Cambridge, UK and Centreville US 05/15/2007 05:15:00 PM
Global Graphics has launched a next generation SDK to provide printer and Multi Function Peripheral (MFP) manufacturers with high performance components for Page Description Language (PDL) interpretation and rendering across a wide range of embedded controller architectures and operating systems.
The Harlequin® Embedded SDK is based on a new iteration of the powerful RIP kernel found at the heart of the Harlequin RIP with significant expansion, modularity and optimization. It provides fast and efficient support for multiple PDL formats, including XPS, PDF, PostScript and in the future PCL while enabling the peripheral manufacturer to achieve low costs and rapid time to market.
“We provide the tools that allow a peripheral manufacturer to engineer competitive differentiation into their product range with fast processing and PDL fidelity,” says John Aitken, Global Graphics’ embedded RIP product manager. “Our code-base is designed for portability to commonly used embedded processors and real-time operating systems and to run in low-memory environments enabling manufacturers to achieve low costs. We are uniquely positioned to assist printer/MFP manufacturers who want to best realize the benefits of native XPS printing on an output device without incurring additional cost. This is achievable because our scalable consumption technology may be used to off-load a portion of the PDL processing from the printing device to another process upstream allowing for a vastly more efficient use of available resource.”
The Harlequin Embedded SDK offers a compact and efficient software kernel with a modular architecture that enables small footprint and low memory operation. These characteristics, combined with highly configurable support for multiple PDL formats and sophisticated graphics and color handling routines, present a software solution that is suitable for a wide range of devices and whose extensive configuration options facilitate integration with an OEM’s printer controller software.
Flexible application programming interfaces allow for easy integration of OEM or third-party intellectual property including color management, font handling, screening or compression/decompression technology.
The Harlequin Embedded SDK is one product in a new range of SDKs for driver-based, embedded and server-based solutions that use Global Graphics’ next-generation RIP technology. The new solutions share a common core architecture that delivers industry-leading high-performance output levels and ensures consistency across a manufacturer’s product lines.
Native XPS rendering using scalable consumption
Using a combination of the Harlequin Embedded SDK and Global Graphics’ next-generation eDocument Library SDK, a peripheral manufacturer can realize the benefits of native XPS rendering on the printer controller board while minimizing the resources on that device. Together these two technologies form a scalable consumption solution whereby some portion of the print stream processing is off-loaded from the printing device to another process upstream from the output devices. Scalable consumption solutions can be optimized for specific types of device, or even specific instances of a device, to maximize the efficiency and cost- effectiveness of the printing workflow.
A recognized expert dedicated to interpreting, rendering and converting PDLs for nearly 20 years, Global Graphics’ leading edge expertise and engineering capability were factors in the Company being chosen by Microsoft in 2003 to provide consultation services on the XPS specification as well as develop a prototype and a print reference XPS RIP for Microsoft. The print reference XPS RIP is an openly available test vehicle that allows hardware and software vendors to create prototypes, familiarize themselves with the compliancy requirements needed to meet the XPS specification and to examine the quality of XPS printed output against the specification. Evaluators are encouraged to contact Global Graphics to discuss the extensive functionality available in our commercial products that is not present in the print reference XPS RIP.
Editor's Notes
To obtain a diagram showing the operation of the Harlequin Embedded SDK contact: jill.taylor@globalgraphics.com. For more information on Global Graphics’ range of Page Description Language technology visit http://www.globalgraphics.com/
About XPS
The XPS (XML Paper Specification) Document format is a paginated, fixed-format, representation of electronic documents and is based on XML and the new graphics architecture that Microsoft has developed alongside Windows Vista. As an open, cross-platform document format, XPS allows users to create, share, print and archive documents. When combined with the new print subsystem, its capabilities as a new page description language mean that it will offer significant improvements in fidelity and increased performance in rich graphics content that users increasingly demand.
About Global Graphics
Global Graphics Software (http://www.globalgraphics.com) is the technology expert for open document and print solutions committed to the continuous development of industry standards. It is a leading developer and supplier of sophisticated high performance RIPs, PDF document, workflow and color solutions mostly to a customer base of Independent Hardware Vendors, system integrators, software developers and resellers. These partners include the world's leading vendors of digital pre-press systems, large-format color printers, color proofing systems, copiers and printers for the corporate and SOHO markets and software applications. Global Graphics Software is a subsidiary of Global Graphics S.A. (Euronext:GLOG)
Global Graphics, the smarter alternative, Harlequin and the Harlequin logo are trademarks of Global Graphics Software Limited which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. Global Graphics is a trademark of Global Graphics S.A. which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated which may be registered in certain jurisdictions. All other brand and product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners
Contacts
Jill Taylor/Global Graphics
+44 1954 283074
Jill.Taylor@globalgraphics.com