Glossary - Star Micronics TUP900 Integration Manual

Glossary

Auto Cutter – A mechanical device that automatically cuts the document after it's
printed as opposed to a manual tear bar, where the user is required to separate
the document from the roll. Auto cutters ensure a clean edge on each document
which in turn limits the possibility of paper jams.
Black Mark Sensor – A black mark sensor or top of form sensor allows the
printer to precisely align itself either at the top of a document, the top of a label,
or to a specific field of a pre-printed ticket or document. The most common use
would be with labels, using a black mark sensor to align the printer precisely with
each label with great consistency. Black mark sensing relies on a "black mark"
on the reverse side of the document that is positioned according to the printer's
specifications. The printer will then use an optical sensor to locate this mark and
align itself accordingly.
Device Drivers – Drivers allow for communication between programs on a
computer and a printer. Several different types of drivers are available. The
proper driver for a given application will vary depending on the application on
which the application is run. Some popular platforms for device drivers are:
Document Capture – Kiosk printers are charged with the task of presenting
printed documents to the user. Unfortunately, not every user will remove his/her
receipt from the kiosk. Receipts that are left in the chute can result in paper
jams, abandoned documents lying about on the floor, or the inadvertent sharing
of sensitive information. Document capture eliminates this concern by retracting
untaken documents back into the kiosk housing. Typically, a bin will be located
beneath the printer inside the kiosk. Captured documents will then be dropped
in this bin by the printer for later removal.
Interface – An interface is the physical connection through which data is sent to
and from a printer. The following are the most common forms of communication
interfaces.
Parallel – Parallel communication generally refers to the IEEE 1284
specification. Specifically, parallel communication refers to the
simultaneous transmission of data over multiple wires. Parallel
communication offers high speed, bi-directional communication
between the printer and the host with standardized cabling.
Serial – Serial communication typically refers to the RS-232C
specification. By definition serial communication relies on the
sequential transmission of data over a single wire. Serial
communication offers simple cables with extended cable lengths, but is
limited in the speed of data transmission.
USB – USB or Universal Serial Bus refers to an external device standard
specifically intended for peripheral devices. While USB relies on serial
communication, the USB standard offers accelerated communication
speeds of up to 12 Mbps. USB also allows for the use of up to 127
devices from a single port. Some devices can even derive their power
source directly from the USB port eliminating the need for an external
power supply for the device.
Maintenance Counters – Maintenance counters allow a printer to report basic
information to the user about the printer's status. For example, the number of
documents that have been issued, the number of times the auto cutter has cut,
and the number of times paper has been fed are few of the many ways the
maintenance counter can be used. Maintenance counters allow for the easy
monitoring and scheduling of preventative maintenance.
Manuals – There are several different manuals available for most printers.
Installation manuals detail the basic specifications and instructions for getting
the printer up and running. Specification and operation manuals offer further
detail in specifications and add concepts necessary to implement the features of
a printer. Programmer's manuals detail control codes or commands used in
operation of a printer. Technical manuals provide a detailed break-down of the
assembly of the printer part by part and are meant to offer assistance in the
maintenance and repair of printers.
Mechanism – When speaking of printers, mechanism refers to the portion of the
printer that actually creates the image on the document. A mechanism also
generally includes the feeding of paper from the paper roll through the
mechanism and delivering a printed document.
Modular – Modular printers are available in two or more independently
functional portions. Typically, this includes a "paper roll holder", a "mechanism",
and a "presenter". Due to its modular design these components can be
configured differently depending on the application. Modular design lends itself
well to custom applications while eliminating the need for extraneous
engineering and design.