Print signal generation

A method of generating print bit map data corresponding to a desired image, the method comprising the step(s) of:

• defining parameter data including region data partitioning the desired image into a plurality of regions and expansion data;
• generating transaction data associated with the desired image at a first data generation system;
• generating print instruction data at the first data generation system using the transaction data in combination with the region parameter data;
• transmitting the print instruction data from the first data generation system to a second data generation system;
• and
• expanding the print instruction data based upon the region parameter data to generate the print bit map data.

A postage metering system comprising:

• a print signal generation system for generating print bit map data corresponding to a postal indicium, the print signal generation system including:
• region parameter data including region data defining a partitioning of the postal indicium into a plurality of regions and expansion data;
• a first data generation system for generating transaction data associated with the postal indicium and using the transaction data in combination with the region parameter data to generate print instruction data;
• and
• a second data generation system in operative communication with the first data generation system for receiving the print instruction data from the first data generation system and expanding the print instruction data based upon the region parameter data to generate the print bit map data;
• and
• a digital printing device in operative communication with the second data generation system for receiving the print bit map data and using the print bit map data to print the postal indicium.

A method of generating print bit map data corresponding to a postal indicium, the method comprising the step(s) of:

• defining parameter data including region data partitioning the postal indicium into a plurality of regions and expansion data;
• generating transaction data associated with the postal indicium at a first data generation system;
• generating print instruction data at the first data generation system using the transaction data in combination with the region parameter data;
• transmitting the print instruction data from the first data generation system to a second data generation system;
• and
• expanding the print instruction data based upon the region parameter data to generate the print bit map data.