US 6,707,563 B1 · Multiple print engine with error handling capability

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.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A method for automatically processing printer errors occurring during printing of a print job in a virtual printer system wherein a virtual printer is configurable with a plurality of physical print engines, comprising the steps of:

segmenting a print job into a defined job stack for each of the plurality of print engines of the virtual printing system that will print a defined portion of the print job;
detecting occurrence of an error condition during printing of at least a portion of the associated defined portion of the print job in one of the print engines in the virtual printer system;
and
re-routing the remainder of the at least a portion of the associated defined portion of the print job not processed by the one print engine in the virtual printer system to a second print engine in the virtual printer system.

1 more element

An apparatus for automatically processing printer errors occurring during printing of a print job in a virtual printer system wherein a virtual printer is configurable with a plurality of physical print engines, comprising:

a job stacking device for segmenting a print job into a defined job stack for each of the plurality of print engines of the virtual printing system that will print a defined portion of the print job;
a detector for detecting occurrence of an error condition during printing of at least a portion of the associated defined portion of the print job in one of the print engines in the virtual printer system;
and
a router for re-routing the remainder of the at least a portion of the associated defined portion of the print job not processed by the one print engine in the virtual printer system to a second print engine in the virtual printer system.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Multiple print engine with error handling capability

Life of this patent

Multiple print engine with error handling capability

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14