Electronic Beacon for Print Job Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracking systems for intermediate products in print systems, particularly those that are analogue, lack an efficient method for tracking and tracing print jobs across multiple production modules, leading to difficulties in managing and coordinating the production process.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electronic beacons that are wirelessly connected to a network and mobile devices, allowing for the localization and assignment of print jobs, enabling easier tracking and tracing of intermediate products through proximity detection and communication via various communication systems such as Bluetooth, NFC, and WiFi.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tracking systems with printed codes (OR codes or barcodes) are used on intermediate products, then identification is possible, but tracking and tracing print jobs becomes difficult and inefficient especially for analogue intermediate products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of printed codes (barcodes, OR codes) with an electronic communication system. Electronic beacons equipped with transmitters send job information wirelessly to mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical code scanning and providing real-time digital tracking of print jobs throughout the production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mobile devices as intermediaries between the intermediate products (via electronic beacons) and the production modules. These mobile devices receive wireless transmissions containing job information and enable operators to access, track, and manage print job data without physically contacting the intermediate products or relying on printed codes.
2Productivity
If multiple production modules process intermediate products in parallel, then productivity increases, but coordination and tracking of print jobs becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service tracking system where electronic beacons automatically transmit job information to mobile devices without requiring manual intervention. Each beacon independently communicates with nearby mobile devices, and the system automatically manages tracking across multiple production modules, reducing the complexity of coordination while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal tracking system where mobile devices can interact with any electronic beacon in the production environment regardless of which specific production module is involved. The same mobile device interface and communication protocol work across all modules (printing, cutting, folding, binding, etc.), simplifying the tracking system while supporting parallel processing in multiple modules.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient tracking and tracing of print jobs by allowing mobile devices to detect and communicate with electronic beacons, enhancing the management and coordination of print jobs across production modules, thereby improving the overall tracking and tracing of analogue intermediate products.
Implementation Method 1
wirelessly connected to a network and mobile devices, allowing for the localization and assignment of print jobs, enabling easier tracking and tracing of intermediate products through proximity detection and communication via various communication systems such as Bluetooth, NFC, and WiFi
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to an electronic beacon for use in a print system, the print system connected to an at least partially wireless network system and comprising production modules for producing intermediate products and/or end products according to a print job for the print system, wherein the electronic beacon is linkable to the print job via the network system, placeable on top of, attachable to or insertable in a physical intermediate product resulting from the print job or a physical end product resulting from the print job, the electronic beacon comprising activating means for activating and deactivating the electronic beacon, memory means for storing a link to the print job, when the electronic beacon is activated, signaling means for giving an electronic signal when the print job linked to the electronic beacon is selected on a mobile device connected to the network system, (detecting means to detect that a mobile device is in the neighborhood of the electronic beacon, when the electronic beacon is activated,) wherein upon detection that a mobile device and an electronic beacon are in each other's neighborhood (by the detecting means of the electronic beacon or by detecting means of the mobile device), a link of a print job selected on the mobile device is sent via the network system to the memory means of the electronic beacon upon activation of the electronic beacon, a link of a print job stored in the memory means of the electronic beacon is sent via the network system to the mobile device, and a link of a print job stored on the electronic beacon is deleted from the memory means of the electronic beacon upon deactivation of the electronic beacon, and wherein the electronic beacon is placed on top of or inserted in the physical intermediate product or a physical end product after the physical intermediate product respectively the physical end product is processed by a production module, and the electronic beacon is removed from the physical intermediate product before the physical intermediate product is processed by a next production module.