Abstract: A guided barcode printer diagnostic and servicing system and method includes a software application for a smart phone that simplifies the process of detecting problems with and servicing a malfunctioning barcode printer. Illustrated, audible, and/or written instructions prompt the user to obtain photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples of the malfunctioning printer. Data processing algorithms extract diagnostic data from the photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples. The diagnostic data is compared to known printer problem data stored in a database. If a potential problem is identified, a likely repair solution is presented with easy-to-follow servicing instructions. If a potential problem is not identified, additional troubleshooting steps are performed by the user, if needed, until the barcode printer is fixed or it is determined that a skilled service technician is needed.

Abstract: The present invention embraces methods to automatically adjust print locations on a label on center-tracked printers. The methods are applicable for the initial out of the box setup and when changing media/print scripts after deployment of the printer. A novelty of the present invention is that no additional hardware may be required and the method is implemented with a relatively simple software algorithm. By utilizing a simple software algorithm and an analysis of the objects (barcode, text, shape, graphics, etc.) in the rendered image buffer, the centered position for the label can be calculated. The calculation of the centered position for the label is based on the print head width and the image width. An additional benefit with this invention is that the risk of printing outside the physical label (due to mechanical or label media roll variations) is minimized, since the image is printed centered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for comparing different models of printers are provided. According to one embodiment, a system for comparing printers includes at least one web portal configured to receive a user's selection of two models of printers to be compared. The system further includes a printer analysis server configured to receive the user's selection via a first network. A plurality of sample printers is connected to the printer analysis server via a second network. The printer analysis server is configured to establish communication with two sample printers of the plurality of sample printers, the two sample printers corresponding to the two selected printer models. The printer analysis server is further configured to provide a data stream of print commands to the two sample printers and analyze print output results from the two sample printers, wherein the print output results may then be provided to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for comparing different models of printers are provided. According to one embodiment, a system for comparing printers includes at least one web portal configured to receive a user's selection of two models of printers to be compared. The system further includes a printer analysis server configured to receive the user's selection via a first network. A plurality of sample printers is connected to the printer analysis server via a second network. The printer analysis server is configured to establish communication with two sample printers of the plurality of sample printers, the two sample printers corresponding to the two selected printer models. The printer analysis server is further configured to provide a data stream of print commands to the two sample printers and analyze print output results from the two sample printers, wherein the print output results may then be provided to the user.

Abstract: The present invention embraces methods to automatically adjust print locations on a label on center-tracked printers. The methods are applicable for the initial out of the box setup and when changing media/print scripts after deployment of the printer. A novelty of the present invention is that no additional hardware may be required and the method is implemented with a relatively simple software algorithm. By utilizing a simple software algorithm and an analysis of the objects (barcode, text, shape, graphics, etc.) in the rendered image buffer, the centered position for the label can be calculated. The calculation of the centered position for the label is based on the print head width and the image width. An additional benefit with this invention is that the risk of printing outside the physical label (due to mechanical or label media roll variations) is minimized, since the image is printed centered.

Abstract: A guided barcode printer diagnostic and servicing system and method includes a software application for a smart phone that simplifies the process of detecting problems with and servicing a malfunctioning barcode printer. Illustrated, audible, and/or written instructions prompt the user to obtain photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples of the malfunctioning printer. Data processing algorithms extract diagnostic data from the photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples. The diagnostic data is compared to known printer problem data stored in a database. If a potential problem is identified, a likely repair solution is presented with easy-to-follow servicing instructions. If a potential problem is not identified, additional troubleshooting steps are performed by the user, if needed, until the barcode printer is fixed or it is determined that a skilled service technician is needed.

Abstract: A label printing device and method include a proportional-integral-derivative controller and a variable speed printer motor. The variable speed printer motor is connected to the proportion-integral-derivative controller, and has an automatically optimized printing speed determined by a print duration history of one or more previously completed print jobs.

Abstract: A guided barcode printer diagnostic and servicing system and method includes a software application for a smart phone that simplifies the process of detecting problems with and servicing a malfunctioning barcode printer. Illustrated, audible, and/or written instructions prompt the user to obtain photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples of the malfunctioning printer. Data processing algorithms extract diagnostic data from the photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples. The diagnostic data is compared to known printer problem data stored in a database. If a potential problem is identified, a likely repair solution is presented with easy-to-follow servicing instructions. If a potential problem is not identified, additional troubleshooting steps are performed by the user, if needed, until the barcode printer is fixed or it is determined that a skilled service technician is needed.

Abstract: A guided barcode printer diagnostic and servicing system and method includes a software application for a smart phone that simplifies the process of detecting problems with and servicing a malfunctioning barcode printer. Illustrated, audible, and/or written instructions prompt the user to obtain photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples of the malfunctioning printer. Data processing algorithms extract diagnostic data from the photographs, video recordings, and/or audio samples. The diagnostic data is compared to known printer problem data stored in a database. If a potential problem is identified, a likely repair solution is presented with easy-to-follow servicing instructions. If a potential problem is not identified, additional troubleshooting steps are performed by the user, if needed, until the barcode printer is fixed or it is determined that a skilled service technician is needed.

Abstract: A label printing device and method include a proportional-integral-derivative controller and a variable speed printer motor. The variable speed printer motor is connected to the proportion-integral-derivative controller, and has an automatically optimized printing speed determined by a print duration history of one or more previously completed print jobs.