Abstract: A printer produces an improved pixel image representation of encoded image data when sub-image portions are combined into larger image portions. The printer receives encoded image data as a data stream of sub-image segments and stores the sub-image segments. Each sub-image segment includes associated graphics state information which defines at least some image attributes of the sub-image segment. When each new sub-image segment is completely received, it is placed on a closed image list. Upon such listing, the printer's processor compares the graphics state information and boundary data for the now complete sub-image segment with at least one other listed sub-image segment in the closed list. The processor combines the new sub-image segment with the other sub-image segment if both a matching graphics state and matching boundary data are found. An image processor within the printer then subjects the combined sub-image segments to spatial processing as a unitary image.