System and method for reprogramming individual items in a barcode printer's flash memory

摘要

The system and method of the present invention allows the reprogramming of a flash memory in a barcode printer under the control of a host computer to permit reprogramming of selected, individual items in the flash memory without the need to reprogram items that can be changed but are to remain unchanged. The host computer operating in accordance with a control program communicates to the barcode printer a number of commands executable by the printer for reprogramming selected items including an application file, a font file and/or a print format file stored in the printer's flash memory. The commands include an erase command for erasing selected sectors in the flash memory of the barcode printer and a program command for reprogramming individual items in the flash memory. The barcode printer is responsive to each command as it is received for executing the command to reprogram individual items in the flash memory. After executing or attempting to execute a command, the barcode printer communicates to the host computer an acknowledgement of the command indicating a successful completion thereof or a status message if an error has occurred.