ADVANCED ENGINEERING
1st Year (2007) – Volume 1
IMPLEMENTATION OF ixJED SIMULATOR IN GRAPHICS PROCESS WORKFLOW Repar, D.; Agić, D. & Strgar Kurečić, M. Abstract: This paper presents the simulation model of support and implementation of JDF in graphic process workflow. On one hand, there are several combinations of extremely expensive software and hardware. On the other hand, there is the possibility of choosing ixJED simulator software as an inexpensive solution and making your own simulation software to understand much of the specific order that is hidden inside JDF, and to make a first step in network graphic process workflow.
Keywords: JDF (Job Definition Format), JMF (Job Message Format), PPF (Print Production Format, PJTF (Portable Job Ticket).
1 INTRODUCTION JDF is an industry standard designed to simplify information exchange between different applications and systems in and around the Graphic Arts industry. JDF builds on and extends beyond preexisting partial solutions, such as CIP3’s Print Production Format (PPF) and Adobe Systems’ Portable Job Ticket Format (PJTF). It also enables the integration of commercial and planning applications into the technical workflow. JDF joins the growing number of standards based on XML, ensuring maximum possible portability between different platforms and ready interaction with Internetbased systems. The final goal of JDF is to permit all persons and processes participating in print production to communicate with one another. JDF makes it possible to describe all information about a printing order (from the offer inquiry to the account) in a uniform form. Using JMF (Job Message format), order information can be exchanged even in real-time.
2 MODELS FOR ixJED SOFTWARE SIMULATIONS The ixJED is an efficient simulation tool and editor for JDF & JMF files and ixJED is designed for use in development, in the test field and for service at the client site. The first step in the open ixJED Software-tool is to create a special program to make all JDF orders that are inside visible. We use the possibility of creating HTML Format from the XML-based format that JDF used. In real time, all orders are visible and can be distributed to all locations in the network graphic process workflow. This ensures us an unlimited and higher level of real time communication between the manager on one hand, and the worker on the other.
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Script 'Manager' started. Job successfully submitted to default device. Wait for acknowledgement. Acknowledgement received (Completed) from '192.168.100.102:2517'. Script 'Manager' ended. Logfile: 24.08.2006; 17:24:55, ixJED User script: Worker Script 'Worker' started. Submit queue entry received from '192.168.100.102:2516'. Acknowledgement successfully sent to 'http://192.168.100.102:4711/incoming'. Script 'Worker' ended. Fig. 1. ixJED Terminals
3 EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATIONS The creation of the special XML to HTML tool was accomplished using the ixJED software in the REPRO STUDIO Company, Zagreb, Croatia where it has been tested and verified in practice (Fig.1). All JDF files can be recognized and produced. Information on job status can be transmitted to all entities that are involved in the graphic process workflow. In the model of standardization through the ixJED simulator, easier recognition of JDF files is enabled. In addition, programming is carried out for special adjustment of scripts in the ixJED program with the requirement that all necessary data from the xml entries visible in the JDF files is printed and transformed through the simulator into an html file. Such data is in fact already from before a recognized task order in the graphic organization with a description of the working processes. In the terminal system, it is possible to carry out such an adjustment for each specific aspect in the graphic organization, and to further communicate within the MIS (Management Information System) organization and the devices themselves. Complete information can be forwarded also to a customer outside the system that has the possibility of accepting JDF files or even html files over the internet. Further on, it is possible to carry out the networking of several computers as terminal units in the JDF system. With the help of a sub-progammer (worker) or manager, with networked computers it is possible to transmit all data in real-time. 110
Exchange of data flows simultaneously in both directions, such that all participants within the system are informed at the same time. In the case in which we possess an interface for JDF connection with machines, these machines would become momentarily visible (“online”) from the workers’ side or to a device. In cases of inability to connect directly with machines, a terminal access is possible, where the person responsible for servicing and working with the machine (“offline”) returns data on the status of the machine to the operator by using the terminal. In the example of “nescafe_lcp”, we can see the functioning of the software program ixJED in the case of graphic prepress. After verifying the validity JDF files, a visual check is carried out of the layout of the JDF knots and their hierarchical connections. (Fig.2) and (Fig.3)
Fig. 2. Layout of the JDF knots
Fig. 3. Production plan
File correction is also enabled using the editor. Job data is contained in the JDF files as a PDF file (Fig.4) and (Fig.5). With the help of a specially-made program within the ixJED simulator for quick conversion of characteristic data of JDF files for production, we suggest conversion of JDF files into 111
html files. Our goal is to make data visible as quickly as possible in order to enter it into the task order. After imposition preparation of the Nescafe packaging on the printing sheet, a color separation process follows defined by PDF file data.
Fig. 4. Basic PDF file
ProcessGroup PrePress Name : nescafe_lcp Status : Waiting Content/nescafe_lcp.pdf ProcessGroup ImpositionPreparation Name : ImpositionPreparation of PreePress nescafe_lcp Status : Waiting Content/nescafe_lcp.pdf Content/nescafe_lcp_mark1296_46299.pdf Content/nescafe1296_36074.pdf 112
Fig. 5. Imposition PDF file
ProcessGroup Separation Name : FinalImaging of PreePress nescafe_lcp Status : Waiting Content/nescafe1296_36074.pdf In our case, the complete job content is visible and can be carried out. At the end of the job, the worker must inform the management through the terminal that the job is completed. Within the network system, management would, in real-time, have complete return information on the status of the job, time needed to complete the job and material utilized, which is the goal of this connection. Following this, in the case of modernization and purchase of JDF compatible devices, such information flow would be possible through a direct path. Given that the purchase and networking of JDF compatible devices is very expensive, terminal access is still considered to be a good and inexpensive transition phase.
4 MEAUSURE EVALUATIONS If we consider that not all graphic equipment supports JDF, our solution enables a higher level of network communication between all entities in the graphic workflow, and what is more important, it allows implementation of JDF information.
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5 CONCLUSION JDF cannot be introduced to a company overnight. Most means of production installed today are not JDF-enabled. With implementation of ixJED software-tools, a new XML to HTML program version is one possibility for making a network graphic process workflow, but with printing machines and above all subsequent processing machines, usually an appropriate interface control is missing. Each company should create a strategy and a phase plan beyond that for JDF introduction. For the development of a JDF strategy, the decision makers must first analyze the possibilities and limits of this new technology. It is important to note that manufacturers of graphic equipment still develop JDF-compatible printing presses that do not directly enable the simulation of other printing technologies as part of their support. Given that the acquisition and networking of JDF compatible devices with their accompanying programming support is very expensive, terminal access is still considered to be a good and inexpensive transition phase. Investment in a terminal with ixJED program support can be ensured, which is an acceptable investment for the majority of firms. References: [1] [2]
[3] [4] [5]
ixJED 4: workflow simulation, testing and editing of JDF and JMF files http://www.ixact.de/html/CIP4/ixJED/index.php JDF Specification Version 1.3 The current release version of the JDF specification (published on September 30, 2005); XSD - XML Schema for JDF Version 1.3 (published on March 29, 2006); JDF Specification Version 1.2 Release version 1.2 of the JDF specification document (published on May 9, 2004). XSD - XML Schema for JDF Version 1.2 (published on March 29, 2005). http://www.cip4.org/documents/jdf_specifications/index.html Interoperability Conformance Specifications (ICS) http://www.cip4.org/document_archive/ics.php JDF Technology Overview CIP 4 seminar Prinergy Workflow Products the leading PDF workflow management systems Adobe PDF Print Engine http://www.adobe.de/products/pdfprintengine/vector/pdfprintengine_demo.html
Author: M.Sc. Dragutin Repar, Ph.D. Darko Agić, M.Sc. Maja Strgar Kurečić Faculty of Graphic Arts, Department for reproduction photography, Getaldiceva 2, Zagreb, Croatia, phone +385 98 210 598, fax +385 1 2339 788, e-mail:
[email protected]
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