ZBE CHROMIRA, User Manual, Page: 31 / 93

Rev. 3/2001 31
The main function of the workstation is to submit prints to the Chromira Printer.
Before explaining the process of submitting prints, an explanation of Printer
functions is necessary.
The Chromira Workstation prints via the network. ZBE designed a system that
removes the so-called “Front End” of the printer, so that files do not need to be
loaded to the Chromira Computer for printing. The Chromira computer is
designed to operate the printer and is not designed to be an images server.
ZBE calls this a “High Efficiency Workflow System”. How does it work? To begin,
one should have a separate computer over the network to be designated as
the image server. This should be a computer with a rather large hard drive and
a fast processor. Each workstation should be allowed access to this computer in
order to submit prints to the Chromira Printer. When submitting an image to the
printer, the user locates the file through the workstation software. Once this is
done, the workstation software submits what we call a Tag file to the Chromira
Printer. This Tag file does not have the actual file in it. It holds the file name,
location and print preferences. Once the Chromira Printer receives the tag file,
it goes out over the network and finds the image file to be printed. It then opens
up a small portion of the file and takes that information back to the printer. At
the printer, it processes the information and starts printing. After completion of
this task, it starts the whole procedure again, until the full file has been
processed and printed. This system allows the printer to move small bits of
information back and forth, thus creating little network traffic.
Now that you have a general idea of how the system works, you are ready to
learn how to submit a print via the Chromira Workstation. To Submit a print,
locate the pull down “File” menu. There you will find the Submenu “New”.
Select it and the Submit print window will pop up. You may also click on the
New icon in the tool bar. Another shortcut is C N. Once the window is
open, the operator may choose anything that has to do with the print
preference on this window. Below is an explanation of submit functions.
1- Print File: It is here the operator browses for the image to be printed .
2- Print Size: The print size function allows the operator to set the final print
size. If “constrain proportions” is checked, you need only to set either the