Printing System Preview Image Generation via Partial RIP Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current preview display methods for large printing apparatuses either take a long time due to pre-RIP processing or do not accurately represent the final printing image, especially when imposition or setting changes occur, requiring repeated RIP processing.
Innovation Solution
A printing system that includes a client device and a printing apparatus, where the client generates job data and the apparatus performs RIP processing, allowing for a 'simplified' preview image generation that displays thumbnail images based on editing and layout specifications without requiring pre-RIP processing, enabling faster and accurate previews.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If preview display is based on original data before RIP processing, then simple confirmation is possible, but the preview image is different from the actual printing image when imposition or the like is performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary RIP processing to generate preview data before actual printing, allowing the preview image to reflect the final printing layout including imposition. This preliminary action ensures the preview accurately represents the actual printing result while maintaining quick display performance.
2Measurement precision
If preview display is based on print data after RIP processing, then preview display which matches the actual printing image is provided, but RIP processing needs to be performed prior to preview display which takes time
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the RIP processing into two parts: essential layout information is processed quickly for preview generation, while complete RIP processing is performed separately for actual printing. This segmentation allows the preview to be generated rapidly with sufficient accuracy without requiring full RIP processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial RIP processing - only the necessary portions required to generate an accurate preview image are processed, rather than completing the full RIP processing sequence. This partial action provides sufficient preview accuracy while significantly reducing the time required compared to complete RIP processing.
3Measurement precision
If setting change which may cause a change in the result of RIP processing is performed, then RIP processing needs to be performed again, but this increases processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the preview generation process based on detected setting changes. When settings are modified, the system identifies only the affected portions and regenerates only those specific preview elements, rather than performing complete RIP processing again. This dynamic approach maintains preview accuracy while minimizing regeneration time.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system including a client device which generates a job including a pair of first image data and attachment data, and a printing apparatus which includes a paper accommodation unit accommodating paper, receives the job from the client device, converts the first image data into second image data for printing by RIP processing, and prints an image based on the second image data on paper, includes a job specification unit, an image generation unit, and an image display. The job specification unit specifies any job in a stage previous to the conversion into the second image data by the RIP processing. The image generation unit generates, based on the attachment data forming the job specified by the job specification unit, an image obtained by editing a thumbnail image based on the first image data to a printing layout. The display displays the image generated by the image generation unit.