Method and apparatus for format conversion of a hierarchically structured page description language document

An apparatus for changing a format of a file, comprising:

• means for inputting a first element having a first representation;
• means for converting said first element of the first representation to a second representation;
• means for inputting a subsequent element of the first representation;
• means for determining if a second representation of the subsequent element includes a portion which is found in the second representation of said first element;
• means for converting said subsequent element to the second representation including said portion when said means for determining determines that said portion is not found in the second representation of said first element;
• and
• means for converting said subsequent element to the second representation without said portion when said means for determining determines that said portion is found in the second representation of said first element.

A method of changing a format of a file, comprising the steps of:

• inputting a first element having a first representation;
• converting said first element of the first representation to a first element of a second representation;
• inputting a subsequent element of the first representation, said subsequent element having a plurality of second representations;
• converting said subsequent element of the first representation to one of said second representations thereof by choosing one of the plurality of said second representations of the subsequent element which is a correct sub-element for said first element.

An apparatus for changing a format of a file, comprising:

• means for inputting a first element having a first representation;
• means for converting said first element of the first representation to a first element of a second representation;
• means for inputting a subsequent element of the first representation, said subsequent element having a plurality of second representations;
• means for converting said subsequent element of the first representation to one of said second representations thereof by choosing one of the plurality of said second representations of the subsequent element which is a correct sub-element for said first element.