Stream Printing Method for Large Print Jobs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional printing methods require the entire print data to be received before starting the printing process, resulting in long first-page-out times, especially for large files like those used in variable data printing, where users may have to wait for extended periods before the printer begins printing.
Innovation Solution
A method that divides a large print file into multiple consecutive data chunks, which are sequentially extracted, transferred, and processed by the printer, using coefficients calculated from previous chunks to determine the size of each chunk for efficient processing, allowing the printer to start printing quickly and minimizing stop times between chunks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire print data is received before starting printing, then the printing process can be completed without interruptions, but the first-page-out time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large print data into multiple consecutive data chunks of optimized sizes. The print server extracts and transfers these chunks sequentially to the printer, which processes and prints them one by one. This segmentation allows the printer to start printing the first chunk immediately after receiving it, dramatically reducing first-page-out time while maintaining continuous printing operation throughout the job.
2Loss of time
If the print data is divided into multiple small chunks, then the first-page-out time is reduced, but the printing process may stop frequently between chunks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic chunk size optimization by calculating coefficients (αd, αx, αr, αp) representing extraction, transfer, RIP processing, and printing speeds. These coefficients are used to determine the optimal size of each data chunk, dynamically adjusting the chunk size to match the actual processing capabilities of the system. This dynamic approach ensures that chunks are large enough to minimize the number of interruptions while still being small enough to enable quick printing start.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size chunks are used, then the processing is simpler, but the printing efficiency cannot be optimized for varying processing speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of chunk size from a fixed value to a dynamically calculated value based on measured processing coefficients. By monitoring the actual extraction speed (αd), transfer speed (αx), RIP processing speed (αr), and printing speed (αp), the system adjusts the chunk size parameter to optimize printing efficiency. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to varying processing speeds while maintaining relatively simple processing logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A stream printing method implemented in a print server and a printer for handling printing of large files. The print server divides the input data file into a plurality of data chunks, and transfers them sequentially to the printer. The printer sequentially rips the data chunks and prints them. The print server dynamically monitors the system performance factors to measure, for each data chunk, the time required to extract the data chunk from the data file, the time required to transfer the data chunk to the printer, the time required to rip the data chunk, and the time required to print the data chunk. The sizes of the data chunks are calculated using these performance factors and the chunk size of a previous data chunk.