Abstract: A raster image processor (RIP) using a self-tuning banding mode is disclosed. The RIP automatically and continuously adjusts the band size used for generating the raster image based on past performance (i.e. past data throughput values) and corresponding band sizes. At the start of each page of image, or after a certain number of pages has been processed or certain amount of time has elapsed, the RIP determines whether performance has worsened since the last band size adjustment. If it has worsened, the band size is reverted to a previous best performing value. If the performance has improved, then the band size is changed in the same direction as the last change.

Abstract: In a PDF direct printing method, an intelligent parser is provided on the client computer to parse out and transfer to the printer blocks of PDF data in an order in which the data will be used by the PDF rendering process of the printer. The directory information block of the PDF file is transferred first, and the printer can start the rendering process soon after the directory information block is received, before the entire PDF file is transferred to the printer. The blocks of PDF data are stored on the printer, and the memory locations of the blocks of data stored on the printer are recorded in a memory allocation database. The PDF rendering process of the printer accesses the memory allocation database to obtain the memory location of the block of PDF data it will need next for rendering, and retrieves that block of data for processing.