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HP OpenVMS Systems Documentation

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HP DECprint Supervisor (DCPS) for OpenVMS
User's Guide


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Appendix E
Additional Character Encodings

This appendix discusses the following topics:

E.1 Available Encoding Vectors

PostScript provides a character set encoded using the Adobe Standard Encoding vector. When a PostScript program calls a font, the findfont operator uses this vector to associate characters with character codes.

PostScript also provides the ISO Latin-1 encoding vector, named ISOLatin1Encoding, which is the encoding scheme used by the ISO Latin Alphabet Number 1 Standard (ISO 8859/1). Most PostScript text fonts provide all the characters used in the ISO Latin-1 encoding. See the PostScript Printers Programmer's Supplement for a list of the characters included in the ISO Latin Alphabet Number 1 Standard.

In addition to Adobe Standard and ISO Latin-1 encodings, the DECprint Supervisor software offers the DECMCS (DEC Multinational Character Set) encoding. See the PostScript Printers Programmer's Supplement for a list of the characters included in the DEC Multinational Character Set.

Characters in the ISO Latin-1 and DECMCS encodings do not have separate font metrics files (.AFM files). (For more information on .AFM files, refer to the PostScript Printers Programmer's Supplement.) If you need to look up character information in a font metrics file, look up the character by its name, not by its encoding.

E.2 Examples of Encoding Vectors

Example E-1 demonstrates how to define the DECMCS encoding vector. See the PostScript Printers Programmer's Supplement for more information about how these encoding vectors are defined.

The encoding vector DECMCSEncoding is defined by changing the vector ISOLatin1Encoding.

Example E-1 Defining the DECMCS Encoding Vector

    %! DECMCSEncoding.PS
    %
    % Create DEC Multinational Character Set (MCS) encoding vector.

    /DECMCSEncoding ISOLatin1Encoding 256 array copy def

    mark
      8#177 8#240 8#244 8#246 8#254 8#255 8#256 8#257
      8#264 8#270 8#276 8#320 8#336 8#360 8#376 8#377
    counttomark
    {DECMCSEncoding exch /questionmirror put}
    repeat
    % stack now contains   mark
      8#250 /currency
      8#327 /OE
      8#335 /Ydieresis
      8#367 /oe
      8#375 /ydieresis
    counttomark 2 idiv
    {DECMCSEncoding 3 1 roll put}
    repeat
    % stack now contains   mark
    cleartomark

E.3 Using the Additional Encodings

To use a character encoding other than the Adobe Standard Encoding, follow these steps:

  1. Define a procedure, encodefont for instance, in the prologue of your PostScript program that applies an encoding vector to a font to create a new font. Before invoking findfont, your program calls encodefont to encode the font with the desired encoding vector. The code for encodefont is as follows:


        /encodefont {
            findfont dup                % Get the old font dict.
            maxlength dict begin        % Make a new one just as big.
            {   1 index /FID ne         % Copy everything but FID.
                {   def }
                {   pop pop }
                ifelse }
            forall
            /Encoding exch def          % Install the new encoding.
            dup /FontName exch def      % New font dict is still current.
            currentdict definefont      % Create the new font.
            end
        } bind def
    
  2. Create your new font using the encodefont procedure. The procedure takes three arguments:
    • Name of the new font
    • Encoding vector
    • Name of the old font

    The encodefont procedure creates a new font with the new name and encoding, and returns the new font. Choose any name for your new font. You might choose a name that includes the name of the old font and the encoding vector.
    You can create and immediately use your new font or you can create the new font and use it later in your program. For example, to create and use a Times-Roman font encoded with ISO Latin-1, use the following code:


        /Times-Roman-ISOLatin1 ISOLatin1Encoding
                /Times-Roman encodefont
        12 scalefont setfont
    

    To create and use the font separately in your program, use this code:


        /Times-Roman-ISOLatin1 ISOLatin1Encoding
                /Times-Roman encodefont pop
        .
        .
        .
        /Times-Roman-ISOLatin1 findfont 12 scalefont setfont
    

To use the DECMCS encoding, you must also include the device control library module (LPS$DECMCSENCODING) that defines this encoding vector. The LPS$DECMCSENCODING module provides encoding vectors only. It does not define characters that were undefined in versions of PostScript lower than Version 40.

Example E-1 shows how the DECMCS encoding vector is defined.

E.4 Including the DECMCS Encoding Module in a Print Job

To use the DECMCS encoding modules, specify the following:


$ PRINT/SETUP=(LPS$DECMCSENCODING) filename.PS

E.5 Defining ISO Latin-1 for Third-Party Printers

For PostScript printers that use a version of PostScript Level 1 lower than Version 40, you may need to define an ISO Latin-1 encoding vector to print PostScript files that use this encoding. For example, suppose you have a PostScript program that requires the ISO Latin-1 encoding vector to print on a typesetter that uses an early version of PostScript.

In this case, you can use the encodefont procedure, but you also have to define the ISO Latin-1 encoding vector in the prologue of your PostScript program. Extract the LPS$ISOLATIN1ENCODING module from the device control library:


    $ LIBRARY /EXTRACT=LPS$ISOLATIN1ENCODING -
    _$ /OUTPUT=ISOLATIN1ENCODING.PS /TEXT SYS$LIBRARY:DCPS$DEVCTL

The LPS$ISOLATIN1ENCODING module provides encoding vectors only. The module does not define characters that were undefined in versions of PostScript lower than Version 40.


Glossary


Advanced Server for OpenVMS: The software product that runs on the OpenVMS Alpha server to provide central management of network-wide resources and communications for Windows systems.

ANSI: Refers to DIGITAL ANSI-Compliant Printing Protocol Level 3.

ANSI/sixel file: A file that contains data stored in ANSI or sixel format, such as an LN03 file.

AppleTalk network system: A communications environment that provides users with such options as sharing files, sharing printers, and sending messages. The network devices and software in the system use AppleTalk protocols for communicating. The design of AppleTalk allows you to select the type of transmission media, while retaining the AppleTalk services and interface.

AppleTalk printer: A printer attached to the AppleTalk network and accessible using the AppleTalk protocols, particularly the Printer Access Protocol (PAP).

ASCII: A file that contains ANSI text data with no escape sequences.

aspect ratio: The ratio of page width to page length.

automatic data type detection: The process by which the DECprint Supervisor software investigates print files to determine the data type of the file.

bitmap: An image in digitized form that can be stored, transmitted, and reproduced.

burst page: A page printed between print jobs or copies of print files, if requested. Useful for separating print jobs manually.

client system: A network node that runs DECprint Supervisor software to access a PrintServer printer.

command qualifier: A qualifier that affects the processing of the entire command. See also positional qualifier.

CPAP: Common Printer Access Protocol. A printer protocol that layers upon the TCP/IP and DECnet network protocols and is used by DECprint Supervisor to communicate with DIGITAL PrintServer printers.

data syntax: See data type.

data type: The data format of a file to be printed.

DDIF (DIGITAL Document Interchange Format) file: A file that contains data stored in the DIGITAL data syntax for conveying image data.

DECimage: Image enhancement technology available in some printers, for example, the DIGITAL PrinterServer printers and DEClaser 5100 printer. This feature gives increased clarity, smoothness, and sharpness to graphics. Applicable to PostScript images only, it is best applied to continuous grayscale images, though it may also be applied to synthetic images created with a graphics application.

DECimage-Lite: A feature of the DECprint Supervisor software that provides a subset of the DECimage image enhancement technology through the use of setup modules. See also DECimage.)

DECnet: DIGITAL networking protocol.

DECprint Supervisor: The software product consisting of a print symbiont and data type translators for printing on PostScript printers.

DECserver: A communications device that allows printers to be connected directly to the Ethernet network, providing network access for serial-based printers. Network protocols offered usually include LAT, and often raw TCP/IP.

device control library: A library that contains a series of text modules that can be sent to the device associated with a queue, to affect the behavior of that device.

desktop printer: A printer, historically low to medium speed, that is accessible through a raw TCP/IP, LAT, or AppleTalk network connection or through a direct serial connection to your system.

device control module: See setup module.

device control library: A library containing a series of text modules that can be sent to the device associated with a queue. The modules affect device behavior or file printing.

duplex printing: Printing on two sides of each sheet of paper.

execution queue: The print queue associated with a specific physical printing output device.

facedown: A method of stacking printer output, where the paper is stacked front side down.

faceup: A method of stacking printer output, where the paper is stacked front side up.

file extension: The portion of the file name following the period. In the file MYFILE.TXT, the file extension is TXT.

file separation pages: Pages printed before and after each file is printed. File separation pages can be enabled and disabled with the PRINT command. See also job separation pages.

finisher: A part of a printer, often optional, that allows print jobs to be punched or stapled automatically.

flag page: An optional page that precedes each file or job that is printed. The flag page contains information about the printer and the print job, including any message from the PRINT/NOTE qualifier.

file type: See file extension.

font: The artistic representation of a typeface that describes a set of characters rendered in a particular point size, weight, and style.

font cartridge: A physical memory cartridge that contains a family of fonts, used to add font choices on an LN03 printer or DEClaser printer. The DECprint Supervisor software emulates this feature using the soft font kits. See also soft font.

font file: A data file that contains information used to reproduce a specific font.

generic queue: The logical printer queue that accepts the print job from the user and directs it to the appropriate execution queue.

gray-scale: A method of printing photographs on PostScript printers.

host: The computer system that provides services and management of printers.

image file: A file containing a picture or graphic image to be printed.

job: The print job.

job log page: An optional log page that contains messages from the system during printing.

job separation pages: Job burst pages, job flag pages, and job trailer pages, optionally available on print queues to record information about the print job. Job separation pages are included as part of the queue. These pages are useful for manually separating printer output.

landscape orientation: Paper orientation in which text is read parallel to the long side of the paper.

layup: A feature of the DECprint Supervisor software that allows you to control the mapping of pages to sheets. You can control the placement of the pages on the sheet and the number of pages to be printed on each sheet.

layup definition file: A file stored in a directory defined by DCPS$LAYUP, which you may include with your print job to specify page layup.

logical page: An indivisible image to be printed.

network printer: A printer that is accessible from multiple nodes in the same network.

network printing: A configuration of printers on a network that allows several users to share a printer and to access it from network nodes such as PCs and host systems.

NIC: Network Interface Card. A hardware device for connecting a printer to a network. It may be built into a printer or added later as an option. The NIC contains firmware that implements various network protocols such as raw TCP/IP, AppleTalk and LAT. The protocols offered by the NIC depend on its particular features and how it is configured.

number-up: Printing multiple pages on one side of a sheet of paper.

OpenVMS Alpha: The OpenVMS operating system that runs on HP's Alpha systems.

OpenVMS I64: The OpenVMS operating system that runs on HP's Integrity servers.

OpenVMS VAX: The OpenVMS operating system that runs on HP's VAX systems.

page: A page of data. See also logical page.

page spot: The area on a sheet where a page can be printed. /PARAMETERS=NUMBER_UP and /PARAMETERS=LAYUP_DEFINITION=GRID are used to define the number of page spots on a sheet.

PATHWORKS: A collection of software products that provide communication, shared resources, and centralized management of PCs from a host system, such as OpenVMS.

PATHWORKS for OpenVMS (V5 Family): The PATHWORKS software product that runs on the OpenVMS Alpha or VAX server node to provide central management of network-wide resources and communications for Windows systems. This product has been replaced by Advanced Server for OpenVMS and PATHWORKS (Advanced Server).

PATHWORKS for OpenVMS (Macintosh): The PATHWORKS software product that provides OpenVMS server software for PATHWORKS for Macintosh configurations. This software includes the AppleTalk network protocol so that an OpenVMS system can be part of an AppleTalk network. This product has been retired and is no longer supported.

PC: A personal computer that runs either the Windows or DOS operating system.

PCL file: A file that contains data stored in the HP PCL (Page Control Language) data type. The DECprint Supervisor includes translator software to translate PCL4 files generated for printing on HP's LaserJet IID printer to PostScript for printing on PostScript printers.

point: A unit of measurement in printing, where 72 points equal 1 inch.

portrait orientation: Paper orientation in which the text is read parallel to the short side of the paper.

positional qualifier: A qualifier that affects a single part of a command line, for example, one file in a print job. See also command qualifier.

PostScript file: A file in PostScript language, which is designed to convey a description of the desired page to the printer and may include a combination of text, graphics, and bitmap images.

PostScript printer: A printer designed to print files in PostScript format.

print engine: The internal engine in the printing device.

print job: A print request of one or more files and associated print requirements.

print queue: The queue in which a print job waits to be printed.

print server: A hardware device for connecting a printer to a network, usually attached to the printer's parallel port. The protocols offered by the print server depend on its particular features and how it is configured, but usually include raw TCP/IP and AppleTalk, and sometimes LAT.

PrintServer Software: The software for managing DIGITAL PrintServer printers.

PrintServer software remote console: The PrintServer software that allows the printer to be managed from the supporting host.

print symbiont: The software that processes the user's print request, arranges to have data translated, if required, sends the data to the printer, and reports messages from the printer.

printer: The printing device.

Proprinter file: A file created for printing on IBM Proprinter devices.

raw TCP/IP: A network protocol that utilizes the TCP/IP protocol directly without any additional interpretation of the TCP data stream. It is supported by many printer Network Interface Cards (NICs), print servers, and terminal servers.

recto page: An odd-numbered page in a book. In an open book, the recto page is always on the right. For example, page 1 is always a recto page. For a single sheet, the recto page is always the page on the front of the sheet. Compare with verso page.

ReGIS file: A file containing graphics data in DIGITAL ReGIS data format.

serial printer: A printer that is connected to the system by serial communications.

server node: The host system for managing shared resources in a network configuration.

setup module: A file in a device control library that is sent to the printer before the files in the print job.

shared network printers: Printers on the network that are accessible from more than one computer (this includes PCs and time-sharing systems).

sheet: A physical piece of paper.

simplex printing: Printing on one side of each sheet of paper.

soft font: PostScript font families that emulate the physical font cartridges used in DIGITAL LN03 and DEClaser printers. See also font cartridge.

SPD: Software Product Description. This document is supplied with HP's software media and documentation kits to describe the supported configurations and required products for running the software.

TCP/IP: The Internet Transmission Control Protocol.

Tektronix 4010/4014 file: A data file created by Tektronix 4010 and 4014 systems.

trailer page: An optional print job page that follows each file printed. The trailer page is often printed even if the print job fails, and contains messages to the user explaining the reason for the print error.

translator: A program that changes the data syntax of the user's file to a form that can be output to the printer.

tumble printing: A printing method in which the space left for binding or hole-punching alternates along the two short edges of a sheet. Right-hand pages are printed on the first side of a sheet, so blank left-hand pages are inserted where necessary.

usable area: The area on the page where data may be printed. When a page is scaled (enlarged or shrunk), it is scaled to fit within the usable area, but the aspect ratio (ratio of height to width) is preserved. If this leaves extra space on the edge of the page, the page is centered in the usable area.

verso page: An even-numbered page in a book. In an open book, the verso page is always on the left. For example, page 2 is always a verso page. For a single sheet, the verso page is always the page on the back of the sheet. Compare with recto page.


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