Chapter 3 Application Development Information; Introducing The Control Methods; Windows Driver (Epson Advanced Printer Driver) - Epson TM-T88IV Technical Reference Manual

Chapter 3
Application Development Information
This chapter describes how to control the printer and gives information useful for printer
application development.

3.1 Introducing the Control Methods

The TM printer can be controlled and can print using any of the following 3 methods.
1. Windows printer driver (EPSON Advanced Printer Driver or APD)
2. EPSON OPOS ADK
3. ESC/POS commands
Depending on the driver and interface used, the IP setup tool for the Ethernet model, USB
device driver, logo printing registration utility (TMFlash logo utility), etc. are available. Get the
latest information from one of the following URLs:
For customers from North America, go to the following web site:
http://pos.epson.com/
For customers from other countries, go to the following web site:
http://www.epson-pos.com/
Select the product name from the "Select any product" pull-down menu.

3.1.1 Windows Driver (EPSON Advanced Printer Driver)

The EPSON Advanced Printer Driver provides the TM printer with satisfactory control as a
Windows driver.
3.1.1.1 EPSON Advanced Printer Driver overview
EPSON Advanced Printer Driver has the following features:
❏ Supplies a Windows printer driver for the TM printer to enable printing from a general
Windows application.
❏ Can execute POS printer-specific functions, such as cutting paper and opening a drawer.
❏ Can print printer-resident fonts by selecting the font type.
❏ Can get the printer status using programming languages, such as Visual Basic (VB), via
status API. This uses the printer's bidirectional communication capability in the Windows
standard printer driver operating environment.
Note:
The status API is a printer control API originally supplied by EPSON. This can be used to get the printer
status and send ESC/POS commands.
Rev. A
TM-T88IV Technical Reference Guide
Application Development Information 3-1