Patent ID: 7324228

Claim:
A computer-implemented method comprising: on a first thread, downloading first and second compressed pieces of data for first and second images, the first and second compressed pieces of data received from an external source over a communication network; on a second thread, decompressing the first and second compressed pieces of data to provide first and second pieces of memory data; on a third thread, applying image processing to the first and second pieces of memory data to provide first and second processed pieces of memory data; on a fourth thread, sending the first and second processed pieces of memory data through a print driver to a print spooler to provide first and second pieces of print-ready data; and on a fifth thread, transferring the first and second pieces of print-ready data through an input/output to a printer effective to enable the printer to print the first and second images, wherein the acts of downloading the first compressed piece of data on the first thread, decompressing the first compressed piece of data on the second thread, applying image processing to the first piece of memory data on the third thread, sending the first processed piece of memory data on the fourth thread, and transferring the first piece of print-ready data on the fifth thread are performed in the given order, wherein one or more of the acts of downloading the second compressed piece of data on the first thread, decompressing the second compressed piece of data on the second thread, applying image processing to the second piece of memory data on the third thread, and sending the second processed piece of memory data on the fourth thread are performed in parallel with one or more of the acts of decompressing the first compressed piece of data on the second thread, applying image processing to the first piece of memory data on the third thread, sending the first processed piece of memory data on the fourth thread, and transferring the first piece of print-ready data on the fifth thread, and wherein the act of downloading is responsive to a user request to print the images and the acts of decompressing, applying, sending, and transferring are performed without further request from the user or another user.