ConfidentialImageFlex Software User Manual
ImageFlex Software
User Manual
Printing Technology Services, Inc.
1710 N. Hercules Ave., Suite 107
Clearwater, Florida33765
727-446-3014
COPYRIGHT
This document was written by Printing Technology Services, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Printing Technology Services, Inc. This includes text, figures, and tables.
DISCLAIMER
All information contained in this specification is based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. Printing Technology Services, Inc. reserves the right to make changes or improvements at any time without notice.
Revision History
Revision 0, dated 5 August 2010
Original creation by Curtis Miller.
Revision A, dated 10 April 2011
By Curtis Miller. Updated the installation procedures.
Table of Contents
DescriptionPage
Revision History......
Table of Contents......
1Introduction
1.1Operating Modes......
1.1.1Live Mode......
1.1.2Production Line Mode......
1.2Key Definitions......
1.2.1Fixed and Variable Data......
1.2.2Offline Printing......
1.2.3Page......
1.2.4Print Job......
1.2.5Print Object......
1.2.6Pen......
1.2.7Print Head......
1.2.8Printer......
2Installing the Software......
2.1Install ImageFlex......
2.2Install Printer Software......
3User Interface......
3.1Operating the Mouse......
3.2Windows Elements......
3.2.1Title Bar......
3.2.2Menu Bar......
3.2.3Toolbar......
3.2.4Status Bar......
3.2.5Dialog Boxes......
3.3Tabs......
3.3.1Compose Tab......
3.3.2Database Tab......
3.3.3Print Tab......
3.4Canvas......
3.5Rulers......
3.6Exiting the Application......
4Designing and Previewing Print Jobs......
4.1Define Page Size......
4.2Manage Print Jobs......
4.2.1Create Print Job From Blank Canvas......
4.2.2Create Print Job From Existing Print Job......
4.2.3Open Print Job......
4.2.4Edit Print Job......
4.3Manage Print Objects......
4.3.1Add Text Object......
4.3.2Add Barcode Object......
4.3.3Add Graphic Object......
4.3.4Add Purge Bar Object......
4.3.5Edit Print Object......
4.3.6Select Print Object......
4.3.7Move Print Object......
4.3.8Resize Print Object......
4.3.9Delete Print Object......
4.3.10Duplicate Print Object......
4.3.11Highlight Next/Previous Print Object......
4.4Zoom In/Out......
4.5Preview Pages......
5Printing......
5.1Start Printing......
5.2Abort and Restart Printing......
5.3Download Offline Print Job......
5.4Cancel Offline Print Job......
6Advanced Features and Concepts......
6.1Printer Setup......
6.2Control the Canvas Display......
6.2.1Display Options......
6.2.2Canvas Grid......
6.3Advanced Print Data Types......
6.3.1Counter......
6.3.2Date/Time......
6.3.3Shift Code......
6.3.4User Entry Field......
6.3.5Delete Advanced Print Data Type......
6.3.6Edit Advanced Print Data Type......
6.4Databases......
6.4.1Add Database to Print Job......
6.4.2Filter Database......
6.4.3Sort Database......
6.4.4Search Database......
6.4.5Add Database Fields to Print Object......
6.4.6Post-process Database Fields in Print Object......
6.4.7Database Record Sequence Numbers......
6.5Advanced Barcode Settings......
6.6Optimize Print Resolution......
6.7Position Print Data......
6.8Ink Tools......
6.8.1Monitor Ink Levels......
6.8.2Calculate Ink Cost for Job......
6.9Print Head Maintenance Tools......
6.9.1Ink Profiles......
6.9.2Random Jetting......
6.9.3Purge Bars......
6.10Control External Devices......
6.10.1Global Aux Output Events......
6.10.2Database Aux Output Events......
6.11Read and Print (RS-232 Input)......
6.12RS-232 Output Events......
6.13Rollover Hour......
6.14Stitch Multiple Print Heads Together......
6.15Translate User Interface to Another Language......
6.16Directory Structure......
ImageFlex.Software.User.Manual.RevA.docPage 1
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ConfidentialImageFlex Software User Manual
1Introduction
ImageFlex is a Windows software application that is used to lay out print jobs and send print data to the JetFlex print heads. ImageFlex supports the JetFlex 2600 HP-based print heads as well as the JetFlex 2800 Lexmark-based print heads.
Text, barcode, and graphic print objects are laid out on a graphical canvas that represents the page to be printed. Print objects may include variable fields in the form of database fields, counters, date/time fields, and shift codes. User entry fields are also supported.
1.1Operating Modes
ImageFlex may be operated in one of two modes depending on your desired work flow: Live Mode or Production Line Mode. The choice of operating mode is made when the application is installed. The major differences between the modes are outlined in the following table:
This user guide describes Live Mode only. Production Line Mode is described in another document.
1.1.1Live Mode
Live Mode is the most flexible operating mode since it may be used to print any ImageFlex data type. It is the only mode that supports printing variable barcodes and multiple database records. Ticket, tag and label printing is a typical application for Live Mode. ImageFlex may be connected to a single printer that includes up to eight print heads.
Live Mode is so called because the host computer must be connected “live” to the printers via USB while printing (except when offline printing). When the Print button is pressed, pages are ripped individually on the host computer, sent to the printer, and printed as each trigger is sensed.
1.1.2Production Line Mode
Production Line Mode is designed for environments where ImageFlex connects to multiple individual print heads via RS-232 at the same time, such as a facility with several packaging production lines. In ImageFlex, these print stations may be organized within logical production lines.
A print job is downloaded to one or more print heads and stored there until a new job is downloaded. When a trigger is sensed, the next page is ripped locally on the print head and then printed.
Print jobs may include fixed text, barcodes, and graphics as well as counters, date/time fields, shift codes, and user entry fields. Printing variable barcodes is not supported in the Production Line Mode.
ImageFlex actively monitors and displays the status of all print heads on one screen. Single-click a print head in the list to view the active print job, print count, detailed status, and ink levels. Double-click a print head to update user entry fields, update print delay, or reset counters.
1.2Key Definitions
1.2.1Fixed and Variable Data
Fixed data are print objects that do not change from page to page. An example is a graphic that appears on every page.
Variable data are print objects that may change from page to page. Examples include database fields, counters, and date/time fields.
1.2.2Offline Printing
Offline printing means printing while the print head(s) is not connected to the host computer. The host computer downloads a print job to the print head(s) while connected via USB. The USB cable may be disconnected once the print job is downloaded. Printing is initiated automatically each time a trigger is sensed.
The print job may include all print object types and advanced print data types except for multiple database records and variable barcodes. Offline printing is available in Live Mode only.
1.2.3Page
A page is a generic term for a single print. It may represent a document, form, envelope, package, label, etc., depending on your application.
1.2.4Print Job
A print job is a collection of print objects that represent the content of a printed page. An unlimited number of print jobs may be designed and saved on the host computer, then downloaded to the printer later to initiate printing. When a print job is saved, the job information is stored in a job file (i.e. jobname.cjf).
1.2.5Print Object
Print objects are positioned on the canvas to represent features that appear on each printed page. Print object types include text fields, barcodes, and graphic images. Each instance of a print object may include fixed and/or variable data, and may include advanced print data types such as database fields, counters, date/time fields, shift codes, and user entry fields.
Purge bars are a special print object type. See the Purge Bars section for more information.
1.2.6Pen
A pen is an individual printing unit within a print head. For the JetFlex 2600 (HP) and JetFlex 2800 (HP) print heads, a pen is a cartridge.
1.2.7Print Head
A print head is a module consisting of a print controller and one or more pens, housed in an enclosure.
1.2.8Printer
A printer is a logical grouping of print heads, typically connected to the same encoder and photo sensor on a single transport. ImageFlex can drive one or more printers depending on the operating mode.
2Installing the Software
The software consists of the ImageFlex application and the Printer Software. The Printer Software consists of the following components:
USB Drivers – Windows drivers that allow the print heads to operate as USB devices.
Setup Wizard – An easy-to-use tool for configuring print heads and updating the printer firmware.
Calibration Wizard – An easy-to-use tool for calibrating print head “stitching”.
Control Panel – An advanced tool for configuring print heads and updating printer firmware. The Control Panel is a more complex tool than the Setup Wizard, but also allows for highly accurate stitching of the printing between pens and print heads.
Application Programming Interface (API) files – The .dll and .lib files used by 3rd party applications to communicate directly to the printer.
Printer Firmware files – The latest version of the printer firmware files are stored on the host computer so they may be downloaded to the printer.
The latest software may be accessed from the PTS web site located at:
Download the software named “PTS ImageFlexSoftware.zip” and “PTS Printer Software JF2600.2800.zip”.
2.1Install ImageFlex
- After the ImageFlex software is downloaded from the PTS web site, unzip the file to a local hard drive. Use the password ‘ptsuser’ to unzip the file. You can download WinZip from the following web site:
- When the file is unzipped, there will be an .msi file named ‘PTS_ImageFlex_v5.5.msi’(or newer version number). Double-click on the .msi file and follow the installation instructions.
- If you plan to accept database input from dBASE files, we recommend that you install the Visual FoxPro ODBC driver. Click on the following link and follow the download instructions:
- When the installation is complete, start the ImageFlexsoftware: from the Windows Start Menu, select All Programs, then select PTS, then select ImageFlex.
Note: If you receive the following error when starting ImageFlex:
ImageFlex.exe - Application error : The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0150002):
then click on the following link, click the Download button, and run the program that is downloaded:
2.2Install Printer Software
- After the ImageFlex software is downloaded from the PTS web site, unzip the file to a local hard drive. Use the password ‘ptsuser’ to unzip the file. You can download WinZip from the following web site:
- When the file is unzipped, there will be an .msi file named ‘PTS_PrinterSoftware_v7.5.msi’ (or newer version number). Double-click on the .msi file and follow the installation instructions.
- Update the embedded firmware on the print heads using the Setup Wizard. Find the instructions in the Getting Started Guide. You may access the Setup Wizard and the Getting Started Guide from the Windows Start Menu. Select All Programs, and then select PTS.
3User Interface
3.1Operating the Mouse
The following definitions are use throughout this user guide:
Click – Press the left mouse button.
Double click– Press the left mouse button twice in succession.
Click and drag – Press the left mouse button, hold it down, and then drag the selected object.
Right click – Press the right mouse button.
3.2Windows Elements
3.2.1Title Bar
The blue Title Bar is located at the top of the ImageFlex window. The active job name is displayed along with the ImageFlex program title. If no job is loaded, the active job name is “Untitled”.
3.2.2Menu Bar
The Menu Bar is located near the top of the ImageFlex window, directly under the Title. Bar. The Menu Bar has a Microsoft Windows “look and feel”. Click on a Menu Bar item to display a drop down menu with access additional functions.
3.2.3Toolbar
The Toolbar is located near the top of the ImageFlex window, directly under the Menu Bar. The Toolbar has a Microsoft Windows “look and feel”. Position the cursor over a Toolbar button to see the button function. The button name appears under the button and a short description appears in the Status Bar at the bottom of the window. Click on a Toolbar button to execute a function. All Toolbar functions are also available within the Menu Bar.
3.2.4Status Bar
The Status Bar is located at the bottom of the ImageFlex window. Current program status is displayed here. When the cursor is positioned over a Toolbar button, a description of the button function is displayed here.
3.2.5Dialog Boxes
A dialog box is a Windows menu that requires interaction. Most dialog boxes pop up in the center of the screen and require you to click the OK or Cancel button before continuing.
3.3Tabs
3.3.1Compose Tab
Use this tab to define a new print job or to view/edit the active print job:
When this tab is selected, the canvas displays the print objects for the active print job over an outline of the page.
Compose tab modes include Select, Zoom, Text, Barcode, Graphic, and Purge. Choose a mode by clicking the corresponding button on the Compose tab. These modes control the mouse operation within the canvas. The cursor changes context for each mode when positioned on the canvas, as follows:
Select– Select a print object. The selected object may be edited, moved, resized, duplicated or deleted.
Zoom– Zoom into an area of the canvas by left clicking, zoom out by right clicking.
Text – Add a text print object to the canvas.
Barcode– Add a barcode print object to the canvas.
Graphic– Add a graphic print object to the canvas.
Purge– Add a purge bar print object to the canvas.
3.3.2Database Tab
Use this tab to add a database to a print job and to define the properties of the database:
Most fields on the tab are grayed out until a database is open. When the Database tab is selected and a database is open, the canvas displays the database record set. Each row represents a unique record. Each column represents a field in the record set. Record numbers are displayed in the leftmost column. The field name appears at the head of the column. See the Databases section.
3.3.3Print Tab
Use this tab to manage the printing process:
If the current job contains a database, the canvas displays the database record set, otherwise it is blank. Define the print resolution, ink profile, and print range, and then click the Print button. The printing process may also be aborted and restarted from this tab.
3.4Canvas
The canvas occupies the main portion of the ImageFlex window. When the Compose tab is selected, the canvas displays the print objects in the active print job:
The background represents an outline of the page with clearly identified printable regions for each print head. The white regions in the page background represent the printable regions while the gray regions are non-printable. Horizontal lines within the printable regions define the boundary between pens.
If the print job includes a database and the Database tab or Print tab is selected, the canvas displays the database record set.
3.5Rulers
Horizontal and vertical rulers are positioned along the top and left edges of the canvas. The ruler units are displayed in English or Metric depending on the Options dialog box setting.
3.6Exiting the Application
On the Menu Bar, select File, then select Exit. You will be prompted to save the active job if it was edited and not yet saved.
4Designing and Previewing Print Jobs
4.1Define Page Size
The Page Size defines the size of the active area displayed on the canvas when laying out a print job. It should be set to the actual size of the page you are printing. The Page Size may change from print job to print job. It is saved when the print job is saved. Follow these steps to change page size:
- On the Menu Bar, select File, then select Printer Setup. The Printer Setup dialog box appears.
- Choose from the list of standard page sizes or define a custom page width and height:
These values are defined in inches or millimeters depending on the Display Units setting in the Options dialog box. Type a new value or click the up/down arrow to change the value by 0.1” or 2.54 mm. The minimum page size is 0.25” in width by 0.5” in height.
The page size is saved with the print job. When a saved print job is reopened, the page size settings from the saved job become the active settings.
4.2Manage Print Jobs
4.2.1Create Print Job From Blank Canvas
Follow these steps:
- On the Menu Bar, select File, then select New. This clears the active print job from the canvas. If the active print job was edited and not yet saved, you will be prompted to save it or cancel the editing.
- Select a page size for the pages to be printed with this print job. See the Define Page Size section.
- If the print job will include variable data from a database, open the database now. See the Databases section.
- Add print objects to the canvas and position them as desired. See the Manage Print Objects section.
- Save the print job when the layout is complete. On the Menu Bar, select File, then select Save or Save As. Use the file browser to select a directory, enter a file name (i.e. job name), and click the Save button. The browser points to the default jobs directory but you may save the job in any directory.
4.2.2Create Print Job From Existing Print Job