which performs external input device control, panel control, and print control, is written in the first scripting language described above. The web application 41 is written in the second scripting language described above. The web application 41 is programmed to edit the label template data 42 and reference data 43 using network control functions, as will be described in detail below. That is, the standalone printing application is an example of the application described below, created using a first programming language and a second programming language, which allows the use of printer functions in both the first and second programming language execution environments, and includes the ability to edit data used when using printer functions in the first programming language execution environment while executing them in the second programming language execution environment. The application package can be downloaded via LAN 11 or, for example, pre-stored in the label printer 1 with a password.

[0066] When the application installation is complete, such as Figure 9 As shown in the example, the installed application information (ApplicationName, etc.) is displayed on the Web Utility screen 50. Thus, only the application installation is required to expand printing functionality. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the firmware of the label printer 1, that is, it is not necessary to change the external input device control unit 30, panel control unit 31, print control unit 32, or network control unit 33.

[0067] Figure 10 This illustrates an example of screen transition on panel 24 when a standalone printing application is executed. The "Menu" screen 6, serving as the base screen, displays the applications installed on the printer. Figure 8 Act 20). The user selects the Stand AlonePrint application and presses the hard key to proceed to the next screen (the key that enables the "OK" function). If the hard key is pressed, the application management unit 44 launches the Stand AlonePrint application. Figure 8 (Act 21), the "Data Reading" screen 61 is displayed on the panel. The "Data Reading" screen 61 prompts the user to scan the barcode with a barcode reader. Figures 5-7In the case of the label shown, use a barcode reader to scan the barcode of the product to obtain the Product ID. Figure 8 (Act 22). The application further extracts the price corresponding to the product ID from the reference data 43 and transfers the data to the "Data Reading Results" screen 62. Figure 8 Act 23).

[0068] The "Data Retrieval Results" screen 62 displays the Product ID and Price. The user confirms this display by pressing the hard key to navigate to the next screen (the key that activates the "Next" function). If the hard key is pressed, the "Print Quantity Specify" screen 63 is displayed.

[0069] The user specifies the number of prints in screen 63 under "Specify Number of Prints". Figure 8 (Act 24), press the hard key to move to the next screen (the key that enables the "Next" function). The user presses the UP button (▲) to increase the number of pages and the DOWN button (▼) to decrease the number of pages. If the hard key to move to the next screen is pressed, the application starts printing, and the "Printing" screen 64 is displayed. Figure 8 (Act 25). If the printing of the specified number of sheets is complete, the application will display the "Data Reading" screen 61 again. It should be noted that the screens 61-64 for "Data Reading," "Data Reading Result," "Number of Sheets Specified," and "Printing" are programmed to... Figure 2 The panel application 40. The panel application 40 also performs these screen controls and screen transition processes.

[0070] Figure 11 This is an example of a Web Utility screen 52 that displays the editable reference data 43. This screen is also made public by activating the Web Utility program 45 via the Web server 46. After installing the standalone printing application, the user can view / operate on screen 52 through a web browser 14 on a personal computer 10 or smart device 13. Figure 8 (Act 12). Figure 11 In the WebUtility screen 52, Figure 7 The values ​​in the database of the illustrated reference data 43 are displayed as initial values. The user changes these values, for example, by using the keyboard or mouse in a web browser 14, and presses the "Save" button 53 when finished. When the "Save" button 53 is pressed, the application overwrites and saves the data. Figure 3 Reference data 43 ( Figure 8 Act 13).

[0071] Figure 12This is an example of a Web Utility screen 54 that displays template data 42 for editing labels. This screen is also made public by activating the Web Utility program 45 via the Web server 46. After installing the standalone printing application, the user can view / operate on screen 54 through a web browser 14 on a personal computer 10 or smart device 13. Figure 8 (Act 14). Figure 12 In the Web Utility screen 54, Figure 5 The PDL data of the illustrated template data 42 is displayed as the initial value. The user can edit the template data 42 on the web browser 14 using, for example, the keyboard or mouse, and press the "Save" button 55 when finished. When the "Save" button 55 is pressed, the application updates the preview 56 of the display tab. The user confirms the template data 42 or the preview 56, and if there are no further edits, presses the "Submit" button 57. When the "Submit" button 57 is pressed, the application overwrites and saves the data. Figure 3 Template data 42 ( Figure 8 Act 15).

[0072] It should be noted that this is for editing purposes. Figure 12 The Web Utility screen 54 of the template data 42 shown is an example that can replace PDL data (script text data) and create a screen where content (lines, text rectangles, barcode image areas) can be configured on a canvas through GUI operations (drag and drop), similar to drawing software. In this case, the area with embedded variable data can also be associated with an external input device 15 such as a barcode scanner.

[0073] By adopting this structure, after installing the application that performs standalone printing on the label printer 1, the template data 42 and reference data 43 for standalone printing can be edited / saved from a web browser 14 or similar source. Therefore, the updated template data 42 and reference data 43 can be easily modified. That is, it is not necessary to repackage the standalone printing application or overwrite the repackaged application package.

[0074] According to the above embodiments, a printer with easily expandable functions can be provided.

[0075] The embodiments of the present invention are illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiments described above can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and also within the scope of the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A printer, characterized in that, have: API, which serves as an interface to the various functions of a printer that includes print controls, namely the control of forming an image of a label or sign; A first encapsulated API, which translates the programming language of the API so that one or more of the functions can be utilized in the execution environment of the first programming language; The second encapsulated API translates the programming language of the API so that one or more of the functions can be utilized in the execution environment of the second programming language. The unit for installing an application, the application being made using a first programming language and a second programming language, capable of utilizing one or more of the functions in both the first and second programming language execution environments, and including a function for editing data used when utilizing one or more of the functions in the first programming language execution environment in the second programming language execution environment; A unit that executes the application in the first programming language execution environment; as well as A unit that executes the application in the second programming language execution environment.

2. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first programming language is QML. The second programming language includes any one of Python, HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

3. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first programming language execution environment is Qt. The second programming language execution environment is a web application execution environment that utilizes a Python server.

4. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first programming language and the first encapsulated API are used to program the independent printing functions that utilize the input device control, panel control, and print control functions of the printer.

5. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second programming language and the second encapsulated API are used to program the editing function of the template data of the label that utilizes the network control of the printer's functions.

6. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The API serves as the interface for various functions including input device control, panel control, print control, and network control.

7. The printer according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first encapsulated API enables the operation of the input device control, panel control, and print control functions. The second encapsulated API enables the network control function to operate.

8. The printer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The installed unit includes a panel application for performing the functions of input device control, panel control, and printing control, and a web application for performing the network control functions. The web application uses the network control functions to edit the template data and reference data of the labels.

9. The printer according to claim 8, characterized in that, The installed application also includes the template data of the tag, the reference data, and is packaged together.

10. The printer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The unit executing in the first programming language execution environment performs the input device control function, the panel control function, and the print control function. The unit executing in the second programming language environment uses the network control function to edit the template data and reference data of the tag.

Images