Label Printer Wrapper APIs for Editable Template Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing label printers with standalone printing functions are limited to using fixed, pre-defined template data, requiring a new application package for any modifications, which is inefficient and inflexible.
Innovation Solution
A label printer equipped with an API, first and second wrapper APIs, and an installation unit that allows applications to be created and executed in multiple programming languages, enabling easy editing of template and reference data without modifying the printer's firmware, using a web utility interface for installation and data editing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed, pre-defined template data is used in the installed application package, then the printer can execute standalone printing function, but the template data cannot be modified without installing another application package
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic modification of template data through a web utility interface, allowing users to edit template parameters without reinstalling application packages. The template data structure includes variable fields that can be dynamically adjusted via web-based forms, transforming the static pre-defined templates into flexible, user-modifiable configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The web utility interface serves as an intermediary between users and the template data storage. Instead of directly modifying firmware or reinstalling applications, users interact with a web-based interface that mediates the modification process, allowing safe editing of template data while maintaining system stability.
2Productivity
If another application package is installed to modify template data, then the template data can be changed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the template data modification functionality from the application package installation process. By separating template data storage from the application package, the system allows users to modify templates independently through a web utility interface, eliminating the time-consuming process of uninstalling and reinstalling application packages for every template modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The web utility interface provides preliminary action capabilities by allowing users to preview and edit template data before actual printing occurs. Users can pre-modify template parameters, reference data, and other configurations in advance, so no time-consuming package reinstallation is needed when actual printing is required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application software is installed to extend printing function, then standalone printing function is achieved, but only fixed pre-defined template data can be used
Solution Approach 1:
The web utility interface provides universal access to template data modification capabilities. A single web-based interface handles multiple functions including template editing, reference data modification, and printing configuration changes, making the system more versatile and easier to operate without requiring multiple specialized tools or processes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a printer having easily extendable functions. According to an embodiment, a printer includes an API, a first wrapper API, a second wrapper API, an installation unit, and an execution unit. The API interfaces various functions of the printer. The first wrapper API and the second wrapper API convert a programming language of the API and make one or more of the functions available in first and second programming language execution environments. The installation unit installs an application. The application is created using first and second programming languages, makes one or more of the functions available in the first and second programming language execution environments, and provides a function allowing data to be used when one or more of the functions are used in the first programming language execution environment to be edited in the second programming language execution environment. The execution unit executes the application.