Print Server RIP Processing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional print server systems perform RIP processing centrally, leading to inefficiencies when the image forming apparatus has greater processing capacity or when data transfer speed is low, resulting in longer output times and ineffective printing.
Innovation Solution
A print server that compares the time required for RIP processing on both the server and the image forming apparatus, transferring either PDL data or raster data based on which method results in a shorter output time, taking into account processing capacities and data transfer speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If RIP processing is performed centrally on the print server, then the image forming apparatus can be designed with simpler configuration, but the output time increases and printing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RIP processing by allowing the system to switch between centralized RIP on the print server and distributed RIP on the image forming apparatus based on real-time conditions such as processing capacity and data transfer speed. This dynamic allocation resolves the contradiction by adapting the RIP location to optimize both device simplicity and printing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of RIP processing location from a fixed centralized model to a flexible model that can be either on the print server or image forming apparatus. By evaluating parameters such as processing capacity and network speed, the system selects the optimal RIP location, thereby improving printing efficiency without significantly complicating the image forming apparatus.
2Ease of manufacture
If RIP processing is performed on the print server, then the image forming apparatus does not need RIP function, but the data transfer time increases due to larger raster data size
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects whether to perform RIP on the print server or image forming apparatus based on network data transfer speed. When network speed is low, RIP is performed on the image forming apparatus to avoid transmitting large raster data, thus reducing data transmission time while maintaining simple image forming apparatus design through optional RIP functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of data format from fixed raster data to a variable approach that selects between PDL data and raster data based on network conditions. When network speed is low, the system transmits smaller PDL data for local RIP processing, thereby reducing data transmission time while keeping the image forming apparatus design relatively simple.
3Power
If the image forming apparatus has greater RIP processing capacity, then it can process faster, but the conventional system still uses server-side RIP causing longer output time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the image forming apparatus to perform self-service RIP processing when it has sufficient processing capacity. By evaluating its own RIP capabilities, the image forming apparatus can independently process PDL data locally, eliminating the bottleneck of server-side RIP and reducing output time while utilizing its existing processing power effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the print server evaluates the RIP processing capacity of the image forming apparatus and adjusts the RIP location accordingly. When the image forming apparatus demonstrates sufficient processing capacity, the system feeds back this information and switches to local RIP processing, thereby reducing output time and utilizing the available processing power.
4Speed
If network data transfer speed is low, then transmitting smaller PDL data would be more efficient, but conventional systems transmit large raster data causing longer transmission time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the data format parameter from fixed raster data to a conditional selection between PDL and raster data based on network speed. When network transfer speed is low, the system selects PDL data format which has smaller size, thereby improving data transfer efficiency and reducing transmission time while maintaining the ability to produce high-quality output through local RIP processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A print server is linked through a communication network to a client device for sending PDL data, and an image forming apparatus provided with a RIP section for creating raster data by rasterizing the PDL data and a printer section for executing printing according to the raster data. This print server is provided with at least a RIP section for creating raster data by rasterizing the PDL data received from the client device, and a control section that compares the time to be taken before output when the PDL data received from the aforementioned client device is sent to the image forming apparatus with the time to be taken before output when the raster data created by the RIP section of the printer server is sent to the image forming apparatus, whereby the data whose length of time before the output is shorter is sent to the image forming apparatus.