Resource-oriented printer system and method of operation

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.