Using a Postscript form as an overlay
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Apologies for asking what is probably a simple question. I am knew to the Postscript world.
I will soon be working on a project involving the installation of 2000+ Postscript printers to replace old
matrix devices that use preprinted stationary.
I need to know two things:
1. How do I store a form, produced by a Postscript generator package, into the printer memory / disk.
For example - an invoice or a despatch note
2. How do I invoke that form so that is acts as an overlay to the data that is produced by my application.
i.e. What preamble needs to be written to effectively merge the data with the document.
I have done this before using PCL and a simple series of escape sequences but cannot work out how
to do this in the Postscript world.
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Robin,
I used to download fonts and PostScript graphics files to printer disk systems and then "call" them into use within PostScript jobs being transmitted to the printers.
I would recommend that you pursue inserting, prepending or appending your form graphics into the PostScript job before sending it to the printer instead.
If there is something about your specific situation that prohibits you from pursuing my recommendation, then please post a reply.
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Robin,
You should be able to obtain a PostScript Supplement from your particular printer's Manufacturer, which should outline whether the O/S of the printer supports a disk system and what file and form commands it supports.
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Hi, Robin -
This reply is slow in coming, but the January 2002 issue of the Acumen Journal (#13) has an article on just this topic (title: "Saving PostScript to Disk"). It shows how to store PostScript on a RIP's hard disk and then how to invoke that code.
Hope this is still useful.
- John
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John Deubert
Acumen Training
PostScript & PDF consulting and training
www.acumentraining.com
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Ah. I forgot to mention the Journal is free for the downloading at www.acumentraining.com/acumenjournal.html.
- J
-------
John Deubert
Acumen Training
PostScript & PDF consulting and training
www.acumentraining.com

