Global Printing System Encoding Scheme Independent Label Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current printers are unable to efficiently print multiple languages and scripts on a single label, particularly those using Unicode encoding schemes, due to limitations in memory, font support, and encoding scheme compatibility, leading to issues with text orientation, bi-directional text, and barcode encoding.

Innovation Solution

A global printing system that determines encoding schemes dynamically, supports multiple fonts and scripts, and renders Unicode characters correctly, using Zebra Printer Language (ZPL) commands to manage text orientation, word wrapping, and barcode encoding, while also supporting legacy encoding schemes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Unicode encoding scheme is used to support multiple languages and scripts, then language compatibility is improved, but memory requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelanguage compatibilityVSAvoidmemory requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the encoding scheme support by implementing a parser that can dynamically identify and handle different encoding schemes (ASCII, UTF-8, UTF-16, legacy encodings) independently within the same data stream. This allows the printer to support multiple languages without requiring all encoding schemes to be loaded into memory simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between language compatibility and memory requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal printing system that can process multiple encoding schemes through a single unified parser and rendering engine. The system universally handles ASCII, UTF-8, UTF-16, and legacy encoding schemes using the same codebase, eliminating the need for separate processing paths and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining broad language support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple encoding schemes are supported simultaneously, then adaptability is improved, but data transmission requirements and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveencoding scheme compatibilityVSAvoidfirst label out time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the parser proactively identify the encoding scheme at the beginning of data processing through detection mechanisms (such as checking for BOM markers or analyzing data patterns). This early identification allows the system to configure the appropriate rendering engine before actual label generation begins, significantly reducing the first label out time while maintaining support for multiple encoding schemes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the encoding scheme detection and selection process dynamic rather than static. The system automatically adapts to the incoming data's encoding scheme in real-time, switching processing modes as needed without requiring pre-configuration or manual intervention. This dynamic adaptation reduces processing overhead and accelerates label output while preserving encoding scheme compatibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If legacy encoding schemes are supported for backward compatibility, then adaptability is improved, but reliability of Unicode rendering decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackward compatibilityVSAvoidUnicode rendering accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer in the form of a unified parser that acts as a mediator between legacy encoding schemes and the Unicode rendering engine. This intermediary parser correctly interprets legacy encodings (such as CP 850, Shift-JIS, UHangul) and translates them into proper Unicode code points before rendering, ensuring that backward compatibility is maintained without compromising Unicode rendering accuracy. The intermediary layer prevents direct conflicts between legacy and Unicode processing paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10649704B2Global printing system and method for rendering encoding scheme independent labels having serialization data

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES CORP

AI summary

An apparatus and method for formatting a label are provided. An example method includes receiving data, a first portion of the data being encoded in a first encoding scheme; defining, via a processor, a first field block based on first text layout information received in association with a first field block command, the first field block for rendering text on a label; and formatting, via the processor, the first portion of the data within the first field block according to a first text display direction received in association with a first field parameter command.