Following the architectural advances introduced in SmartDFE™ v6.0, version 6.1 (Beta) focuses on expanding automation, increasing workflow flexibility and further maturing the platform for production environments.
This release significantly extends SmartDFE’s OPC UA interface, introduces powerful job-based tone curve workflows, enhances RIP Ahead automation and continues the evolution of SmartRIP with GPU-native production capabilities. Together these improvements make SmartDFE easier to integrate, easier to automate and better suited to high-volume industrial print environments.
One of the biggest investments in this release is the continued expansion of the OPC UA interface. Configuration areas that previously required operator interaction can now be managed remotely, including Media Setup, Screen Setup, Linearization, Total Ink Limit, application preferences and target management. Additional commands allow external systems to control RIP Ahead, attach tone curves to individual jobs, manage PrintFlat workflows and automate media configuration. These additions make SmartDFE an even more capable platform for Industry 4.0 manufacturing environments.
Another major enhancement is the introduction of job-based tone curves. Operators can now apply tone curves directly to individual jobs without changing the active media, providing far greater flexibility when compensating for substrates, production variations or customer-specific requirements. The same capability is also available through OPC UA, allowing OEMs to incorporate dynamic tone curve selection into their own workflow automation.
RIP Ahead also receives a substantial upgrade. Support has been extended to duplex jobs, operators can now monitor RIP Ahead progress in real time, and external applications can control both RIP Ahead generation and removal through OPC UA. Together these enhancements make RIP Ahead a far more practical solution for high-throughput production environments.
SmartRIP continues its evolution following the introduction of the GPU-native Harlequin Direct RIP core in v6.0. Version 6.1 makes the GPU RIP the default rendering engine, adds support for duplex production, allows multiple SmartRIP instances to operate on the same PC and improves concurrent page processing. These enhancements continue to increase throughput while simplifying deployment and scalability.
Color management has also been enhanced with improvements to Spot Variation Charts, expanded color space handling, improved DeviceLink workflows, better support for extended gamut media and increased capacity for named colors. Together with enhancements to PrintFlat calibration, camera image support and linearization, these improvements provide greater control over color accuracy while simplifying calibration workflows.
As with every SmartDFE release, we continue to respond to customer feedback. This version includes numerous customer-requested enhancements covering progress reporting, queue information, licensing, media management, preprocessing, Label Studio precision, color handling and overall workflow reliability. These refinements help make everyday operation more predictable while reducing operator intervention.
SmartDFE v6.1 (Beta) continues our vision of an open, configurable digital front end platform that enables OEMs to build differentiated solutions while reducing engineering effort. With expanded automation, smarter job control and continued investment in GPU-native production workflows, SmartDFE continues to evolve as the platform for digital front end evolution.
SmartDFE v6.1 (Beta) is available now for evaluation. We encourage OEM partners and system integrators to explore the new capabilities and provide feedback as we continue refining the platform.
Pick up the release notes.
About the author
Eric Worrall leads the product management and technical services teams, as well as being responsible for the product strategy, position and vision within Helix. He has a wide experience of key roles including senior software developer, technical support, sales and product management, and has over 25 years of market knowledge in printing, digital documents and machine vision technologies.
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