altering postscript code on the fly to get pure black and white

[sean_n]

Hello, this might not be the right group, but since it's related to
printers, I'll try it here too. Is it possible to alter postscript
code (not manually, but on the fly via a script or utility or
whatever) before it is sent to a printer? I'm guessing not, but just
thought i'd ask just in case. I want to convert the postscript code
so that it prints pure black and white, no greyscale. Our users are
complaining that the greyscale is coming out too dim. I was thinking
about inserting the following line at the beginning of the postscript
stream,

{.999 lt {0}{1}ifelse} settransfer

Alternatively, I have considered setting up the printer queue so that
it prints to a postscript file instead of sending it to the printer
(This is done by setting the local port to a file path instead of an
IP address). Then altering the file via some script, then sending it
to the printer. Although, this really doesn't work well in a
multiuser environment as the file can get overwritten before it is
altered.

Please send any suggestions that might help, thankyou.

p.s. Some background on me, in case it helps. I don't know anything
about developing printer drivers, but i know C++ and am willing to try
driver development if necessary.

 

[Elmo P. Shagnasty]

Hello, this might not be the right group, but since it's related to
printers, I'll try it here too. Is it possible to alter postscript
code (not manually, but on the fly via a script or utility or
whatever) before it is sent to a printer?

Sure. Just make sure it gets dumped to a folder first, and you can make
a VBA or something like that to parse through it and alter it however
you'd like.

Alternatively, I have considered setting up the printer queue so that
it prints to a postscript file instead of sending it to the printer
(This is done by setting the local port to a file path instead of an
IP address). Then altering the file via some script, then sending it
to the printer.

Exactly.

 

[sean_n]

I use a perl script to modify a postscript file before printing.  My script
simply adds some printer specific paper tray commands.- Hide quoted text -

Is the perl script launched automatically after a print job? If so,
can you describe the process, what triggers the script?