Raster Imaging Processor Data Streaming for Print Efficiency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in converting graphic files for printing due to the need for multiple processing steps and the inefficiency caused by lossless bitmap files being large and requiring faster handling, especially when DFE and screener software lack shared memory access, leading to time-consuming compression and decompression processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a digital front end (DFE) with a raster imaging processor (RIP) to convert graphics files into RIPped data, which is then streamed and converted by a screening engine processor to generate screened images, with a printer processor converting these images into executable printing instructions, optimizing the process by avoiding full file conversion and compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lossless bitmap files are used to transfer data between DFE and screener, then data integrity is maintained, but file size becomes very large and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential image data from the complete lossless bitmap file, transferring only necessary information between DFE and screener. This selective extraction maintains data integrity for printing while dramatically reducing the volume of data that needs to be processed and transferred, thus resolving the contradiction between complete data transfer and processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image processing workflow into distinct stages: DFE performs initial processing and extracts essential data, transfers it efficiently, and the screener completes the screening process. This segmentation allows each component to handle only its necessary portion, avoiding the need to process complete large bitmap files at every stage, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If compression is applied to lossless bitmap files before transmission, then file size is reduced and transmission speed improves, but compression and decompression time is added to the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the DFE perform data extraction and preparation before transmission. The essential image data is pre-processed and formatted for efficient transfer, eliminating the need for compression/decompression cycles. This preliminary preparation ensures that only necessary data is transmitted in an optimized format, improving transmission speed without adding compression overhead.
3Adaptability or versatility
If DFE and screener operate as separate vendor systems, then interchangeability is maintained, but efficiency is reduced due to additional processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized data interface that works across different vendor systems. The essential image data format and transfer protocol are designed to be vendor-agnostic, allowing any DFE to work with any screener while maintaining optimal efficiency. This universal interface eliminates the need for vendor-specific processing steps, resolving the contradiction between interchangeability and efficiency.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A workflow method for creating a printed sheet from a graphics file and an associated job description. The graphics file and an associated job definition are received in a digital front end (DFE), and a raster imaging processor (RIP) in the DFE converts the graphics file from a native format to RIPped data and stores the RIPped data in digital storage. A print controller retrieves the RIPped data from the digital storage and streams the RIPped data as an output. A communication interface, connected to a screening engine processor, receives the streamed RIPped data and the job definition from the DFE and converts the streamed RIPped data to converted RIPped data having a format readable by the screening engine processor, and to pass information from the screening engine processor to the DFE.