DFE Print Queue Scheduling With Calendar-Based Shift Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing job management systems in printing devices do not interact directly with the digital front end (DFE) to enable robust, calendar-based planning and scheduling, leading to inefficiencies in managing print jobs and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method that queries the DFE job queue to determine print jobs, estimates production times, schedules jobs within a defined printing schedule, and adjusts job orders to optimize resource utilization and minimize interruptions, incorporating policies for job completion and media handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If job management systems interact with the printing device job queue, then job control and scheduling capability is improved, but functionality is limited and robust planning is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calendar application as an intermediary layer between the job management system and the printing device. The calendar app receives job information from the job queue, processes it according to calendar-based scheduling rules, and then manages job execution. This intermediary structure allows the system to maintain direct job queue access for control while implementing robust calendar-based planning capabilities, thus resolving the contradiction between job control capability and planning functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If calendar-based planning is implemented without interacting with the printing device, then robust planning and scheduling is enabled, but job management control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate systems into a unified solution: the calendar-based planning system and the printing device job queue system. The calendar application integrates with the job queue to both read job information and send scheduling commands, combining the advantages of robust external planning with direct device control in a single integrated system.
3Productivity
If print jobs are scheduled with frequent interruptions, then resource utilization may improve, but job completion time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calendar application analyzes the job queue and schedules print jobs to run during contiguous time blocks without interruptions. By identifying available time slots in the calendar and assigning jobs to these continuous periods, the system maintains uninterrupted printing operations, thereby reducing total job completion time while optimizing resource utilization through better scheduling.
4Duration of action of moving object
If print jobs are completed without interruption, then job completion time is reduced, but scheduling flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts job scheduling based on calendar availability and job priorities. The calendar application continuously monitors the job queue and recalculates schedules, allowing jobs to be assigned to different time slots depending on changing conditions. This dynamic approach enables the system to maintain continuous job execution when possible while preserving scheduling flexibility to adapt to interruptions, maintenance needs, or priority changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for managing printing operations include querying a job queue at a digital front end (DFE) of a printing device to determine a number of print jobs in the job queue. A production time is estimated for each print job within the job queue. The production time relates to a processing time to print the respective print job at the printing device. Each print job is scheduled within a printing shift in a defined printing schedule according to the production times. Further, the order of the print jobs within the printing schedule is modified according to a condition, policy, or time usage optimization. The order of the print jobs within the job queue are reordered to reflect the modified order in the printing schedule.