Abstract: Flash memory (12) is added to a printer and fonts and macros received at connector (14) are stored under operator control. All data received is first processed under by the printer data processor controller (8) using dynamic memory (10). Printers which respond to more than one language store the downloaded information before termination of a language mode erases the DRAM.

Abstract: A memory management system for a page printer controller (11) which includes random access memory (17) allocated among bit map memory (30), page buffer memory (29), and user memory (28). The memory management system allocates the random access memory to provide either a large bit map memory or, responsive to needs of the controller (11) for increased memory for other uses, for allocating the random access memory (17) to provide a small bit map memory and place more memory in the page buffer memory (29) and user memory (28).

Abstract: The bit map description for a page printer (1) from data for more lines per page than would normally fit on the page is composed by reserving the full vertical height of one line and determining the line spacing on the basis of the ratio (division) of the remaining printable page length to the number of lines less one. This is done automatically by a microprocessor (7) which determines the lines per page from the page selected from the control panel (13), performs the division (37) of lines per page less one into printable height less one, followed by page composition (39) based on the result. The data invariable fits into the mapped description without additional operator intervention.

Abstract: A printer control system which enables the using application program to automatically selectively alter printer default parameters, to automatically selectively delete previously downloaded fonts and macros, and to enable the printer to operate from one of several datastream formats. The system allows the printer to initialize default parameters for a succeeding job during the printing of a current job as long as the datastream format is unchanged, and allows the deletion of downloaded fonts as long as they are not needed for the current or future pages being printed for the current job.

Abstract: A page printer including a print engine (15) and a controller (11) which includes a non-volatile memory (16) having an EEPROM (17) and a chip RAM (18). A microprocessor (12) under program control manages the placement of data in the EEPROM (17) of the non-volatile memory (16). The EEPROM (17) and the associated chip RAM (18) are structured to have a control block (31) and a data storage portion (32-39). The control block (31) includes pointers (41-47) indicating the locations in the non-volatile memory where data is stored. If a data location becomes faulty, the value of the pointer to that location is changed so that the pointer points to a previously unused portion of the non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A matrix printer (1) or other imaging device in a memory (7) stores fonts of character data (11, 11') in defining bit maps for each character of the fonts. The memory also stores shift values for each font which vary with the nature of the font for double strike, emphasize, and combined double strike and emphasize, from which character bit maps are modified before printing by being shifted and overlayed. Improved images for double strike and emphasize are achieved, and the combined double strike and emphasize need not be the overlay of double strike and emphasize.

Abstract: A function for an electronic typewriter is described which allows the operator of the typewriter to realign the print element of the typewriter to the prior adjacent, or the following adjacent line which contains textual material, even when the present position of the print element is other than a uniform line feed increment or multiple thereof, from the designated destination line. The electronic controls of the typewriter determine the present position of the print element and the vertical location of the line to which the print element is to move, and determines the distance and moves the record sheet to position the print element precisely over the designated line of text.