Abstract: A printing device comprises memory storing data in blocks and a processing unit communicating with the memory and being responsive to print jobs. In response to a print job, the processing unit accesses the memory and extracts data therein to be used to complete the print job. The processing unit performs a data block correcting procedure during printing device idle times.

Abstract: A multiple font management system and method in a printing device for activating multiple fonts is provided for enabling base font localization and font patching for print jobs to reduce the need to upload entire fonts in order to provide localized receipts or to provide corrections to partially-corrupted font tables. A font access level stores locations of activated base, localization and patch fonts and are referenced in an access order during character retrieval so as to apply retrieval priority to patches and localizations. A font storage level maintains multiple tier character indices for referencing character shape data in order to provide faster character searching through each of the multiple activated fonts than a single-level index.

Abstract: In response to a print job, a character code stream is generated including printable character codes. Each of the character codes is of a first bit length. Command codes to be embedded into the character code stream are padded with an identifier. The command codes and the identifier are of a second bit length that is one-half of the size of the first bit length. The padded command codes are inserted into the character code stream thereby to form a print data stream. The print data stream is transmitted to a printer. The identifier allows the printer to detect and extract embedded command codes while maintaining synchronization thereby to enable character code extraction.

Abstract: A method of transferring firmware from a host device to a printing device includes sending data blocks forming the firmware to the printing device in succession. Each data block is sent only upon confirmation of receipt of the previously sent data block. Upon receipt of a priority task destined for the printing device, sending of the data blocks is suspended and the priority task is transmitted to the printing device. Upon completion of the priority task, sending of the data blocks is automatically resumed.

Abstract: In a printing device storing a plurality of font files, at least a first font file storing glyph data corresponding to a first set of characters, characters of the first set being represented by double-byte words and at least a second font file storing glyph data corresponding to a second set of characters, characters of the second set being represented by single-byte words, a method of managing the printing of characters comprises upon receipt of a double-byte word, determining whether the received double-byte word represents a character that is also in the second set of characters. If not, the double-byte word is used to extract glyph data from the first font file. If so, data of the double-byte word is used to extract glyph data from the second font file.

Abstract: A method of updating resident firmware in a printer via a printer interface holding updated printer firmware includes automatically sending a request for printer hardware and firmware information to the printer. Printer hardware and firmware information received in response to the request is examined to determine if the updated printer firmware is compatible with the printer. If the updated printer firmware is not compatible with the printer, the updating is terminated. If the updated printer firmware is compatible with the printer, the updated printer firmware is automatically transmitted to the printer for storage therein.

Abstract: A method of detecting printer interface and printer incompatibility comprises automatically sending a request for printer hardware and firmware information to the printer upon initialization of the printer interface in the printer. The printer hardware and firmware information received in response to the request is examined to determine if the printer interface is compatible with the printer. Output is generated when the printer interface is not compatible with the printer.