Abstract: The invention is a method and system for print stream determination. The system's method begins with the initiation of a print stream processing application to which a print stream is directed. A print job is determined from a set of characteristics resident in the print stream. The print processing application will determine the optimal use of the system's peripheral devices for performing the job. The optimal use is determined by comparing each of the job's characteristics with each of the characteristics of the potential device driver. The comparison begins with determination of a value for each of the job characteristics wherein the value is representative of a desired result. A value for each of the device driver characteristics is determined wherein the value is representative of a potential result. Each of the desired results is compared to each corresponding potential result. If no corresponding potential result can be established, then an alternative peripheral device is sought.

Abstract: The invention is a client message structure and its method for use in communicating a message between a client and a server in a print stream processing system. The structure comprises a set of elements that facilitate message throughput while minimizing competing client message traffic. The first element comprises message assembly device at the client for producing a message structure in accordance with a protocol established by the server. An interface, such as a TCP/IP socket, is provided for interfacing the client with the server. The interface is linked with socket thread production device for maintaining a link with the server. The structure includes a message structure format which comprises message header segments for identifying the message to the server, and a message property structure format, comprising a set of message header segments for identifying message properties.

Abstract: The invention is a method of establishing, and a structure for, a print stream job ticket. The method begins with receiving a unique job message identifier from a server client, where the identifier is representative of a particular print processing job. Once the identifier is received, the method locates a job ticket template database then attempts to match the received identifier with a template located in the database. The matching step is accomplished by plotting each element of the identifier to determine a set of elements to be mapped against a corresponding template. The identifier is then mapped against each one of the templates to determine a match based upon a set of matching rules. If a match exists, the matched template is selected to establish a new job ticket.

Abstract: The invention is a client message structure and its method for use in communicating a message between a client and a server in a print stream processing system. The structure comprises a set of elements that facilitate message throughput while minimizing competing client message traffic. The first element comprises message assembly means at the client for producing a message structure in accordance with a protocol established by the server. An interface means, such as a TCP/IP socket, is provided for interfacing the client with the server. The interface is linked with socket thread production means for maintaining a link with the server. The structure includes a message structure format which comprises message header segments for identifying the message to the server, and a message property structure format, comprising a set of message header segments for identifying message properties.

Abstract: The invention is a method for creating a print job object, in an object oriented development environment of a print stream processing system. The object creation function within the system is named which registers a class within the function and instantiates the class. The instantiation establishes a programming interface to the print job object which allows the establishment of the print job object properties. The object's programming interface creates a portal through which a set of object methods can be placed within the print job object. The methods include action instructions which further include: display instructions; storage instructions; and, printing instructions. Additionally device selection functionality, text formatting functionality which further includes text templates for the matching of the print stream to a set of desired document finishing schemes, and a set of print job data tables can be placed within the print job object by utilizing the programming interface.

Abstract: A time-shared aperture device using the laser illuminated target to provide a return wavefront which passes through the optical train and beam expander. The distortions in this return wavefront are sampled by a rotating beam chopper which completely blocks the outgoing beam, thereby preventing scattered laser light in the optical train and beam expander from drowning out the fainter target return. Wavefront analyzers provide an indication of errors present in the optical system so that correction may be applied.