Plug-in Architecture for Extensible Print Application Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators in busy production environments face difficulties in configuring and programming finishing machines for printed jobs, leading to delays and human errors due to the lack of an automatic and simple method for modifying the graphical user interface and introducing control programs for new devices in document processing systems.

Innovation Solution

A data processing method that discovers and enables plug-in components in a production printing system, allowing users to select templates, specify artwork and data, and automatically format and route print jobs through a network of document processing devices, using a plug-in architecture to extend the capabilities of the print application management computer program.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual configuration methods are used for finishing machines, then operators can configure machines for printed jobs, but human error and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-configuration of finishing machines through plug-in components that automatically detect printed jobs and configure appropriate finishing operations without human intervention, eliminating manual configuration errors and time consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical configuration processes with automated software-based plug-in components that electronically detect and configure finishing machine settings, substituting human operators with intelligent software agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system supports multiple document processing devices and finishing machines, then processing capability increases, but system complexity and difficulty of integration increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compatibilityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal plug-in architecture where standardized interface components can work with multiple different document processing devices and finishing machines, allowing one plug-in type to serve multiple device types through a common interface framework

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the complex integration task into separate, independent plug-in components, each handling specific device types or finishing operations, making the overall system manageable through modular segmentation rather than monolithic integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If new devices are added to the printing system, then system capability is extended, but the effort to introduce control programs and GUI information increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem extensibilityVSAvoidease of system extension

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic system where plug-in components can be automatically discovered, loaded, and integrated at runtime without requiring system reconfiguration or manual programming, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to new devices through automatic detection mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining standardized plug-in interfaces and automatic detection routines, so that when new devices are added, the framework is already in place to automatically recognize and integrate them without requiring preliminary manual configuration work

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Loss of information

If operators must locate order sheets for each job configuration, then complete job information is available, but delays and confusion occur when information is misplaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejob configuration informationVSAvoidjob setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where plug-in components automatically detect printed jobs and retrieve associated configuration information from the system, providing real-time feedback about job requirements and automatically configuring finishing machines based on detected job parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8237940B2Extensible control of document processing

Publication Date: 2012.08.07 RICOH CO LTD

AI summary

In an embodiment, a method comprises, in a print application management computer program that enables a user to generate a printed application using one or more document processing devices: identifying a plug-in that extends one or more capabilities of the print application management computer program; extending the print application management computer program to include the identified plug-in, including reconfiguring a graphical user interface of the print application management computer program to include one or more GUI widgets associated with the identified plug-in.