Document services architecture.

摘要

A layered document services architecture (10) facilitating operation and interconnection of electronic printing systems with both resident and non-resident work inputs. The architecture has a resource layer (16) providing a series of discrete modules and facilities for processing work; an applications layer (14) for enabling input of work from both resident and non-resident sources including a document services section (26), and a service manager means (40) for coordinating and controlling access to the modules and facilities of the resource layer (16), and a control layer (18) providing an operating system for coupling the resource layer (16) and the application layer (14) together in an operating environment, the control layer (18) including a resource controller (210) for prioritizing and distributing use of the source layer modules and facilities in accordance with program inputs and system operating conditions.