Print Job Distribution With Collection Order Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing print management systems, when a print job is divided and executed by multiple printers, operators face challenges in correctly collecting printouts in the designated order, leading to inefficiencies and mistakes, especially when grouping multiple jobs together.
Innovation Solution
A print management system that includes a server to distribute print jobs to multiple printers while ensuring the correct collection order by designating and displaying the collection order on a client terminal, using a print management program to manage and optimize the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a group job is executed by one printing machine, then printing order is maintained, but printing efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a group job into multiple sub-jobs and assigns them to different printing machines. Each printing machine executes a portion of the total print data, allowing parallel processing while maintaining overall printing order through centralized management by the print management server.
Solution Approach 2:
The print management server acts as an intermediary between the client terminal and multiple printing machines. It receives print data, determines the collection order, distributes sub-jobs to appropriate printers, and provides collection order information to the client terminal, thereby coordinating multiple printers to work in parallel while ensuring correct output sequencing.
2Productivity
If a group job is divided and executed by multiple printing machines, then printing efficiency is improved, but collection order accuracy deteriorates due to operator mistakes
Solution Approach 1:
The print management server provides collection order information to the client terminal, enabling the client to display and notify the operator of the correct collection sequence. This feedback mechanism ensures operators can accurately collect printouts in the designated order without making mistakes, even when multiple printers are involved.
Solution Approach 2:
The print management server determines and communicates the collection order before the printing process begins. By providing collection order information in advance to the client terminal, the system prepares the operator with the necessary instructions prior to job execution, preventing collection errors.
3Device complexity
If collection order information is not provided to the client terminal, then system complexity is reduced, but operator error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The print management server serves as an intermediary that generates and transmits collection order information to the client terminal. This adds minimal system complexity while significantly improving collection accuracy, as the automated information provision eliminates reliance on operator memory or manual tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The client terminal automatically receives and displays collection order information from the print management server, enabling the system to self-manage the communication of collection sequences without requiring additional manual intervention or complex operator procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A print management system includes: a processor; and a display device, in which the processor is configured to: by executing a program, determine whether or not it is necessary to designate a collection order of printouts in a case where a print job is executed by plural printing machines, according to a type of the print job; and display the collection order of the printouts on the display device in a case where it is necessary to designate the collection order.