Interface for transmitting graphics data to a printer from a host

Abstract

A data transmission system transmits data from a first device to an interface device at a continuous rate and includes a first device for storing data and for transmitting data at a first data output rate. An interface device outputs data at a second data output rate different from the first data output rate. A preload buffer initially receives a predetermined amount of data from the first device and stores the initially received data. The preload buffer also transmits at least a portion of the initially received data at a third data output rate. The preload buffer receives additional data from the first device as the initially received data is transmitted from the preload buffer. A first buffer and a second buffer of generally equal size are sized to receive a single block of data from the preload buffer. The size of the single block of data is less than the predetermined amount of output data initially received and stored in the preload buffer. The first buffer first receives a block of data from the preload buffer and then transmits the block of data to the interface device. The second buffer first receives a block of data from the preload buffer and then transmits the block of data to the interface device. The first and second buffers are arranged so that when one of the buffers is receiving data from the preload buffer, the other buffer is transmitting data to the interface device. The interface device receives data from the first and second buffers at a rate sufficient for the interface device to continuously maintain the second data output rate.