Esc/Pos - Epson TM-T88III Programming Manual

C O N F I D E N T I A L
ESC/POS proprietary command system

ESC/POS

PROPRIETARY COMMAND SYSTEM
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The market for store automation equipment is changing rapidly with the widespread introduction of POS (point of sale)
terminals. These terminals are now appearing even in small retail stores and specialty shops.
As personal computers begin to be used as POS terminals, the demand for matching uniform peripheral devices is expected to
rise. At present, however, many of the competing POS terminal printers on the market employ mutually incompatible
command sets. This imposes limits on the expandability and range of applications possible with PC-based systems. There is a
need for a new command set designed to provide the expandability and universal applicability demanded by the market.
ESC/POS
EPSON took the initiative by introducing ESC/POS, a proprietary POS printer command system, which includes patented or
patent pending commands and enables versatile POS system construction with high scalability. Compatible with all types of
EPSON POS printers and displays, this proprietary control system also offers the flexibility to easily make future upgrades. Its
popularity is worldwide.
ESC/POS is designed to reduce the processing load on the host computer in POS environments. It comprises a set of highly
functional and efficient commands that enables the full realization of the potential of printers.
A command set designed for universal applicability
The commands that are supported by all EPSON POS printers and those that are specific to individual models are clearly
described. This means that ESC/POS compatible software will work with any system and be suitable for a wide range of
applications.
Superb expandability allowing the addition of new functions
New functions can be added and accommodated by the categories already provided in the command system.
Allows more effective use of software
Once a software application has been created for one printer in the TM series, it can be used as the basis for versions for the
other printers in the series. Only a small portion of the program source code needs to be modified.
Paper roll ESC/POS proprietary command system Ver. 10.01 p. 7