Print Controller Displaying Achievable and Realized Speeds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current media processing systems do not effectively account for factors like paper jams, manual holds, and printer switch-offs when calculating print speed, leading to suboptimal productivity and lack of insight for users on how to improve realized print speeds.
Innovation Solution
The print controller determines and displays both the achievable and realized average print speeds, allowing users to identify areas for improvement by comparing these values against the maximum print speed, and provides suggestions for optimizing print job settings and order to enhance productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the print controller displays only the realised average print speed without comparing it to the achievable average print speed, then the system is simple to operate, but the user cannot identify productivity improvement opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The print speed information is segmented into two distinct components: realised average print speed (actual performance) and achievable average print speed (theoretical maximum under given constraints). This segmentation allows users to separately understand actual performance versus potential performance, enabling identification of productivity gaps without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by displaying both realised and achievable print speeds simultaneously, allowing users to see the gap between actual and potential performance. This feedback mechanism provides actionable insights for improving productivity by adjusting print job settings or media selection
2Productivity
If the system calculates and displays the achievable average print speed based on print job settings and print order, then the user gains insight into productivity optimization, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the achievable average print speed based on the print job queue settings and print order before actual printing occurs. This allows users to see the theoretical maximum performance in advance and make proactive adjustments to print job settings or media selection to optimize productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system analyzes different parameters including print job settings (color mode, resolution, duplex printing) and media types (coated vs. uncoated paper) to calculate the achievable average print speed. By automatically evaluating these parameter combinations, the system provides productivity insights without requiring complex manual calculations from users
3Loss of time
If the realised average print speed is calculated from the start of printing and updated in real-time, then the user gets immediate feedback on performance, but the calculation and display load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously calculates and updates the realised average print speed from the start of printing through the entire print job queue. This continuous calculation provides real-time feedback on actual performance compared to the achievable average print speed, allowing users to monitor productivity throughout the printing process without interruption or delay
Data Source
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AI summary
A media processing system comprising a print engine having a maximum print speed, a print job queue of print jobs to be processed according to specified print job settings per print job and according to a print order determined by the print job queue, a print controller to control the processing of the print jobs, and a user interface screen. The print controller is configured to determine, according to an original set of the specified print job settings and according to the print order determined by the print job queue, an achievable average print speed of the media processing system for printing the print jobs in the print queue, the achievable average print speed being lower than the maximum print speed due to the original set of the specified print job settings and to the print order, to establish a realised average print speed of the media processing system of printing the print jobs in the print queue, and to notify a user of the media processing system by simultaneously displaying on the user interface screen a value of the realised average print speed and a value of the achievable average print speed.