Printer throughput
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorJerry W. Malcolm
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of modifying a graphics data stream for improving printer throughput. The data stream is scanned and nulls preceding printable data are converted to text spaces. Text spaces are recognized by the printer to cause a printhead included in the printer to move directly to the first printable data position rather than homing first.
Claims4
In a printing system where leading nulls in a graphics data stream stored in a print buffer cause homing of a printhead to be directly positioned for printing a following printable character, a method of improving throughput while printing a graphics data stream, said method comprising the steps of:
- scanning said graphic data stream in said print buffer to determine the number of graphic nulls therein;
- determining a pitch under which said printing system is currently printing in order to calculate a character width;
- and
- causing the printing of a number of text spaces which are equivalent to said number of graphic nulls divided by said character width.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.