Image to Script Converter for Thermal Printer Label Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in amending and reproducing labels without access to the source script, requiring significant time to learn new software or printer languages, especially when only minor changes are needed.
Innovation Solution
An image-to-script converter for thermal printers that uses a mobile device or computer with image processing capabilities to scan or capture label images, identify smart objects, and automatically translate them into a printing language script, allowing users to edit and generate new source scripts without learning printer-specific languages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users learn a new software program or printer language to create labels, then they can reproduce and amend labels, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary tool (label reproduction system) that mediates between the user and the complex printer language/software. The system captures the original label image, automatically analyzes it to identify individual label elements, and generates the printing script without requiring the user to learn the underlying printer language or software programming
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically capturing the label image, analyzing its structure, identifying smart objects, and generating the printing script autonomously. The computer itself serves as both the analyzer and script generator, eliminating the need for external software learning
2Ease of manufacture
If users redesign or re-code every element of an existing label without source code, then they can create a new label, but the work required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copying by capturing the visual image of the existing label and automatically reconstructing it as a new label. Instead of requiring users to manually redesign each element, the system creates a digital copy of the original label by analyzing its image structure and regenerating the printing script from visual information
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-analyzing the label image structure and pre-identifying all smart objects before the user initiates label creation. This preliminary analysis prepares the data structure and element identification in advance, so when the user wants to reproduce or modify the label, the work is already substantially completed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the source code or source file of the original label cannot be found, then users cannot easily amend the label, but the ability to reproduce the label is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the traditional approach: instead of starting with source code and generating a label, the system starts with the label image and reconstructs the source script. This inverted process allows users to retrieve and amend labels even when the original source files are unavailable, by working backwards from the visual output
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for converting an image to source script are provided. Generally applied to thermal printers, the methods may assist users in reproducing or amending a label without actual source script. In one embodiment, a mobile device comprising a software application may be able to scan an image, for example a barcode label. The software application may use an image processing library to recognize smart object fields in the captured image, including text, barcodes, image and shapes and then may translate the smart object information to a printing language script automatically. The application may provide the capability to a user to adjust the parameters specific to each of the identified smart objects. Once the user makes the necessary changes, a script file may be generated based on the updated smart object information. Then, the label may be sent to a printer from the application itself.