Hot Folder Blended Print Ticketing for Flexible Job Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hot folder systems lack flexibility in specifying print instructions on a job-by-job basis, particularly for clients that cannot write detailed print instructions, leading to the creation of multiple hot folders with different settings, and existing solutions do not provide minimal print settings like print quantity.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that merge submitted print instructions with hot folder print instructions to create merged print instructions for processing print jobs, allowing clients to specify select parameters while the hot folder defines more complex instructions, using a hot folder with an associated print ticket and a processor to manage and apply these instructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple hot folders are created to provide flexibility in print instructions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in print instructionsVSAvoidnumber of hot folders

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hot folders into a single hot folder by merging their print tickets. The system creates a unified print ticket that integrates instructions from multiple source hot folders, allowing a single hot folder to provide the flexibility previously requiring multiple separate hot folders. This reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes a single hot folder universal by enabling it to accommodate multiple print ticket configurations. The hot folder can now handle various print instructions (different quantities, media types, finishing options) through a merged print ticket mechanism, making one hot folder perform the functions previously requiring multiple specialized hot folders.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If clients specify comprehensive print instructions via embedded print ticketing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint instruction specificationVSAvoiduser knowledge requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the merged print ticket system) that bridges between simple hot folder submission and comprehensive embedded print ticketing. The system automatically merges print instructions from multiple sources, allowing clients to specify minimal instructions while the system supplements with additional parameters from associated hot folders, reducing the knowledge burden on users while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent allows clients to perform partial print instruction specification rather than requiring complete specification. Clients can provide minimal print instructions (such as print quantity) while the system automatically supplements with additional parameters from the merged print ticket, reducing the operational burden while achieving comprehensive print control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If existing solutions save JDF files in hot folders to specify complete print instructions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint instructions completenessVSAvoidclient capability requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables clients to perform partial print instruction specification by saving simple files to hot folders without requiring complete JDF file structures. The system supplements minimal client-provided instructions with additional parameters from merged print tickets, achieving comprehensive print control while reducing the operational complexity for clients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a intermediary merging process that combines simple client-submitted print instructions with comprehensive instructions from associated hot folders. This intermediary mechanism allows clients to use simple file submissions while the system automatically integrates additional print parameters, bridging the gap between simple operation and complete instruction specification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11550523B1Hot folders with blended print ticketing

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A method is provided that includes receiving, at a hot folder having an associated hot folder print ticket, a submitted print job having an associated submitted print ticket. The associated hot folder print ticket includes at least one hot folder print instruction and the submitted print ticket includes at least one submitted print instruction. The method additionally includes merging the at least one submitted print instruction with the at least one hot folder print instruction to create at least one merged print instruction, which is used to process the print job. Also described are a non-transitory computer-readable medium and a printing device.