Abstract: A system and method are provided for using a printer to collate a document from preprinted pages. The method includes: loading document sections in at least one printer input media tray, although a plurality of document sections may be loaded into a corresponding plurality of input media trays; entering a collation program; and, creating a collated document from input media tray document sections, in response to the collation program. Entering a collation program includes: accessing a menu from a collation driver application; populating fields in the menu; and, sending collation commands to a printer collation controller in response to the populated fields. More specifically, accessing a menu from a collation driver application includes accessing a menu using a user interface (UI). The UI may be the front panel of the printer, a client device (personal computer or network-connected server) connected to the printer, or a web page connected to the printer.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for de-spooler job joining. The method comprises: despooling a plurality of print jobs at a client device; joining the print jobs into a single joined print job; and, rendering the joined print job as a single continuous print job. The de-spooler may be part of an imaging device or the client device supplying the print jobs. In one aspect, joining the print jobs includes: concatenating; creating a single spool file with multiple raster image processes (RIPs). Alternately, joining the print jobs includes: generating a RIP for each print job, with RIP end/start instructions; removing the RIP end/start instructions; concatenating the plurality of RIPs; and, creating a single spool file with a single RIP. In another aspect, joining the print jobs includes: converting each print job into an image format file; and, merging into a single RIP.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for using a printer to collate a document from preprinted pages. The method comprises: loading document sections in at least one printer input media tray, although a plurality of document sections may be loaded into a corresponding plurality of input media trays; entering a collation program; and, creating a collated document from input media tray document sections, in response to the collation program. Entering a collation program includes: accessing a menu from a collation driver application; populating fields in the menu; and, sending collation commands to a printer collation controller in response to the populated fields. More specifically, accessing a menu from a collation driver application includes accessing a menu using a user interface (UI). The UI may be the front panel of the printer, a client device (personal computer or network-connected server) connected to the printer, or a web page connected to the printer.