Multiple print engine with virtual job routing
US5859711A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 16, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A multiple print engine configuration allows a plurality of workstations (10) to create individual print jobs and then transfer them to a distributing processor (14). The distributing processor (14) is operable to spool the jobs in a print spooler (20) and then perform a software RIP on the print jobs. The RIP process divides the jobs into multiple individual jobs which are stored in the page buffer (24). An image task manager (26) in conjunction with an engine manager (28) are then operable to selectively distribute the pages to multiple print engines (16). They are distributed in such a manner that they are placed in the output bins (40) in the order that the pages were received in the print jobs.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.