RIP System Parallel Job Processing
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional raster image processors (RIPs) are limited by serial processing, which hinders efficient handling of production printing demands for faster page processing.
Innovation Solution
A smart RIP system is introduced, featuring a front end and multiple RIP instances with different configurations, allowing for parallel processing of job segments across variously configured RIP groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If serial processing is used in conventional RIPs, then system simplicity is maintained, but processing speed is limited and cannot meet production printing demands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a print job into multiple segments and assigns them to different RIP instances for parallel processing. Each RIP instance processes a specific segment independently, enabling simultaneous processing of multiple job portions without requiring complete system redesign, thus increasing processing speed while managing complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-threaded serial processing to multi-threaded parallel processing by introducing multiple RIP instances that can simultaneously handle different job segments. This dimensional shift from sequential to concurrent processing architecture enables production printing speeds while maintaining manageable system complexity through standardized instance replication.
2Productivity
If all RIP instances are configured in the same manner, then uniform job processing is ensured, but processing efficiency is reduced due to inability to optimize for different job types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables different RIP instances to have different configurations optimized for specific job types or segments. For example, some instances can be configured for high-speed processing of text-heavy pages while others are optimized for image-intensive pages. This local optimization of configuration quality across different instances improves overall processing efficiency while maintaining the ability to handle diverse job requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configuration capabilities where RIP instances can be dynamically created, configured, and assigned based on the specific requirements of incoming jobs. The system can adaptively allocate resources and adjust instance configurations in real-time, enabling both high productivity through optimization and adaptability to varying job types without requiring all instances to be identical.
3Productivity
If parallel processing is implemented, then processing speed increases, but resource allocation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple RIP instances that are essentially identical copies of a standardized template, each capable of performing the full range of RIP functions. This universal design allows any instance to handle any job segment, simplifying resource management through interchangeability while enabling parallel processing for high throughput. The front end manager can freely allocate and reassign instances without complex customization, balancing productivity gains with manageable resource allocation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A raster image processor (RIP) system is used in a printing system to process a variety of different jobs. A front end receives the jobs and determines the job type. The job types include a print job, a preview job, and an estimation job. Depending on the type of job, the front end configures the RIPs within RIP system accordingly to process the job. The RIPs may process the job in parallel, with a high performance RIP processing the first page of the job. If the job is not processed in parallel, then the front end assigns the job to a very high performance RIP. The front end also assigns the preview job to a preview RIP and the estimation job to an estimation RIP. The front end configures RIPs as needed.