Barcode printing module

#The present invention relates generally to printing methods and apparatus, and can relate to production of barcode printout using an inkjet printer.

#A barcode can be a series of machine-readable vertical lines organized according to a pattern representing, for example, a numeric or alphanumeric sequence. Barcode presentation can be, however, according to a variety of patterns whereby such patterns represent, for example, numeric or alphanumeric sequences or other such coding. Accordingly, a barcode, as used herein, is a pattern representing numeric, alphanumeric, alpha, or other coding schemes whereby the barcode pattern represents an associated symbol or value. Barcodes can be read or scanned optically by non-contacting remote barcode reading devices. Barcodes are useful in a broad spectrum of applications from grocery checkout applications, where a barcode can represent a product and basis for calculating a charge, to labeling applications where a barcode can represent content or process information relative to a given article. Barcodes can support automated tracking and database reference throughout many industries and applications.

#In many cases, barcodes are used to track activity relative to a large number of articles. Accordingly, barcodes are often produced in mass quantity. Mass production of barcodes is often supported by specialized equipment dedicated to high volume operation. Such equipment finds little alternative uses, e.g., finds little use in other more general printing operations. Barcodes are sometimes attached as a label. In other words, barcode patterns or indicia can be applied to media that includes an adhesive surface to provide a barcode label. The adhesive surface attaches the barcode-bearing media to an article associated with the barcode. Barcodes are becoming used more frequently throughout industries and in applications where special or dedicated barcode print imaging equipment may not be available or where cost is excessively prohibitive. In other words, many industries and applications may find advantage in using barcodes, but lack economical barcode-producing equipment capable of efficiently producing barcode labels in mass quantity or even in small batches.

#FIG. 1 is a partially schematic, perspective view of an apparatus including a printer and a barcode printing module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is a schematic side elevational view of one form of a mechanical and electrical interface between the printer and module of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 3 is a schematic top plan view of the mechanical and electrical interface between the printer and module of FIG. 1.

#FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 8 comprising a printing unit, here illustrated as an inkjet printer 10 and a barcode printing module 12 here also illustrated as an inkjet printing mechanism. Printer 10 operates as a general-purpose printer mechanism capable of applying print imaging to a variety of media, e.g., sheet-form media, as collected from a source media tray 14 and transported through printer 10 by means of media transport mechanisms (not shown in FIG. 1) past a printing device, such as a reciprocating inkjet cartridge and printhead (not shown in FIG. 1), and output at an output tray 16 of printer 10. Thus, according to this particular embodiment, a printer, e.g., printer 10, having general-purpose capabilities corresponding to other common printing devices may be modified in minor fashion to allow adaptation in support of operations including coordinated printing operations with a barcode module 12 as described more fully hereafter.

#Accordingly, printer 10 may be provided and used as a general-purpose printing device. A, host device 18, e.g., a personal computer, computer network, or other controller submits a print job to printer 10 at an input electrical interface 20 of printer 10. As may be appreciated, however, interface 18 may be bi-directional and may be implemented by a variety of communication methods and protocols, e.g., by cable connection including parallel and serial (RS232 and USB) or by radio frequency or by optical-based communication devices such as an infrared port. Interface 20 may support bi-directional communication with, for example, host device 18, but generally operates to receive print jobs as input. Print jobs submitted by host device 18 for input at interface 20 direct printer 10 to render print imaging on media. As described more fully hereafter, such media may include media taken from input tray 14 or may include reel 42 barcode media taken from module 12 in production of barcode labels 40′ according to this particular embodiment of the present invention.

#Printer 10 includes a control 22, e.g., electric control circuitry capable of interacting with a host 18 by way of interface 20 for receiving print jobs and executing print jobs. In addition, control 22 may be used as described more fully hereafter for interacting with and directing printing operations within module 12. For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate printing operations conducted under the direction of control 22.