DataSTORM DataSTORM USER MANUAL Your Intelligent Output Manual Version 1.0a March 2007 DataSTORM Installation Guide:® DataSTORM Version 1.0 Portions Copyright © 2006 William Matthew Limited. All rights reserved. All Trademarks observed. Acknowledgements: Microsoft and Windows are registered to Microsoft Corporation Hewlett Packard E&OE -1- Fontware Limited. All rights reserved.
DataSTORM Software Licence and Copyright The Software is copyrighted and all rights reserved by Fontware Limited IMPORTANT: Before using the DataSTORM Software please read the licence agreement carefully, the right to use this software is granted only if the Customer agrees to the terms of this Licence. If you do not agree to the terms of this Licence, please return the product unused.
DataSTORM Table of Contents Page Introduction to the DataSTORM print appliance 8 Connecting to the Network 8 Test & Configuration Page 8 USB port Layout 9 Factory Default Settings 9 Web Interface Administration 9 Licence Key Page 11 Backing up the configuration: System/Settings 12 Firmware Upload: System/Firmware 12 Changing the Admin System password: System/Password 13 Time and Syslog : System/Time , System/Syslog 14 Setting up Local and Network Printers: Print Queues 15 Programmi
DataSTORM Table of Contents Page C-Command J; Job Offset 34 C-Command L; Report Lines Generator 34 C-Command M#; Paper out tray selection 34 C#:#-Command N; No Page print 34 C#:#-Command N1; Ignore FormFeed 34 C-Command O[-]#; Overlay 35 C-Command PL#; Long edge positioning 35 C-Command PS#; Short edge positioning 35 C-Command PX; sets PL#; and PS#; to 0,0 35 C-Command Q#; Single page reprint factor 35 C-Command R; Reset Page Count 36 C-Command S#; Simplex / Duplex 36 C-Command X#;
DataSTORM Table of Contents Page General structure and syntax of ini file.
DataSTORM Table of Contents Page KillJobsWithLessBytes 65 EraseMacros key 65 Print Quality key* 66 EconoMode key* 66 RenderMode key* 66 PreScribe™ emulation 67 Epson™ ESC/P (9 Needle) 68 IBM™ ProPrinter Data Stream PPDS Emualtion 69 Printronix IPG™/VGL and PGL emulation 70 Softfont loading on demand: 71 General methods for loading Softfonts 71 PCL3GUI HP Business InkJet support 72 Rescaling the print page 72 Barcode printing and readability considerations 73 Getting a Good Scan
DataSTORM Introduction to DataSTORM Print Appliance The DataSTORM is a multiport print server/network bridge with the capability of manipulating print data streams and embedding forms and overlays to produce and distribute print ready output to any laser on the network or connected to its local USB ports. The device will allow the conversion of standard PCL5 escape sequences to print the most commonly used bar codes. The DataSTORM’s on board software generates these fonts internally.
DataSTORM USB Port Layout USB Port 1 USB Port 2 USB Port 3 USB Port 4 Rear Panel Top Rear Panel Bottom Front Panel Top Front Panel Bottom Factory Default Settings Default Password = password The box can be configured from a built in Web page this can be accessed from a web browser on a network client. Note: The device will automatically search for a DHCP server for 30 seconds to obtain a network IP address, if it finds a DHCP server it will apply the supplied IP address and print a status page to USB1.
DataSTORM The Network setup Screen will be displayed when clicking the System/Network Tabs. This screen will allow you to set the units IP address, Netmask and gateway where necessary. If you have a DNS server and wish to use printer names on your network this can be set from this page also. Note: If DHCP is selected and no DHCP server is found the unit will default back to the last configured static IP address. When you are happy with the settings, click the Update setting button.
DataSTORM Licence Key Page From this page a user can define and update configuration Keys for the number of enabled ports and enable the licence for barcode printing. The number of printers enabled will be displayed in this case is 3 local USB ports and 45 network printers and Barcoding are enabled. If you need to add extra printers or the Barcoding function please contact FONTWARE or your distributor for a relevant valid Licence key.
DataSTORM Backing up the configuration: System/Settings From this page you can backup and restore the units queue configuration including all fonts, Forms, Macro information and ini files. It is always worth keeping a valid configuration backup so you can restore the exact configuration setup on another unit if required. Note: Your key will be backed up, but will not be restored if you restore to a completely new unit.
DataSTORM Windows system. Press the Update firmware button and the box will automatically update and reboot. This may take up to 45 seconds and you may have to log into the Web page after an update has been completed. Also on this page there is a Revert Firmware button which will allow the user to Revert to the last know working Firmware. Note: Uploading the same Firmware twice will mean that you will loose the previous version of the Firmware.
DataSTORM Time and Syslog : System/Time , System/Syslog You may need a complete log of all the processed jobs that have passed through the DataSTORM in order to do this you will need a syslog server on your network. To point the syslog data generated from the unit to this server input the servers IP address and enable logging. Click Update to save the settings. To correctly time stamp the Syslog data set the Date and Time on the System/Time page. Click update to save the setting.
DataSTORM Setting up Local and Network Printers: Print Queues The DataSTORM depending on how the unit is licensed can manipulate print data, serve stored fonts, forms, overlays and Bar codes to up to 50 network ready PCL printers and 4 locally attached USB printers. Select the Print Queues page on the web interface, from this page you can manage which data stream or system queue will be pointed to each network or local USB printer.
DataSTORM Output Protocol (LPD/RAW): You will need to tell the DataSTORM which type of data protocol you wish to output to the printer select LPD or RAW from the drop down menu. Click the update button to store . Output Port LPD Queue: you will need to either input the LPD queue name or the RAW port number for the output printer you are sending the data to.
DataSTORM Button will allow you delete the relevant queue or function you will see this symbol on a number of pages in the interface. Button allows you drill down to set up specific feature of a particular queue. Checking this field on multiple queues will allow you to copy all functions of a number of queues or delete a number of queues with one operation. When Select is checked use to delete selection and use and will appear below queue selection list to copy your selection.
DataSTORM Programming Individual Queues. If you click on field on any queue on Print Queues page the following setup page will be displayed. If you will be sending PCL 5 data to that queue no changes need to be made to the settings. If you will be sending RAW unformatted data that has not been created by a PCL5 printer driver you will need to check the not PCL box. By checking this box the DataSTORM will automatically put the required PCL headers into the data stream.
DataSTORM Copies/Output Page You can select how many copies of a document you require by updating the field. Also you can select single sided, duplex or reverse duplex. Click on Update to save the settings. Input and Output Tray selection can also be selected from this page. Tray numbering can differ on different printers, so some experimentation maybe required if using Tray numbers. On some printers Paper type selection for each Tray can be set from the printer’s front panel.
DataSTORM Overlays page Later in this manual it will be explained how to store a form, overlays or font in the DataSTORM but associating any number of forms to any queue is a simple process. All available forms that have been downloaded to the DataSTORM can be viewed in the first drop down menu called Overlay file, high light the required file. The next field pages the drop down menu will allow you to select if you want this file to apply to the first, only the first X pages or All pages.
DataSTORM Logical Functions Some of the more generally used logical functions that are available can be set from this page. More complex function need to setup manually with the on board .ini file. Note: These functions work best on raw data if you are trying to manipulate PCL data streams great care must be taken to ensure the PCL driver you are using does not insert characters that may cause your data searches to fail. You may have to analyse the PCL data stream to find the correct search term.
DataSTORM Note: The DataSTORM will recognise \x1b as an escape character when you add binary data. The Erase Terms function when checked will delete the search term from the final output. Example If you use a case sensitive text search for TEST and Store bytes 100 into variable HERE and erase terms. The DataSTORM will erase the word TEST from the data stream place the next 100 bytes or till it finds a carriage return line feed into a variable called HERE.
DataSTORM Emulations Using the Emulations page you can convert input data streams from Kyocera PreScribe, Epson FX100, IBM ProPrinter, Printronix PGL and Printronix IPG/VGL to PCL5. Note: The emulations are not perfect but the more common emulation commands should work. Contact Fontware if you experience errors. - 22 - Fontware Limited. All rights reserved.
DataSTORM File Management The File Management page is used to add and view and edit stored Forms/Overlays, Fonts and .ini files you can also enable the diagnostic from this page. As you can see each section of the page is associated with a colour code. Green section:- Displays the Forms/Overlays/Fonts stored on the DataSTORM allowed file extensions include .mac, .ovl., .ovly, .prn, .frm and .form. A simple way to create a form or overlay is to use a commonly used word processor such as Microsoft Word.
DataSTORM Convert.ini When you edit the on board Convert.ini or create your own .ini file for upload to the DataSTORM you must follow some simple rules. The Convert.ini file is divided into sections, each new section starts with a description within [] square brackets. [GLOBAL] section: all commands in this section will act on every enabled queue. USB1 – USB4 or net1- net50.
DataSTORM Windows Printer Setup Although you can print from most operating systems through the DataSTORM appliance we have enclosed as an example the setup that could be used to enable a print queue from Windows XP. From the Control Panel window select Printers and Faxes, from Printer tasks menu select Add Printer. Select Local Printer and click Next Click Create a new port and select Standard TCP/IP Port from the drop down menu - 25 - Fontware Limited. All rights reserved.
DataSTORM Input the Units IP address or Printer name that you have previously selected. Any descriptive printer name can be used. Click Next Select Custom and Click Settings Click Next - 26 - Fontware Limited. All rights reserved.
DataSTORM The DataSTORM Appliance can support RAW port or LPR If you select LPR each port on the unit is defined with a different queue name as follows: First USB queue name is usb1 Second USB queue name is usb2 Third USB queue name is usb3 Fourth USB queue name is usb4 First network printer queue name is net1. Select LPR byte counting and Click OK If you whish to use raw port printing Select RAW - 27 - Fontware Limited. All rights reserved.
DataSTORM The following default Port numbers can be used to print from each physical output port or network printer set up on the unit. Alternatively you set none standard port number of your choice but make sure you use the same port numbering convention when setting up the queues on the DataSTORM Appliance. 9100 = USB1 9101 = USB2 9102 = USB3 9103 = USB4 9111 – 9160 = network printers 1 – 50 e.
DataSTORM DSM command short reference Apart from the web interface command generator the full list of extra commands are listed below, these can be manually edited into the convert.ini file. You can also write an ini file of any name with the file extension .ini Example: create myini.ini and upload it from the file manager page. To process this. myini.ini file after it has been uploaded just insert the following command into any section of the Command.ini at the point you wish to execute it.
DataSTORM DSM command syntax To enable a DSM command you must insert the relevant command within the Convert.ini file by using the DSM appliances on board editor or send the command within the print datastream. There are two principle methods to use a DSM command 1. In the data stream, the command will look like this: [2 TriggerStartSigns] Command[CommandOption];[....] [2 TriggerStopSigns] example using the default trigger signs: <> 2. Within the convert.
DataSTORM C#:L and/or C#:R definitions are always executed after the C# or C#:# command. The Default Copy Command D#; has got the lowest priority. It will be performed on every page on a particular copy, which is not addressed with a C# and/or C#:# command;. C#command; Is the general command, which describes which specific copy of the data stream is to be printed. The command will always be executed for any page of the # copy, unless it is overwritten by the C#:#command; .
DataSTORM [Rule for pages drawn form other tray] ; There must be a special trigger text on that page Search_Windows=Paymentform page ; in this example the tigger needs to be erased erase_binary=1 ; Any Variables in DSM_COMMANDS[_ADD] are immediately replaced ; when the command is read form the ini-file DSM_Replace_Variables=ON ; Add to the current DSM_Command the exeption command for that ; particular page. The variable #myPageCounter# is directly ; replaced by reading the section.
DataSTORM C-Command A#; Page size selection Larger than zero is valid. Here is a list of some paper sizes: 26 24 100 3 A4 A6 B5 envelope Letter 27 90 1 101 A3 DL envelope Executive Custom 25 A5 91 C5 envelope 2 Legal This command is used for the paper size selection, the PCL commands ←&l##A. Any entered value C-Command B#; Back page selection This command is used in conjunction with the Duplex command.
DataSTORM Notes: - In order to work correctly, this command needs a FormFeed in the as the page separator. If you use for example if on the last page EscE instead of a FormFeed is present, there will be no forms added to that last page! - As many F statements as you like can be added to a C command. Again note, the maximum length of the total DSM command is limited to 1023 bytes.
DataSTORM C-Command H#; Input paper tray selection This command should only be used, if the designated printer is not able to handle the I#; command which is described in the next section. This command is used for the paper source selection where the old PCL commands ←&l##H is applicable. The disadvantage is, that there is no clear numbering convention of input paper trays across all PCL printers. In most cases it is different between each printer model.
DataSTORM C-Command J; Job Offset A J in any C-command enables the Job Offset mode. There are no arguments needed. If the command is not given, the data stream will not be changed. If the command is given, the converter will erase all PCL 5 job offset commands, Esc&l_T and turn the Job Offset on! It is enough to send this command only once on any page. Please note, that not all printers are able to offset print jobs.
DataSTORM C-Command PL#; Long edge positioning Any positive or negative digit will move the long-edge origin of the page coordinating system to the new value. A value of 0 sets the default value. Negative values move the origin out of the page. But note that printing information can be lost, when the origin is positioned outside the unprintable area. Positive values move the origin to the right. Printing information can be lost on the other side of the page, when printed outside the unprintable area.
DataSTORM rdP The result of the R command in the definition of the 3P thP the first page, the 6P also again as the first etc. thP page is, that the 4P page is performed as it is would be This method only works for jobs which have constantly the same amount of pages. If this is not the case, then the new DSM Escape Sequence <27>)s-995Z can also be used on the last page of a section. Whenever this sequence is found, DSM will then reset the page counter on the next page to 1.
DataSTORM D#; - Default Copy Command The command value # defines, which C# command definition will be selected by default, when there is no Ccommand defined for the actual copy number. Example (without the C-command descriptions): <> This command will print the data stream 4 times K4. For the first copy the definition of C1 is used, for the second C2. The D2; command now defines, that if there is no page copy description, the description of the number of the D command is used.
DataSTORM Notes for PCL data streams: - The EB and EE command can be used several times in the DSM_Command. Example: The intension is to have several items at the beginning of the data stream specific fonts, like normal or bold, depending on the real adressed fonts. - The macro ID number must be larger then 0 and less then 32000. - There is no other DSM Command performed on the 2 inserted jobs. This means, the first DSM page is the first page of the data stream. The EE pages do not count.
DataSTORM So for example F4711; will generate the file 4711.mac in the working directory Notes: • The print file is only stored up to the first form feed in the printing file. • Like the DSM macro conversion on the web interface, all escape sequences, which may cause form feeds are erased, even when they are defined in the DSM-Command! Example 1: F4711;C1S2I5; file 4711.mac is created, but all C1 commands are ignored. • • • Example 2: F4712;C1:F1999; file 4711.
DataSTORM Example: The page printing order of a document with 3 pages using the K4; command is like this: 1111 2222 3333 Note: Only the C1[:#]commands can be used, all other C commands for copies higher then 1 are ignored! R#; - Pages reprint factor, with changeable DSM content The R#; command does produce the same page print order as the Q#; command. But on each printed page/copy you may select any C#[:#] command. K factor can be overwritten by a copy factor defined in the print file.
DataSTORM Be sure, that the outbin escape sequence in the data stream is set to the correct outbin! If there is a DSM command, which changes the outbin to a non-stapling bin, the T command will have no effect. "Split files " for how to split an ASCII like data stream into several, print jobs, for example to staple each job (invoice). For mail merge support, the option: # can be added. This static option defines how many pages should be stapled. Usually it is the amount of pages per mail.
DataSTORM 4. Direct in front of the data stream, ASCII like data stream is assumed 5. If some commands are missing, you may use the ini file keys DSM_Init_PCL and/or DSM_PageInit_PCL in order to insert any valid text / command at the beginning of the data stream or page. 6. Also if for example a FormFeed is missing at the end, use the DSM_Exit_PCL key to add any requested PCL command.
DataSTORM Known problems In the case of an environment variable being set in the middle of the data stream in a way that the data before this sequence is treated differently to data after this sequence, the reprint of this page may fail. Example: You start with Carriage Return and Line Feed printing with the default setting. Some CR, LF do appear, then you switch to CR=CR+LF, for the rest of the page to be printed. For the reprint of the page, this function is still enabled.
DataSTORM DSM examples <> On the very first printed page C1:1 an overlay 2000 is invoked. So the form 2000 is printed on every page of the print job. <> X: K2: D1: C1:1: C1: will display any error reprints the document twice If more then one page is provided, the second and following pages are treated according to the C1 command. As C2 is not provided, the second copy will have the same attributes like the first one.
DataSTORM The section [GLOBAL] This section is first read, direct after the program call. It lists all global commands for the DSM server application. These command arguments can be changed in any other sections, if those sections have trigger or search entries, and their arguments are found in the data stream As all settings of the section [GLOBAL] are performed at program start, do not insert a Search or Trigger key in this section.
DataSTORM The section [Printer Driver Name] th This is the 4 section which DSM looks during the beginning of job process. Again, it does the same as the previous section, but based upon the name of the [windows] printer driver. To find the printer driver name, open the printer settings go to the enhanced tab, the driver name is displayed.
DataSTORM Important: If the size of the print data is larger, the DSM command is performed partly. Actual this is an indefinite program state and should be avoided. Notes: Unfortunately newer Microsoft™ Windows drivers print in a way, that it is very difficult if not impossible to find any reasonable text. (eg. If everything is printed using graphic formats). DSM has several mechanisms for getting text from single positioned characters together into their words.
DataSTORM Important information: A) If a Search_RowNo key is used the first time in a second ini-file, AND B) This ini-file is called by the main inifile AND C) In the main ini-file there is no Search_RowNo AND D) The new ini-file is called by a Search_XXX rule, THEN the row and column and page counters are reset to 1. In other words, the actual processed row which performed the rule search_Binary -> ini-file reading -> new Search_Row key will be row Nr. 1 at Col Nr. 1 on page 1.
DataSTORM Valid arguments are 1 Erase the searched information from the data stream 0 Leave the searched information in the data stream, (default) Example: [Section_SEARCH_AND_DELETE] SEARCH_BINARY=!K TRIGGER! ERASE_BINARY=1 DSM_COMMAND=K3;C1F1000;C2F1100;D2 The data stream is searched for "!K TRIGGER". Once the trigger is found, it is erased and the DSM_COMMAND performed.
DataSTORM [Section_SEARCH_AND_CHANGE] ;\x1B is the hex representation of ASCII 27 = Escape Sign SEARCH_BINARY=\x1B&l5H REPLACE_BINARY=\&n13WdTransparency ReadOnlySearchKeys=ON Ini File key: ReplaceNextTerm This key is used to insert an additional search for a specific term, but only one time. This searched new term will be replaced by the key argument, or deleted if there was no argument provided.
DataSTORM • The only 4 executed action keys are: - StoreNextWordToVariable - StoreNextWordToIntVariable - Add_Binary. - Counter - all Call keys The keys are only used in conjunction with splitting the data stream into X archived print files, using an archive file name based upon a value found in the data stream, like a invoice number. Not implemented in this version of DSM if you would like to use this function please contact Fontware.
DataSTORM Search_Windows=Ordered by: ; The name of the person who has ordered the parts, ; We need to store the name to a variable, which may read ; over all blanks for minium 20 characters StoreNextWordToVariable=#OrderName#;20 ; Should be only read on time Search_Only_Once=ON ; Speed up process ReadOnlySearchBytes=ON Ini File key: StoreNextWordToIntVariable Like all the keys mentioned in the previous descriptions, but only for the next word is read, the value is converted to a signed long integer.
DataSTORM 2. In addition this key ignores any positioning Escape Sequences (Esc*p#X or Esc*p#Y), the windows driver might generate between each printed character. Here are some tips to make the trigger findable in the data stream, especially if you are not able to interpret a PCL data stream: • • Do not set the driver to print Truetype as graphics. The trigger word(s) should be formatted if possible with a printer internal font.
DataSTORM Trigger_VariableSubStri ng Orientation Page_Size PaperTray Trigger_OutPrinting Printer_Names* Resolution Simplex_Duplex User_Names* Trigger_Variable=#MyCounter#>7 See example in QA document Like the Trigger_Variable Operator ‘:’. But instead of an equal comparison, the key becomes true, if the right argument can be found in the left string. The search is performed case in-sensitive.
DataSTORM PlanesInUse=1 Ini File key: ActivateSection In order to generate common functions in one rule/section DSM can call from any Searched or triggered section another section, where for example those common settings are performed: Here an example that stores the delivery notes and invoices into the same archive.
DataSTORM DSM Variables DSM is able to work with variables. Some variable names are predefined; they are listed in the next table. DSM searches for the names of the variables in the data stream, as well as in all loaded forms/macros. A variable name starts and ends with the character ‘#’. The name itself is searched case sensitive, in Binary and Windows mode. Predefined DSM Variables Value-Name #ACC_EDITTEXT# Description Special field generated by the accounting via Projects software.
DataSTORM #PRINTERSHARENAME# #USERNAME# #VAR_ORIENTATION# #VAR_PAGESIZE# #VAR_PAPERTRAY# #VAR_RESOLUTION# #VAR_SIMPLEXDUPLEX# #VAR_TCPIP_PORT# * The printer share name is mainly for MS windows integration in order to resend the same job to the same queue using the expression: OutPort=#PCNAME#\#PRINTERSHARENAM E# (Not supported under pure NT) The variable is set to the content of startup – P3 operand, or read with a higher priority from the PJL ATTRIB Commands out of the data stream.
DataSTORM stdin mode. Contains the outgoing file name, including the full path for W_ DSM command line argument. Contains only the outgoing file name, without path. This variable is not set, if software runs in stdout mode. #DSM_FORMS_PATH# Contains the forms path from the DSM command line argument. Backslash or slash (Unix) is added! #DSM_PROG_PATH# Path to the DSM Software, In windows to the convert.
DataSTORM 5. Available the time related variables: #ACTTIME#, #DATENUM#, #DATETEXT#, #DATETEXT_D#, #DATETEXT_PL#, #DATESERIAL#, #MILLISECONDS#, #MONTH#, #MONTH_D#, #MONTH_PL#, #WEEKDAY#, #WEEKDAY_D#, #WEEKDAY_PL#, #TODAYNUM# Further usable DSM Variables The following table lists all variables that can be defined, by some of the ini-file keys or as variables. Not implemented in this version of DSM contact FONTWARE if you need to use this function.
DataSTORM Variable manipiulation functions Currently DSM supports flowing functions for string manipulations.
DataSTORM After: Microsoft Word Error:Will not work [Named Section as the user logon name] Variable=FullUserName:UPPER(Mark Brown) Results into the variable content UPPER(Mark Brown).
DataSTORM You may format the the values using any predefined font attributes, but also the formatting can be done in the value part, like this: #no:1234#=\x0E\x1B)s1p12vs3b4099T 90,50 €\x0F The filename definition of the Variable File key may contain any previous defines variables. So the file name can be for example user or printer specific.
DataSTORM To install an overall page counter simply add the variable key JOB_COUNTER into the section global, leave the default argument as it is. As long as the variable #JOB_COUNTER# is not used in a form, open the file after some jobs and look at the value. Another example is to establish a counter how many documents / jobs are printed, containing the word confidential: [Search for Confidential] Search_Windows=Confidential Job_Counter= workpath confidential.
DataSTORM Exit data file: job_exit.mac If a file named job_exit.mac is found in the WorkPath directory, the DSM Server will download the content as a Job exit initialisation. Please note that the data of job_exit.mac is not sent through the converter itself. As always, the file name needs to be lowercase for Unix based operating systems. If the needed initialisation is less then 512 bytes you may also use the DSM_EXIT_PCL key.
DataSTORM PreScribe™ Emulation The emulation was developed mainly to converting PreScribe™ barcode printing to PCL. DSM currently supports the following PreScribe commands: .
DataSTORM The following keys, which can be used exclusively in the [PRESCRIBE] section: Pre_Init The provided string will be used for initialisation of the printer when Prescribe emulation is activated. Pre_Init_At_First_!R! This string will be used for additional initialisation at the place where the first !R! command is found in the data stream.
DataSTORM IBM™ ProPrinter Data Stream PPDS Emulation The emulation was developed for several customers, and does convert about 70 percent of all PPDS commands; the remaining ones lead to an abort of the emulation. In order to activate this emulation, add in the global section or in the appropriate printer or user section the key: PPDS_ENABLE and turn it on.
DataSTORM Printronix IPG™/VGL and PGL Emulation This emulation was also developed for a customer. The following commands are supported: Comma, Minus, Star, Plus, A, B (Code 3of9), F IPEXP, IFONT,S, J, K, LB, LS, M, O, P R, SM, T, X The following commands are ignored: , IF1XX0, IC, IOP, IMH, IMV All other commands will generate an error and exit the emulation.
DataSTORM Softfont loading on demand: Font: Automatic OCR A1 Loading Font: Automatic OCR B Loading DSM traces the data stream for the original HP Escape Sequence for OCR A1 (check printing) and OCR B (Swiss, Austrian address printing). Once the correct sequence is found, the font is automatically loaded to the printer and activated. This function may save a lot of network bandwidth, because there is no need to download the fonts together with every data stream. It is only loaded, when needed.
DataSTORM In this example two trigger methods are used within one section. The search looks for the provided text word, erases it and sets the command. Alternatively if the Escape Sequence for Russian PC866 code page is found, the command is set as well. 2.3 If there are no Triggers in the data stream at all put the same DSM_Command into the [GLOBAL] section. If there is no printer initialisation in the data stream, add the proper font selection sequence at the end of the file, l←(##X.
DataSTORM Barcode printing and readability considerations The creation of printable barcodes, including the print quality, clarity of readability is extremely important. The DataSTORM generates barcodes from the escape sequences sent to the device. A barcode is constructed from a combination of black (Stripes) and white bars (Spaces). The separated distances (width) between them determine determines the barcode type and data format.
DataSTORM Scanning and the issues of printable contrast. Another area to consider is the contrast of the printed output. It is important that the contrast between the bars and spaces are totally different. All the bars should reflect no light and all the spaces should reflect 100%. In practice this never happens, but barcodes will still read providing the lightness of the bars and the darkness of the space do not exceed limits.
DataSTORM As with EAN, UPC is described in terms of magnification factor as a percentage. The 100% code is the same size as a 100% EAN. The human-readable characters for the number system character and the check digit are printed at a smaller size and separately from the other digits. There are a number of human readable character layouts in use currently.
DataSTORM e.g. 12500-00081 becomes 125813 3. If a manufacturer number ends in 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 or 90 then one digit is allowed for the product code. The first four digits of the manufacturer number are used and a "4" is inserted after the product code. In such a case only the product numbers 00000-0009 could be shortened to UPC-E. e.g. 12390-00007 becomes 123974 4.
DataSTORM The EAN symbology The barcode symbology most commonly seen in Europe (and most of the rest of the world) is EAN. It is a numeric only bar code system used for identification of retail products. Unique EAN numbers are allocated to each separate retail product, not just by product brand but by variation (weight, colour, flavour, etc..). Also separate numbers are required when the product changes (except when the price changes). The EAN symbol has two basic formats, the 8 and 13 digit variants.
DataSTORM Like UPC, the EAN symbol is described by magnification, the allowable limits being 80% to 200%. For each magnification there is a recommended (or nominal) height. This figure is recommended to ensure symbol readability when read by a multi-directional scanner, therefore any reduction in height (truncation) should only be attempted if absolutely necessary. In common with most other bar code implementations EAN8 and EAN13 have a check digit which is the last number on the right.
DataSTORM left half can use a mixture of sets A and B. It is the pattern of the mixture which determines the 13th character. For example if the left hand half of the code used ABBAAB then the 13th digit would be 5. In common with other symbologies, EAN has a set of allowed tolerances for the quality of the printed code.
DataSTORM Barcodes creation and programming. To enable the printing of Barcodes to be created and embedded into a Printable document, The DataSTORM uses a defined set of PCL compliant Escape sequences. The DataSTORM will interpret a series of special font commands which are called within the PCL5 escape sequences. These escape sequences follow a standard command set format and structure. An understanding of how PCL compliant printers and the PCL control code are interpreted would be beneficial.
DataSTORM 50v 10,30b 15,40s 24600T Set Bar Height to 50 Point Set Thin Bars at 10 dots wide, thick bars at 30 dots wide Set Thin spaces at 15 dots wide, thick spaces at 40 dots wide Select barcode type UPC-A Barcode Types are supported by the “T” sequence. Validation of Checksums Checksums are additional characters appended to bar codes to guarantee good reads. Checksums are necessary on some bar codes that are prone to errors.
DataSTORM E(sphvbs24630T012345678901E This sequence only produces a default size and style of EAN13 barcode. It is possible for the system to change how the barcode is printed. Below is the same escape sequence but it shows where the numeric parameters can be inserted. (s0p0h0v0,0b0,0s24630T012345678901 This will still produce a default EAN13 barcode.
DataSTORM The next two parameter b’s control bar widths. The first number before the comma is the narrow bar width, which is then followed by the wide bar width. Both values are in terms of 600 dpi. The default for EAN13 is 8 dots for the narrow bar and 16 for the wide bar.
DataSTORM Appendix 1 ASCII Code Table - 84 - Fontware Limited. All rights reserved.
DataSTORM Appendix 2 ASCII Code Set extended Characters - 85 - Fontware Limited. All rights reserved.
DataSTORM Glossary of Terms Article Numbering Association (A.N.A.) The co-ordinating body in the U.K. for article numbering using the EAN, ITF-14 and EAN-128 standards. Now renamed the e-Centre. AIM Automatic Identification Manufacturers Association. This organisation has branches in most countries or regions. It is supported by manufacturers and suppliers of automatic ID equipment and services. Alphanumeric A character set including numbers and letters.
DataSTORM Numeric Representation using only the digits 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 and 0. OCR-A and OCR-B Character sets or fonts both of which may be machine or human read. Used for the human readable information in bar coding. Parity A way of encoding bar/space patterns using an odd or even number of modules bars or spaces. The parity may be calculated by the scanner to provide an error check. PostScript The high-quality image description language developed by Adobe Systems Inc.
