A method of managing print files in an electronic prepress system, and system using the method

摘要

A system and method for processing raster data including at least one input computer terminal (45) for creating postscript data, at least one Raster Image Processor (34), (RIP), for processing the postscript data into raster data, and PrintDrive (41) for managing and controlling the workflow of image files to a plurality of user selectable output devices (58,59) including image files containing raster image data. The present system operates on a general purpose computer platform that runs Windows NT.;A method of tracking, queuing, storing and processing raster data utilizing a Graphics User Interface for a PrintDrive in an electronic prepress system which creates virtual engines thereby allowing the entry of job data for print engines that are off line.;A system and method comprising a raster flat manager based upon a standard PC platform running the Windows NT operating system. A Raster Image Processor, (RIP), sends compressed data to the PrintDrive via Fast Ethernet. PrintDrive software provides buffering of raster data, while also offering a graphical user interface which allows the user to view the jobs on disk, as well as, the ability to manipulate and control the timing and destination of the output jobs.