US5469533A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Resource-oriented printer system and method of operation
Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC
•
Filing: 1992-07-10
•
Granted: 1995-11-21
•
Expires: 2012-07-10
Abstract
Abstract A host computer and printer and method of operation in which the data file describing a document is examined by a resource assembler which determines which resources are required from the host computer to print the document. The resource assembler translates the document into a set of render primitives for each band or page of the document and creates a dependency list interrelating the required resources with each band or page. The resource assembler places the required resources and set of primitives into a host resource store and communicates the dependencies to other portions of the system. A resource loader uses the list to determine the most efficient manner for loading and releasing resources from a printer resource store. A resource scheduler controls the actual timing of resource and primitives transfer and determines when all required resources for a band or page are present within the printer resource store. The resource scheduler generates an execute signal which causes a resource executor to convert the primitives to a bit-map data file. The resource assembler may convert the primitives to a bit-map data file if the resource executor cannot convert the primitives in real-time while the print engine is printing the band or page. The resource assembler also converts the primitives if it is more efficient than the resource executor for converting a particular band or page. If bidirectional communication is available between the printer and host computer, the printer manages its own memory and determines the most efficient printing sequence. Enhanced error recovery is also possible with bidirectional communication.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen V. Dennis
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 00:41
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/12; G06F3/1296; G06F3/1201; G06F3/1202; G06F3/1211; G06F3/1223; G06F3/1237; G06F3/1244; G06F3/1247; G06F3/1278; G06F3/1284; G06K; G06K15/00; G06K15/02; G06K15/18; G06K15/1801; G06K15/1822; G06K15/1823; G06K15/1848; G06K15/1856; G06K15/1859; G06K15/1861; G06K15/1865; G06F11/00; G06F11/30; G06F11/34; G06F11/3409; G06F11/3419
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 200
Claim 1
Independent Claim
325 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a host resource store within the host computer storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler within the host computer examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; a printer resource store within the printer for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives received from the host computer; a resource loader within the host computer using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said printer resource store and released from said printer resource store; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said printer resource store; and a resource executor within the printer creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
325 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a host resource store within the host computer storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler within the host computer examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; a printer resource store within the printer for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives received from the host computer; a resource loader within the host computer using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said printer resource store and released from said printer resource store; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said printer resource store; and a resource executor within the printer creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
43 words
The system of claim I wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the mount of space available in said printer resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said printer resource store.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said printer resource store.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said resource assembler determines if said resource executor can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if said resource executor cannot, said resource assembler converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 1, further including decision means within said resource assembler for determining whether said resource executor or said resource assembler will convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said decision means bases the determination on the length of time required for said resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for said resource assembler to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said resource assembler translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, and determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, said defined interdependency defining the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said printer resource store.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said set of primitives is transferred from the host computer to the printer in an uncompressed binary data format.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
72 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said resource scheduler generates an execute signal when all of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives for said particular portion of the document are present within said printer resource store and said resource executor, upon receiving said execute signal, creates a bit-map data file corresponding to said set of primitives and transfers said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said defined interdependency is defined by a dependency list.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 12 wherein said resource assembler maintains said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, said resource assembler using said dependency list in the event of a printer error.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said resource assembler stores said set of primitives in said host resource store.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said particular portion is chosen to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said resource scheduler, in response to said releasing sequence, deletes said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said printer resource store.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
185 words
A computer-printer system employing a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document, and translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within the document; a resource store for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of said required resources and said set of primitives to said resource store; and a resource executor within the printer creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
185 words
A computer-printer system employing a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document, and translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within the document; a resource store for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of said required resources and said set of primitives to said resource store; and a resource executor within the printer creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
304 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a first resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said first resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; a second resource store for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives received from the host computer; a resource loader using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said second resource store and released from said second resource store; a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and a resource executor creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
304 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a first resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said first resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; a second resource store for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives received from the host computer; a resource loader using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said second resource store and released from said second resource store; a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and a resource executor creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the mount of space available in said second resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said second resource store.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said second resource store.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource assembler determines if said resource executor can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if said resource executor cannot, said resource assembler converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 18, further including decision means within said resource assembler for determining whether said resource executor or said resource assembler will convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 23 wherein said decision means bases the determination on the length of time required for said resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for said resource assembler to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource assembler translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, and determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, said defined interdependency defining the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 25 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said second resource store.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said set of primitives is transferred from the host computer to the printer in an uncompressed binary data format.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
72 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource scheduler generates an execute signal when all of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives for said particular portion of the document are present within said second resource store and said resource executor, upon receiving said execute signal, creates a bit-map data file corresponding to said set of primitives and transfers said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 18, further including means for operating in a first mode compatible with prior art computer-printer systems, or a second mode compatible with the present invention.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said defined interdependency is defined by a dependency list, said resource assembler maintaining said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, said resource assembler using said dependency list in the event of a printer error.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource assembler stores said set of primitives in said first resource store.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said particular portion is chosen to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 18 wherein said resource scheduler, in response to said releasing sequence, deletes said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said second resource store.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
190 words
A system employing a host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, and a print engine to control the page printing, the system comprising: a resource assembler examining the data file and translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, and determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; a resource loader to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to the printer and released from the printer; and a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to the printer.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
190 words
A system employing a host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, and a print engine to control the page printing, the system comprising: a resource assembler examining the data file and translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, and determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; a resource loader to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to the printer and released from the printer; and a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to the printer.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 34, further including a resource store capable of storing a limited number of resources receiving said subset of required resources and said set of primitives.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 35 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the amount of space available in said resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 35 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said resource store.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
32 words
The system of claim 35 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said resource store.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
53 words
The system of claim 34 wherein said resource assembler determines if the resource executor can convert said set of primitives to the bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if the resource executor cannot, then said resource assembler converting said set of primitives into the bit-map data file.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 34, further including decision means within said resource assembler for determining whether the resource executor or said resource assembler will convert the set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 40 wherein said decision means bases the determination on the length of time required for the resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for said resource assembler to convert said set of primitives to the bit-map data file.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
86 words
The system of claim 34 wherein said resource assembler translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, and determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, and generating a defined interdependency defining the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
47 words
The system of claim 42 wherein said resource loader uses said defined interdependency to determine said loading and releasing sequence in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said second resource store.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
297 words
A printer system, employing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, a resource assembler examining the data file and translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of the resources which are required for printing the particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, the host computer also having a resource loader using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources will be sent to the printer and released from the printer, the system comprising: a printer resource store for storing the subset of required resources received from the host computer; a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer and using the defined interdependency to determine when the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store, said resource scheduler generating an execute signal when all of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store; and a resource executor receiving the subset of required resources and the set of primitives from said printer resource store and, upon receiving said execute signal, creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
297 words
A printer system, employing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, a resource assembler examining the data file and translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of the resources which are required for printing the particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, the host computer also having a resource loader using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources will be sent to the printer and released from the printer, the system comprising: a printer resource store for storing the subset of required resources received from the host computer; a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer and using the defined interdependency to determine when the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store, said resource scheduler generating an execute signal when all of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store; and a resource executor receiving the subset of required resources and the set of primitives from said printer resource store and, upon receiving said execute signal, creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
331 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a host resource store within the host computer storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler within the host computer examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources, and transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; a printer resource store within the printer for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives received from the host computer; a resource loader within the printer using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said printer resource store and released from said printer resource store; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said printer resource store; and a resource executor within the printer creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
331 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a host resource store within the host computer storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler within the host computer examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources, and transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; a printer resource store within the printer for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives received from the host computer; a resource loader within the printer using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said printer resource store and released from said printer resource store; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said printer resource store; and a resource executor within the printer creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource scheduler determines the status of said printer resource store indicating which, if any, resources are already present in said printer resource store, said resource loader also using said status information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 46 wherein said resource scheduler transmits said status information to said resource assembler, said resource assembler using said status information to determine which additional resources are required for printing the document.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource scheduler determines sequence information in which a plurality of particular portions of the document are to be printed by the printer, said resource loader also using said sequence information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 48 wherein said resource scheduler transmits said sequence information to said resource assembler, said resource assembler using said sequence information to determine the order in which particular portions of the document will be processed by said resource assembler.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the amount of space available in said printer resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said printer resource store.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said printer resource store.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource assembler determines if said resource executor can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if said resource executor cannot, said resource assembler converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 45, further including decision means within said resource assembler for determining whether said resource executor or said resource assembler will convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 54 wherein said decision means bases the determination on the length of time required for said resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for said resource assembler to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource assembler translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, and determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, said defined interdependency defining the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 56 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said printer resource store.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said set of primitives is transferred from the host computer to the printer in an uncompressed binary data format.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
72 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource scheduler generates an execute signal when all of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives for said particular portion of the document are present within said printer resource store and said resource executor, upon receiving said execute signal, creates a bit-map data file corresponding to said set of primitives and transfers said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 45, further including means for operating in a first mode compatible with prior art computer-printer systems, or a second mode compatible with the present invention.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 60 wherein said defined interdependency is defined by a dependency list, said resource assembler maintaining said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, said resource assembler using said dependency list in the event Of a printer error.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource assembler stores said set of primitives in said host resource store.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said particular portion is chosen to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource scheduler, in response to said releasing sequence, deletes said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said printer resource store.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 45 wherein said resource loader may be alternately located within the host computer or the printer.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 65, further including means within the host computer for determining the location of said resource loader.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 64 wherein said means for determining location includes analysis of communications channel capability between the host computer and the printer.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 45, further including error sensors within the printer generating an error signal if an error occurs while printing said particular portion, the host computer including means for error recovery if the printer generates said error signal.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 68 wherein said resource scheduler uses said defined interdepency to request said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said host resource store for said particular portion of the document in which said error signal was generated.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
306 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a first resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said first resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources, and transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; a second resource store for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives; a resource loader using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said second resource store and released from said second resource store; a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and a resource executor creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
306 words
A computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the system comprising: a first resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said first resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources, and transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; a second resource store for storing said subset of required resources and said set of primitives; a resource loader using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to said second resource store and released from said second resource store; a resource scheduler controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and a resource executor creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource scheduler determines the status of said second resource store indicating which, if any, resources are already present in said second resource store, said resource loader also using said status information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 71 wherein said resource scheduler transmits said status information to said resource assembler, said resource assembler using said status information to determine which additional resources are required for printing the document.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 72 wherein said resource scheduler determines sequence information in which a plurality of particular portions of the document are to be printed by the printer, said resource loader also using said sequence information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 73 wherein said resource scheduler transmits said sequence information to said resource assembler, said resource assembler using said sequence information to determine the order in which particular portions of the document will be processed by said resource assembler.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the amount of space available in said second resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said second resource store.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said second resource store.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource assembler determines if said resource executor can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if said resource executor cannot, said resource assembler converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 70, further including decision means within said resource assembler for determining whether said resource executor or said resource assembler will convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 79 wherein said decision means bases the determination on the length of time required for said resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for said resource assembler to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource assembler translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, and determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, said defined interdependency defining the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
42 words
The system of claim 81 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said second resource store.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said set of primitives is transferred from the host computer to the printer in an uncompressed binary data format.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
72 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource scheduler generates an execute signal when all of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives for said particular portion of the document are present within said second resource store and said resource executor, upon receiving said execute signal, creates a bit-map data file corresponding to said set of primitives and transfers said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said defined interdependency is defined by a dependency list.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 85 wherein said resource assembler maintains said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, said resource assembler using said dependency list in the event of a printer error.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource assembler stores said set of primitives in said first resource store.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said particular portion is chosen to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource scheduler, in response to said releasing sequence, deletes said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said second resource store.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 70 wherein said resource loader may be alternately located within the host computer or the printer.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 90, further including means within the host computer for determining the location of said resource loader.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 91 wherein said means for determining location includes analysis of communications channel capability between the host computer and the printer.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 70, further including error sensors within the printer generating an error signal if an error occurs while printing said particular portion, the host computer including means for error recovery if the printer generates said error signal.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 93 wherein said resource scheduler uses said defined interdependency to request said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said first resource store for said particular portion of the document in which said error signal was generated.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
256 words
A host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer having a resource loader to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which data will be sent to the printer and released from the printer, a resource scheduler controlling transfer of data to the printer, a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, a print engine to control the page printing and error sensors generating an error signal if an error occurs while printing, the system comprising: a first resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; and a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said first resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources, and transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
256 words
A host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer having a resource loader to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which data will be sent to the printer and released from the printer, a resource scheduler controlling transfer of data to the printer, a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, a print engine to control the page printing and error sensors generating an error signal if an error occurs while printing, the system comprising: a first resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document; and a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form said selected set of resources required for printing the document, loading said selected set of resources in said first resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources, and transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
64 words
The system of claim 95 wherein the resource scheduler determines a sequence information in which a plurality of particular portions of the document are to be printed by the printer and transmits said sequence information to said resource assembler, said resource assembler using said sequence information to determine the order in which particular portions of the document will be processed by said resource assembler.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 95, further including a second resource store capable of storing a limited number of resources receiving said subset of required resources and said set of primitives.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
52 words
The system of claim 95 wherein said resource assembler determines if the resource executor can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if the resource executor cannot, said resource assembler converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 95, further including decision means within said resource assembler for determining whether the resource executor or said resource assembler will convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
54 words
The system of claim 99 wherein said decision means bases the determination on the length of time required for the resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for said resource assembler to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
84 words
The system of claim 95 wherein said resource assembler translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within said plurality of particular portions of the document, and determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, said defined interdependency defining the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 95 wherein the resource loader may be alternately located within the host computer or the printer.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 102, further including means within the host computer for determining the location of the resource loader.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 103 wherein said means for determining location includes analysis of communications channel capability between the host computer and the printer.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 95, further including means within the host computer for error recovery if the printer generates an error signal.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 105 wherein the resource scheduler uses said defined interdependency to request said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said host resource store for said particular portion of the document in which an error signal was generated.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
321 words
A printer system, containing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed on the page, a host resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document, a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form the selected set of resources required for printing the document, the resource assembler loading the selected set of resources in the host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from the host resource store for printing the particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, and transmitting the defined interdependency to the printer, the system comprising: a printer resource store for storing the subset of required resources received from the host computer; a resource loader using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources and the set of primitives will be sent to said printer resource store and released from said printer resource store; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives to said printer resource store; and a resource executor receiving the subset of required resources and the set of primitives from said printer resource store and creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
321 words
A printer system, containing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed on the page, a host resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document, a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form the selected set of resources required for printing the document, the resource assembler loading the selected set of resources in the host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from the host resource store for printing the particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, and transmitting the defined interdependency to the printer, the system comprising: a printer resource store for storing the subset of required resources received from the host computer; a resource loader using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources and the set of primitives will be sent to said printer resource store and released from said printer resource store; a resource scheduler within the printer controlling transfer of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives to said printer resource store; and a resource executor receiving the subset of required resources and the set of primitives from said printer resource store and creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 117
Dependent Claim
45 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource scheduler determines the status of said printer resource store indicating which, if any, resources are already present in said printer resource store, said resource loader also using said status information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 118
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource scheduler determines sequence information in which a plurality of particular portions of the document are to be printed by the printer, said resource loader also using said sequence information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 109 wherein said resource scheduler transmits said sequence information to the resource assembler, the resource assembler using said sequence information to determine the order in which particular portions of the document will be processed.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the amount of space available in said printer resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said printer resource store.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource loader determines said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said printer resource store.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
72 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource scheduler generates an execute signal when all of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives for the particular portion of the document are present within said printer resource store and said resource executor, upon receiving said execute signal, creates a bit-map data file corresponding to the set of primitives and transfers said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 107 wherein the particular portion is chosen to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource scheduler, in response to said releasing sequence, deletes said subset of required resources said set of primitives from said printer resource store.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 107 wherein said resource loader may be alternately located within the host computer or the printer.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 117, further including means within the host computer for determining the location of said resource loader.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system of claim 118 wherein said means for determining location includes analysis of communications channel capability between the host computer and the printer.
Claim 129
Independent Claim
262 words
A method of using a computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to a second resource store and released from said second resource store; (g) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and (h) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 130
Independent Claim
262 words
A method of using a computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to a second resource store and released from said second resource store; (g) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and (h) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence is based on the amount of space available in said second resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 132
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said second resource store.
Claim 133
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said second resource store.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 120, further including the step of determining if step (h) can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if step (h) cannot, step (c) converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 120, further including the step of determining whether step (h) or step (c) will convert said set of primitives into said bit-map data file based on the length of time required for step (h) to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for step (c) to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 120 wherein steps (c)-(e) translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, and defines the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 126 wherein step (f) determines said loading and releasing sequences in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said second resource store.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 120 wherein step (g) transfers said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer to the printer in an uncompressed binary data format.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 120, further including the step of generating an execute signal when all of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives for said particular portion of the document are present within said second resource store and step (h), upon receiving said execute signal, creates a bit-map data file corresponding to said set of primitives and transfers said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 120 wherein step (e) defines said interdependency using a dependency list.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 130 further including the step of maintaining said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, step (c) using said dependency list in the event of a printer error.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 120 wherein step (c) stores said set of primitives in said first resource store.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 120, further including the step of choosing the size of said particular portion to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 120 wherein step (g), in response to said releasing sequence, deletes said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said second resource store.
Claim 145
Independent Claim
242 words
A method of using a computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer by creating a set of draw primitives for a portion of the document and transmitting the set of draw primitives and associated resources required for printing the portion of the document to the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a host resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said printer resource store; and (f) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 146
Independent Claim
242 words
A method of using a computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer by creating a set of draw primitives for a portion of the document and transmitting the set of draw primitives and associated resources required for printing the portion of the document to the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a host resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said host resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said printer resource store; and (f) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 147
Independent Claim
262 words
A method of using a host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer having a resource scheduler to control transfer of data to the printer, a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, and a print engine to control the page printing, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to a second resource store and released from said second resource store; and (g) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives, according to said loading sequence, to said second resource store.
Claim 148
Independent Claim
262 words
A method of using a host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer having a resource scheduler to control transfer of data to the printer, a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, and a print engine to control the page printing, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to a second resource store and released from said second resource store; and (g) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives, according to said loading sequence, to said second resource store.
Claim 149
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 136 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence is based on the amount of space available in said second resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 136 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said second resource store.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 136 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said second resource store.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 136, further including the step of determining if the resource executor can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if the resource executor cannot, step (c) converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 136, further including the step of determining whether the resource executor or step (c) will convert said set of primitives into said bit-map data file based on the length of time required for the resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for step (c) to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 136 wherein steps (c)-(e) translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, and defines the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 142 wherein step (f) determines said loading and releasing sequence in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said second resource store.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 136 wherein step (g) transfers said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer to the printer in an uncompressed binary data format.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 136 wherein step (e) defines said interdependency using a dependency list.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 145, further including the step of maintaining said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, step (c) using said dependency list in the event of a printer error.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 136, further including the step of choosing the size of said particular portion to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 160
Independent Claim
353 words
A method of using a printer system, containing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed on the page, a host resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document, a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form the selected set of resources required for printing the document, the resource assembler loading the selected set of resources in the host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from the host resource store for printing the particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, the host computer also having a resource loader using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources will be sent to the printer and released from the printer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) storing the subset of required resources and the set of primitives received from the host computer in a printer resource store; (b) controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer; (c) using the defined interdependency to determine when the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store; (d) generating an execute signal when all of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store; and (e) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives upon receiving said execute signal, and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 161
Independent Claim
353 words
A method of using a printer system, containing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed on the page, a host resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document, a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form the selected set of resources required for printing the document, the resource assembler loading the selected set of resources in the host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from the host resource store for printing the particular portion of the document, and defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, the host computer also having a resource loader using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources will be sent to the printer and released from the printer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) storing the subset of required resources and the set of primitives received from the host computer in a printer resource store; (b) controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer; (c) using the defined interdependency to determine when the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store; (d) generating an execute signal when all of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said printer resource store; and (e) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives upon receiving said execute signal, and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 162
Independent Claim
286 words
A method of using a computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine and error sensors which generate an error signal in the event of an error in printing, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; (g) using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to a second resource store and released from said second resource store; (h) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and (i) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 163
Independent Claim
286 words
A method of using a computer-printer system including a printer and a host computer for controlling and printing a document on the printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer containing a print engine and error sensors which generate an error signal in the event of an error in printing, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; (g) using said defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which said subset of required resources and said set of primitives will be sent to a second resource store and released from said second resource store; (h) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store; and (i) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to said subset of required resources and said set of primitives and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 164
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of determining the status of said second resource store indicating which, if any, resources are already present in said second resource store, step (g) also using said status information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 165
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 150 wherein step (c) uses said status information to determine which additional resources are required for printing the document.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of determining sequence information in which a plurality of particular portions of the document are to be printed by the printer, step (g) also using said sequence information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 152 wherein step (c) uses said sequence information to determine the order in which particular portions of the document will be processed.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 149 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence is based on the amount of space available in said second resource store and when said subset of resources is required to print a future portion of the document.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 149 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence based on the time required to again transfer said subset of required resources to said second resource store.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 149 wherein the determination of said loading and releasing sequence based on the size of said subset of required resources to be transferred to said second resource store.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of determining if step (i) can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if step (i) cannot, step (c) converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
69 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of determining whether step (i) or step (c) will convert said set of primitives into said bit-map data file based on the length of time required for step (i) to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for step (c) to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 149 wherein steps (c)-(e) translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, and defines the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 159 wherein step (g) determines said loading and releasing sequences in which said plurality of subsets of required resources and said plurality of sets of primitives will be sent to and released from said second resource store.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 149 wherein step (h) transfers said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer to the printer in an uncompressed binary data format.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
72 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of generating an execute signal when all of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives for said particular portion of the document are present within said second resource store and step (i), upon receiving said execute signal, creates a bit-map data file corresponding to said set of primitives and transfers said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 149 wherein step (e) defines said interdependency using a dependency list.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 163, further including the-step of maintaining said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, step (c) using said dependency list in the event of a printer error.
Claim 179
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of error recovery within the host computer if the printer generates an error signal.
Claim 180
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 165, further including the steps of requesting said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said first resource store for said particular portion of the document in which said error signal was generated.
Claim 181
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 149 wherein step (c) stores said set of primitives in said first resource store.
Claim 182
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of choosing the size of said particular portion to be a band corresponding in size to a printer band if the printer is operating in a banding mode.
Claim 183
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 149 wherein step (h), in response to said releasing sequence, deletes said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said second resource store.
Claim 184
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 149, further including the step of determining whether step (g) will be performed by a resource loader alternately located within the host computer or the printer.
Claim 185
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 170 wherein said step of determining location includes analyzing communications channel capability between the host computer and the printer.
Claim 186
Independent Claim
254 words
A method of using a host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer having a resource loader to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which resources will be loaded into the printer and released from the printer, a resource scheduler to determine a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, and a print engine and error sensors which generate an error signal in the event of an error in printing, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; (g) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store.
Claim 187
Independent Claim
254 words
A method of using a host computer for controlling and printing a document on a printer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, and a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed, the printer having a resource loader to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which resources will be loaded into the printer and released from the printer, a resource scheduler to determine a resource executor generating a bit-map data file corresponding to the data to be printed, and a print engine and error sensors which generate an error signal in the event of an error in printing, the method comprising the steps of: (a) examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form a selected set of resources required for printing the document; (b) loading said selected set of resources in a first resource store; (c) translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document; (d) determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said particular portion of the document; (e) defining the interdependency of said set of primitives with said subset of required resources; (f) transmitting said defined interdependency to the printer; (g) transferring said subset of required resources and said set of primitives to said second resource store.
Claim 188
Dependent Claim
64 words
The method of claim 172 wherein the resource scheduler determines a sequence information in which a plurality of particular portions of the document are to be printed by the printer and transmits said sequence information to said resource assembler, said resource assembler using said sequence information to determine the order in which particular portions of the document will be processed by said resource assembler.
Claim 189
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method of claim 172, further including the step of determining if the resource executor can convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file in real-time while the print engine is printing, and if the resource executor cannot, step (c) converting said set of primitives into said bit-map data file.
Claim 190
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 172, further including the step of determining whether the resource executor or step (c) will convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file based on the length of time required for the resource executor to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file and the length of time required for step (c) to convert said set of primitives to said bit-map data file.
Claim 191
Dependent Claim
80 words
The method of claim 172 wherein steps (c)-(e) translates the data file into a plurality of sets of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a plurality of particular portions of the document, determines a plurality of subsets of said selected resources which are required from said first resource store for printing said plurality of particular portions of the document, and defines the interdependency of said plurality of sets of primitives with said plurality of subsets of required resources.
Claim 192
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 172 wherein step (e) defines said interdependency using a dependency list.
Claim 193
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 177, further including the step of maintaining said dependency list even after the print engine has started printing said particular portion of the document, step (c) using said dependency list in the event of a printer error.
Claim 194
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 172, further including the step of error recovery within the host computer if the printer generates an error signal.
Claim 195
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 179, further including the steps of requesting said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from said first resource store for said particular portion of the document in which said error signal was generated.
Claim 196
Independent Claim
362 words
A method of using a printer system, containing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed on the page, a host resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document, a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form the selected set of resources required for printing the document, the resource assembler loading the selected set of resources in the host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from the host resource store for printing the particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, and transmitting the defined interdependency to the printer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) storing the subset of required resources and the set of primitives received from the host computer in a secondary resource store; (b) using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources and the set of primitives will be sent to said secondary resource store and released from said secondary resource store; (c) controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer according to said loading sequence; (d) determining when the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said secondary resource store; (e) generating an execute signal when all of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said secondary resource store; and (f) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives upon receiving said execute signal, and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 197
Independent Claim
362 words
A method of using a printer system, containing a print engine, for printing a document from a host computer, the host computer having a resource storage area for storing resources, a plurality of resources stored in the resource storage area, a data file for the document containing data describing a plurality of objects to be printed on the page, a host resource store storing a selected set of resources comprising a plurality of the resources required to print the document, a resource assembler examining the data file and selecting some of the resources from the resource storage area to form the selected set of resources required for printing the document, the resource assembler loading the selected set of resources in the host resource store, translating the data file into a set of primitives corresponding to the plurality of objects within a particular portion of the document, determining a subset of said selected resources which are required from the host resource store for printing the particular portion of the document, defining the interdependency of the set of primitives with the subset of required resources, and transmitting the defined interdependency to the printer, the method comprising the steps of: (a) storing the subset of required resources and the set of primitives received from the host computer in a secondary resource store; (b) using the defined interdependency to determine a loading and releasing sequence in which the subset of required resources and the set of primitives will be sent to said secondary resource store and released from said secondary resource store; (c) controlling transfer of said subset of required resources and said set of primitives from the host computer according to said loading sequence; (d) determining when the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said secondary resource store; (e) generating an execute signal when all of the subset of required resources and the set of primitives are present within said secondary resource store; and (f) creating a bit-map data file corresponding to the subset of required resources and the set of primitives upon receiving said execute signal, and transferring said bit-map data file to the print engine for printing.
Claim 198
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 181, further including the step of determining the status of said secondary resource store indicating which, if any, resources are already present in said secondary resource store, step (b) also using said status information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 199
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method of claim 181, further including the step of determining sequence information in which a plurality of particular portions of the document are to be printed by the printer, step (b) also using said sequence information to determine said loading and releasing sequence.
Claim 200
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 183, further including the step of transmitting said sequence information to the host computer, the host computer using said sequence information to determine the order in which particular portions of the document will be processed.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4881180A
Cited
US5220667A
Cited
EP0452115A2
Cited
EP0467598A2
Cited
EP0470782A2
Cited
EP0474153A2
Cited
EP0478338A2
Cited
US5142667A
Cited
EP0480593A2
Cited
US5156454A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-11-20 | 1999-05-22 | 1999-11-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-11-20 | 2003-05-22 | 2003-11-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-11-20 | 2007-05-22 | 2007-11-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |