JDF Analysis Section for Vendor-Specific Print Job Rendering

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Solution Overview

Problem

In production printing, the Job Definition Format (JDF) generated by different workflow applications may be extended, leading to compatibility issues where print processing apparatuses cannot analyze and process these extended JDFs correctly, resulting in incorrect display and rendering of print jobs across different RIP engines.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a JDF analysis section that determines the vendor of the workflow application generating the JDF and converts it into setting information the apparatus can handle, using RIP engines corresponding to each vendor, and a user interface control section that displays setting screens specific to each vendor's RIP engine, ensuring correct display and rendering of print jobs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple workflow applications extend the JDF format with vendor-specific parameters, then the adaptability and versatility of the printing system is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of detecting and measuring increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with various workflow applicationsVSAvoidcomplexity of JDF analysis and processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a JDF analysis section as an intermediary component that mediates between the incoming extended JDF data from various workflow applications and the RIP engine. This analysis section parses the vendor-specific extended parameters, identifies the workflow application vendor, and converts the extended JDF into a standardized format that the RIP engine can process, thereby resolving the complexity issue while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the JDF processing function into distinct modules: a JDF analysis section that handles vendor-specific extensions and a RIP engine that performs rendering. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple workflow application formats without increasing the overall system complexity, as each module has a specific, well-defined responsibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the print processing apparatus attempts to process all extended JDF parameters from different vendors, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to incorrect analysis and rendering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to process extended JDF from different vendorsVSAvoidaccuracy of print job rendering

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The JDF analysis section acts as a mediator that validates and standardizes vendor-specific JDF extensions before passing them to the RIP engine. It identifies the workflow application vendor, parses the extended parameters according to vendor-specific rules, and converts them into a standardized internal representation, ensuring reliable and accurate rendering regardless of the source application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms vendor-specific JDF parameters into a standardized format through parameter changes. The JDF analysis section maps different vendors' extended parameters to a common internal parameter structure, allowing the RIP engine to process all inputs uniformly while maintaining the original vendor-specific functionality and ensuring consistent rendering quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the system displays setting screens without vendor-specific customization, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to different workflow applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of setting screen displayVSAvoidcompatibility with specific workflow applications

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic setting screen display that adapts based on the detected workflow application vendor. The JDF analysis section identifies the vendor, and the system automatically loads and displays the appropriate vendor-specific setting screen template. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of operation by presenting familiar interfaces to users while ensuring compatibility with the specific workflow application being used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9336467B2Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and recording medium

Publication Date: 2016.05.10 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

An information processing apparatus for generating drawing data by using a print job, includes a plurality of drawing data generation units generating the drawing data by using the print job; a determination unit analyzing the print job and determining any one of the drawing data generation units that is to generate the drawing data by using the print job; and a screen display unit displaying a display screen of settings of the print job on a display part by selecting the display screen based on a result determined by the determination unit.