US 5,671,246 A · Method and apparatus for adaptive adjustment of cache allocation for storage of font data

Abstract

A computer downloads rasterized font characters to a connected printer and employs a method which enables a rendering of large character sets by the printer, even though the printer is not designed to internally handle such large character sets. The method enables the computer to control allocations of memory in the printer for storage of font data. Initially, the computer arranges for the printer to allocate an initial portion of memory for storage of font data. A printer driver within the computer then analyzes data segments to be sent to the printer to determine if a respective data segment is text-related data; graphics-related data or raster data. If it is determined that text-related data is to be sent to the printer, it is next determined if the printer stores font data to enable a printing of a character designated by a current character-defining data segment. If the printer does not store the necessary character, the method causes, if necessary, the printer to allocate further memory for storage of the additional font data to be supplied by the computer. The computer further controls the printer to revise the portion of memory allocated for the storage of font data, if either graphics-related data or raster data is being sent to the printer.

Claims5

Dependent claims

A method for adaptively allocating memory in a printer for storage of font data, said printer connected to a host processor, said host processor performing the method comprising the steps of:

a) controlling said printer to allocate an initial portion of cache memory for storage of font data and to maintain track of allocations of said cache memory by said printer;
b) analyzing a current data segment to be sent to the printer to determine if said current data segment is indicative of a font character to be printed or graphics data or raster data;
c) if said current data segment is found to be indicative of a font character, determining if said printer includes corresponding font character data, and if said printer does not include said corresponding font character data and does not have sufficient cache memory remaining for storage of said corresponding font character data indicated by said current data segment, instructing said printer to allocate an additional memory portion for storage of at least said corresponding font character data;
and
d) further instructing said printer to re-allocate portions of said memory allocated to storage of font character data if either graphics-related data or raster image data are determined to be sent to the printer and to cause said printer to reduce the cache memory allocated to storage of font data to make a portion of said cache memory available for said graphics related data or raster image data if insufficient memory is available therefor.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and apparatus for adaptive adjustment of cache allocation for storage of font data

Life of this patent

Method and apparatus for adaptive adjustment of cache allocation for storage of font data

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims5