Concurrent IPDS and Non-IPDS Print Processing via Rip Spooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-end work-group and mainframe environments, IPDS print sessions monopolize printers, causing non-IPDS print jobs to wait until the IPDS session is completed, leading to idle time and inefficient resource utilization due to the need for full data ripping before printing, which can be detrimental to certain printers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing concurrent IPDS and non-IPDS print processing by using a separate non-IPDS channel for rasterizing non-IPDS data during spare processing cycles and storing it in a rip spool, allowing for interrupt requests to the IPDS host to release the printer when necessary, enabling simultaneous processing and reducing idle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-IPDS data is fully rasterized before printing, then print quality and reliability are improved, but printer idle time increases and resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary rasterization of non-IPDS data in advance, storing the rasterized output in a spool area. This allows the computationally intensive ripping process to complete before printing begins, ensuring print reliability while enabling the printer to remain productive during the rasterization phase by accepting and processing other jobs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary spool area that decouples the rasterization process from the printing process. The spool acts as a buffer between data preparation and actual printing, allowing these two operations to proceed independently and concurrently, thus resolving the contradiction between completing preparation in advance and maintaining printer productivity.
2Reliability
If IPDS session owns the printer exclusively, then IPDS print job reliability is improved, but non-IPDS print job productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the printing workflow into distinct phases: a data preparation phase where non-IPDS jobs are rasterized and spooled, and a printing phase where the printer is exclusively allocated to IPDS jobs. This segmentation allows non-IPDS jobs to be prepared in advance without competing for printer resources, while IPDS jobs maintain exclusive access during their printing phase, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If printer remains idle during data ripping, then print quality is improved, but time consumption and resource efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the time-consuming rasterization operation in advance before the actual printing begins. By completing the data preparation phase beforehand and storing results in a spool, the printer avoids idle time during printing while ensuring high-quality output. The trade-off is acceptable because the printer can utilize this preparation time for other productive tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Concurrent IPDS and non-IPDS print processing is provided. Because an IPDS print session may not usually be interrupted, non-IPDS print data is received through a separate, non-IPDS channel in the printer control unit. The non-IPDS data is rasterized (“ripped”) using spare processing cycles and stored in a rip spool. At an appropriate time, such as when fully rasterized, an interrupt request may be submitted to the IPDS host then controlling the printer. When the IPDS host relinquishes control of the printer, such as when the IPDS print job has been completed, the rasterized non-IPDS print data may be de-spooled to the print engine and printed.