Image Forming Apparatus RIP Processing Sequence for Ring Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In image forming systems used for ring binding, there is a significant waiting time for transmitting raster image processor (RIP)-processed image data, especially when the rear cover sheet is blank, as the system requires receiving all page data before processing and outputting images, leading to inefficiencies in the ring binding process.
Innovation Solution
The system processes and transmits image data in a sequence that allows for the formation of images on the sheets in order from the first to the second to the nth sheet, excluding the nth sheet if it's blank, and applies scanning line type image data directly to the image forming section, reducing the need for RIP processing on the nth sheet, thus enabling rapid execution of the ring binding job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the image forming apparatus waits for receiving all image data from first sheet to n-th sheet before processing, then the complete image data is available for ring binding, but the waiting time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The image forming apparatus performs preliminary actions by separating the processing of the n-th sheet from the waiting for complete image data. The apparatus can proceed with RIP processing and image formation for sheets that have received their image data, while the n-th sheet is handled separately after receiving its data, thus avoiding idle waiting time while ensuring all data is eventually processed
Solution Approach 2:
The image data transmission and processing is segmented into two independent parts: (1) image data for sheets 1 to n-1 which are processed immediately upon receipt, and (2) image data for the n-th sheet which is processed after receipt. This segmentation allows parallel processing and eliminates the need to wait for all data before starting any processing
2Ease of manufacture
If the printer controller executes RIP process from first page toward n-th page in sequence, then the processing follows natural order, but the image data cannot be processed in the required order for ring binding
Solution Approach 1:
The processing sequence is made dynamic and adaptable. The controller determines the optimal processing order based on the specific job requirements - for ring binding jobs, it processes sheets 1 to n-1 first in natural order, then processes the n-th sheet afterward, allowing the system to adapt its sequence to maximize productivity while maintaining simplicity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the image data is transferred in sequence from print controller to image forming apparatus for all sheets, then data transmission is systematic, but the transmission time is extended when rear cover is blank
Solution Approach 1:
The n-th sheet's image data transmission is extracted and separated from the sequential transmission stream. The apparatus transmits and processes image data for sheets 1 to n-1 without waiting for the n-th sheet's data, effectively taking out the time-consuming waiting period while maintaining systematic transmission for the remaining sheets
Data Source
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AI summary
An image processor applies a RIP process to PDL data in order of the first through the n-th sheets to convert it into a scanning line type image data. An image forming section 5 receives the image data in sequence to form the image on the sheets. A controller 45 determines whether the RIP process is required for the image data of the n-th sheet or a rear cover. If no RIP process is required, the controller notifies the image forming section of non-RIP process for the n-th sheet. The RIP processed image data for the first through the n-lth sheets is applied to the image forming section. A waiting time for the image data transmission can be reduced. If the rear cover is blank, the high speed ring binding job can be established.