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Using a PAL
TM
Print and Program capable printer solves this problem. In this
case a PAL
TM
program is written which interprets a data stream normally sent
to the legacy device being replaced. This program is stored on the printer and
is automatically executed each time the printer is powered on. This program
is able to produce a new label format based on this legacy data. Even though
the host computer is sending the exact same legacy data to the printer, the
label format can be completely different. For example, the new format may
include bar codes, scaled and/or rotated fonts, lines, logo's etc. Even though
the legacy device being replaced does not support these print abilities, the
new label format can.
For example, text only outputs such as produced by a dot-matrix printer or
card embosser may now be presented in a more functional format.
Information in the data stream can be reformatted into any size font in any
rotation, or even printed as bar code. This example demonstrates how PAL
TM
Print and Program capable printers can replace a legacy
print device with no
host software changes required.
Host System
PAL Printer
Legac y D ata
Stream
Legac y D ata
Stream
PAL
Interpreter
Printed
Doc um ent
PAL D ata Stream
Applic ation
Printer
F las h Memory