Size-Agnostic Consumable Use Estimation for Print Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print shops face challenges in accurately estimating consumable use for print jobs, particularly for jobs of varying sizes or non-standard sizes, as they typically receive necessary files after the job is awarded, limiting the opportunity for cost-based pricing.
Innovation Solution
A classification-based method is introduced, where print jobs are assigned to categories based on job properties, calculating consumable use per imageable area, determining an average use for specified units, and aggregating this data with existing information to provide accurate estimates for pricing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fixed pricing is used for print jobs, then pricing simplicity is improved, but estimation accuracy for varying job sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pricing parameters from fixed rates to variable rates based on calculated consumable usage. It computes actual ink/toner consumption per page and applies this to determine final pricing, allowing the pricing parameter to adapt to different job sizes and complexities rather than remaining fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual estimation methods with an automated computational system that analyzes print job files, calculates consumable usage based on image characteristics, and determines pricing accordingly. This substitution of mechanical calculation with automated processing improves both accuracy and efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If consumable use is estimated before printing, then pricing accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The estimation system segments the print job analysis process into distinct components: file reception, image processing, consumable calculation, and pricing determination. By dividing the complex estimation task into manageable segments handled by specialized modules, the system achieves accurate estimation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes print job files and translates them into consumable usage estimates. This intermediary layer acts as a mediator between the raw print job data and the final pricing calculation, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a standardized estimation interface.
3Measurement precision
If classification-based estimation is used, then estimation accuracy for diverse jobs is improved, but classification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes classification parameters from simple job type labels to detailed characteristics including imageable area, consumable usage rate, and job properties. By using multiple measurable parameters rather than single-category classifications, the system achieves more accurate estimation for diverse print jobs while organizing complexity through structured parameter sets.
Data Source
AI summary
An estimation system provides consumable use estimations, such as for ink or toner, in printing operations. The estimation system uses a classification-based consumable use process to estimate the consumable use. A print job is assigned a classification category according to an arbitrary job category selected for the print job and a job property defined for the print job using job settings. An estimate is provided using the classification category and the distribution of the consumable use for print jobs in the category. The estimate is adjusted by a consumable use adjustment factor that reflects the amount of ink or toner disposed of during container replacement or wasted during printing operations. Estimation system also uses a size-agnostic consumable use estimation process based on the average consumable use for a specified imageable unit area.