RFE: Implementation of "Print on Form" in CUPS for PostScript printers ("execform" in PS)

[michaelrsweet]

Version: 1.2-current CUPS.org User: pipitas

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General Feature Request (II):

           CUPS is missing an option to "print on forms". This 
       print option is more and more in demand in the Windows
       world. (It is used to print business letters without
       bothering to insert the business paper into the
       printer, etc...)  -- PostScript has an operator 
       "execform" which allows the implementation of features
       like printing on forms, create an optimized workflow
       for serialized/personlized letters etc, by first 
       loading the invariable data (the "form") into the
       interpreter, and then send the variable data separately
       (with a call to print on the stored form).

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Questions: Does Ghostscript support the "execform" feature?
---------  What is its performance? Is it conceivable that a CUPS 
           or ESP Print Pro implementation is made which uses this?

       Long ago, I noticed the MIME type recognition rules for 
       "application/vnd.cups-form". So you seem to have (had?)
       plans to work on that "print on forms" feature somehow.
       What are your current plans with that?

Cheers, Kurt

[michaelrsweet]

CUPS.org User: mike

First, the PostScript execform stuff might have some application with the form/overlay functionality we'll be adding; there are some serious limitations in the size of files that can be embedded using this operator, however, so I'm not sure if it will be a perfect fit...

Second, the application/vnd.cups-form MIME type (as defined in the IDD) is an XML format for automated form completion; basically you'd use an XML file, a preprinted form or a form "background" file, and some data to compose one or more pages. The form filter for this MIME type was never written and probably will be removed as it turns out it is easier to implement in the client then in the server.

Third, forms extend beyond templates - we also want to have a way to map predefined form names to InputSlot and PageSize options on a per-queue basis, with a way to fall back on blank paper and a form background file...

[michaelrsweet]

CUPS.org User: mike

BTW, this falls under STR #65...