The image print transform is an i5/OS® function that is capable of converting image or PostScript data streams into various ASCII and non-ASCII printer data streams. The conversion takes place on the iSeries server, which means the data stream generated is independent of any printer emulators or hardware connections.
The image print transform function converts image or print data from one format into another. A supporting printer interprets the resultant printer data stream. The image print transform function can convert the following data streams:
The image print transform function can generate the following printer data streams:
Similar to the host print transform function, the image print transform function converts the data on the iSeries server instead of an emulator.
When a data stream is converted by the image print transform function, the printer data stream that is created contains a bit-mapped image. A bit-mapped image is an array of numerical values. Each value represents part or all of a pixel. A pixel is a single point or dot of an image. An image is usually measured in terms of pixels, for both width and height. The resolution of an image is then defined as the number of pixels (dots) per unit of measure. For example, a resolution supported by many printers is 300 dots per inch (dpi). Therefore, an image having dimensions 1200 pixels by 1500 pixels would have a width of 4 inches and a height of 5 inches when printed at 300 dpi.
The image print transform function works with ASCII printers as well as Intelligent Printer Data Stream™ (IPDS™) printers that have AFP(*YES) specified in the configuration. When the image print transform function is used, the transform does not take place until after the data stream is spooled. Then, when the spooled file is printed or sent to a remote output queue, it is first sent to the image print transform function to be transformed. Printing with the image print transform function is done automatically when:
For more information about creating a device with host print transform enabled, see Configure host print transform.