Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!mips!apple!apple.com!kevina
From: kevina@apple.com (This space for rent)
Newsgroups: comp.lang.postscript
Subject: Lasertalk (was Re: Bitmap of PostScript code..)
Message-ID: <6722@internal.Apple.COM>
Date: 15 Feb 90 19:41:13 GMT
Sender: usenet@Apple.COM
Distribution: na
Organization: Apple Computer, Inc.
Lines: 36

Wood-man--

In article <17948@rpp386.cactus.org>, you ventured a suggestion as to how 
Lasertalk uploads bitmaps from a PostScript printer to the Mac, saying 
that a downloaded operator called flushbands caused magic to happen over 
AppleTalk.

Close, but no guitar.

Lasertalk does indeed download a couple operators to support preview mode, 
but I don't think flushbands is the one you're looking for.  My guess is 
that flushbands is provided to make sure that all pending *bands* in the 
display list get *flushed* to the frame buffer, before the buffer gets 
uploaded to the Mac.  I recall (but can't seem to find) a timing fragment 
by Glenn Reid using the image operator that acheives the same effect.  
Look closer, and you'll find the right operator to do what you want.

Capturing the AppleTalk transactions sounds like a lot of fun, but the 
"About Lasertalk..." dialog box mentions that the preview images provided 
"may not be used as the basis of a commercial product."  Methinks that 
Adobe made quite sure to have that included when they provided Emerald 
City with the special operators, and that any attempt to turn your 
LaserWriter into a font foundry, as was suggested, would be quickly 
followed by suits from a couple irate companies.

Happy PostScript hacking, but respect the legal and moral rights of the 
folks who undoubtedly plunked down some money in order that their product 
would have a competitve edge.  Who knows?  Maybe for the right licensing 
fee, Adobe will provide you with a disassembleROMtosource operator to help 
you with your consulting business!

(Substandard disclaimer:  These are my opinions, not necessarily Apple's, 
etc.)

--Kevin Andresen [kevina@apple.com]
"MB rules!"