Importance

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Abstract

A method and architecture is provided for merging a variable image data bitmap into a template image and for transmitting the merged image to a print engine; where the template image is defined by rendering commands derived from a page description language, and the variable image data bitmap is taken from a list of the variable data bitmaps. The method comprises the steps of continuously rendering template image data bands, in accordance with the set of rendering commands, and transferring the template image data bands to a mass storage. Once the entire template image is stored in the mass storage, the variable image data bitmap is merged with the template image bitmap and sent to the print engine by continuously loading template image data bands from the mass storage, logically mapping the variable image data bitmap into the template image data bands to produce merged image data bands, and dispatching the merged image data bands to the print engine. Preferably the loading, mapping and dispatching steps are performed for each variable image bitmap in the list to thus print a corresponding plurality of the templates having respective variable data printed therewith.

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First Claim