Print Controller Automating Test and Real Print Jobs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current print control systems lack efficient methods to manage test prints and real prints, particularly in mixed print jobs, leading to uncertainties in setting changes and cost calculations between sample and actual print jobs, and fail to automate the determination of print job progress.
Innovation Solution
A print controller that receives print jobs, generates test prints for cut paper printers and real prints for continuous paper printers, adjusts print parameters based on test print results, and notifies the workflow system of print job status, allowing for automated handling of print job changes and cost calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If test prints are executed manually for each print job, then print quality can be verified, but productivity is reduced due to repeated manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs test prints automatically as a preliminary step before executing the full print job. The print controller automatically generates test print jobs, sends them to the printer, and verifies the output quality without requiring manual intervention, thus maintaining quality control while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The print controller autonomously manages the test print process by automatically generating test jobs, transmitting them to the printer, receiving test print outputs, and evaluating quality metrics. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual test print execution and quality verification, resolving the contradiction between quality control and productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If print parameters are adjusted manually based on test print results, then output quality can be optimized, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements an automated feedback loop where test print results are automatically evaluated by the print controller, which then adjusts print parameters based on the evaluation outcomes. This closed-loop control system optimizes output quality while eliminating manual parameter adjustment, thereby reducing operation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The print controller serves as an intermediary between the test print execution and the full print job. It automatically processes test print results, determines necessary parameter adjustments, and applies these adjustments before executing the actual print job, thus optimizing quality without requiring direct manual intervention
3Stability of the object's composition
If test prints are executed before every real print job, then print quality consistency is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs test prints as a preliminary automated step before full print job execution. By automating this preliminary quality verification process, the system ensures consistent print quality while minimizing the time overhead through efficient automated execution rather than manual procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts print parameters based on test print results to maintain quality consistency. By automatically optimizing parameters only when necessary based on test feedback, the system maintains quality stability while reducing unnecessary time consumption from fixed test print requirements
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a print controller connectable to each of a cut paper printer and a continuous paper printer, the print controller including a receiving unit that receives a print job in a job ticket format from a print work flow system, a test print instruction unit that generates a print job of a new test print based on the print job and instructs the cut paper printer to execute a print process to execute a test print using print data included in the print job, a holding notification unit that notifies the print work flow system of an effect that the print job is held, and a real print job instruction unit that sends the print data included in the print job and a print parameter to the continuous paper printer and instructs the continuous paper printer to execute a real print job.