Converter Page Splitting for Raster Image Processing Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for converting image data from source formats to target formats in printing systems are inefficient, leading to long wait times for the first printed copy when large files are processed and reduced efficiency when files are too small, due to the limitations of raster image processors (RIPs) in handling multiple page files.
Innovation Solution
A method where a converter splits the image data into smaller files and processes them page by page, allowing the raster image processing system to start processing the first page immediately while continuing to convert subsequent pages, and sending completed pages to the RIP in batches to minimize delays and optimize processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the file to be ripped is large and includes a large number of pages, then the complete file can be processed, but it takes a considerable time for the raster image processor to rip the complete file, so that the user has to wait relatively long until he gets the first printed copy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large multi-page file into smaller sub-files, each containing a subset of pages. The converter sends these sub-files sequentially to the RIP, allowing the RIP to process and output pages from smaller files faster, thereby reducing the user's wait time for the first printed copy while maintaining overall processing capability.
2Productivity
If the PDF files sent to the RIP are relatively small and consist only of single page files, then the user gets faster output, but the RIP process will be less efficient due to increased overhead and because many efficiency-enhancing mechanisms that are implemented in the RIP, such as caching, are available only when the file to be ripped contains several pages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic file splitting strategy where the converter adaptively determines the optimal page distribution across sub-files. Rather than fixed single-page files or fixed multi-page files, the system dynamically adjusts file sizes to balance RIP processing efficiency with output speed, sending sub-files in a sequence that optimizes both caching utilization and page delivery time.
3Productivity
If a large multi-page file is sent to the RIP, then caching mechanisms can be utilized for better efficiency, but the user has to wait relatively long until he gets the first printed copy
Solution Approach 1:
The converter performs preliminary action by pre-processing the large file into multiple sub-files before sending them to the RIP. This allows the RIP to start processing the first sub-file immediately without waiting for the entire large file to be transferred, while still benefiting from caching mechanisms when processing subsequent pages within that sub-file.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the large file into smaller sub-files that can be transmitted and processed in sequence. This segmentation enables the RIP to utilize caching efficiently within each sub-file while reducing the overall wait time for first page output, as the RIP doesn't need to process the entire large file before producing any output.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of converting image data from a source format (22) into a target format (26) in a system comprising a converter (12) for converting a sequence of data from the source format (22) into an intermediate format (24), and an image processing system (18) for converting the data from the intermediate format (24) into the target format (26), wherein the inverter (12) is capable of dividing the data in the intermediate format into separate files (30), characterized by the steps of - processing a first file in the image processing system (18); - compiling a second file in the converter (12); and - when the first file has been processed completely, instructing (32) the converter (12) to close the second file and send it to the image processing system (18) and to open a new file for the next data to be converted.