Printer having coded tag generator

Abstract

A printer is provided having a tag generator configured to generate tags each encoding first data on an identity of an interface onto which the tags are to be printed and a position of that tag on the interface and second data on a perspective of that tag relative to the interface, and a printhead configured to print the interface with the tags and graphic information.

1 . A printer comprising:
 a tag generator configured to generate tags each encoding first data on an identity of an interface onto which the tags are to be printed and a position of that tag on the interface and second data on a perspective of that tag relative to the interface; and   a printhead configured to print the interface with the tags and graphic information.   
     
     
         2 . A printer according to  claim 1 , wherein the graphic information is indicative of one or more options including:
 printer status;   printer consumables status;   an upper level of a hierarchical help menu;   an upper level of a network document directory; and   a document function menu.   
     
     
         3 . A printer according to  claim 1 , wherein the positions of the tags are predetermined in a layout received from a computer system. 
     
     
         4 . A printer according to  claim 3 , comprising a memory for storing a plurality of layouts, the tag generator being configured to:
 receive, from the computer system, selection information for selecting one of the plurality of stored layouts; and   generate the tags based on the selection information.   
     
     
         5 . A printer according to  claim 4 , wherein one of the layouts is a tessellated pattern comprising a plurality of tiles each containing a plurality of the tags. 
     
     
         6 . A printer according to  claim 5 , wherein the tiles interlock with each other to substantially cover the interface. 
     
     
         7 . A printer according to  claim 6 , wherein the tiles are all of a similar shape. 
     
     
         8 . A printer according to  claim 7 , wherein the tiles are triangular, square, rectangular or hexagonal. 
     
     
         9 . A printer according to  claim 5 , wherein the tags are disposed stochastically within each of the tiles.