Abstract: The invention generates a page description language compliant data stream, that has been pre-designed and pre-processed to create unique and predictable page element ordering, overlay layout, and for splitting large page elements into multiple independent elements. In this way, multiple processors can be used to render the document without merging the data stream.

Abstract: Structuring a raster image data file includes accessing image data containing set-up information and image data, determining a structure of the image data, sequencing contents of the image data file such that different parts of the set-up information are grouped together, segmenting the image data, and constructing an output image data file. The structure of image data may include one or more layers. The set-up information may be sequenced to precede the image data. Therefore, segmented image data can be distributed to more than one processor and sequentially processed and reproduced. This results in shortening the printing time.

Abstract: An improved method of Open Prepress Interface (OPI) processing of a page containing text and a picture. A low resolution Postscript Master is made from the text and a low resolution version of the picture, the result being sent to the OPI consumer. Here, processes that can be accomplished with the low resolution picture, such as location and cropping, are accomplished. Next, the low resolution picture is replaced with the high resolution version, and high resolution image processes are done, such as rotation and scaling for the intended printer. The result is stored. Finally, a printer's Postscript interpreter is used to generate a raster and the picture is printed.