Abstract: A system for operatively connecting a source of a quantity of digital data having an image data format associated therewith, and an output device to create a print of the original image based on the digital data. A library includes a plurality of selectable format variable sets, each format variable set corresponding to an image data format. A portion of the quantity of digital data is polled for evidence relating to the presence of one image data format. A format structure operates the output device to print an image based on the digital data according to the format variables entered therein. One of the format variable sets is entered into the format structure, based on evidence in the portion of the quantity of digital data.

Abstract: A method of combining data sets of heterogeneous image formats, such as PDL's. in a printing system. A first image data set is translated by a coprocessor, using an interpretation code among many stored in memory. In response to "end of job" data in the first image data set, the first image data set in a final image format is transferred to the memory, and a second image data set is transferred from the memory to the coprocessor. The image format of the second image data set is determined. An interpretation code for translating the second image data set is loaded into the coprocessor.

Abstract: A method of operating an imaging system server, the server being adapted to translate jobs written in a first data form to a second data form, and including a memory defining entry locations therein. Untranslated data relating to the first job is loaded at a first entry location in the memory. The untranslated data relating to the first job is translated, and untranslated data relating to the first job is removed from the memory as the untranslated data is translated. Translated data relating to the first job is loaded at a second entry location in the memory. Untranslated data relating to a second job is loaded at the first entry location in the memory while translating the untranslated data relating to the first job.

Abstract: A method for use with an imaging system server of the type having a first processing arrangement coupled with a second processing arrangement is provided.