Print Job Interface Separation for Cost Calculation Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image formation apparatuses lack efficient methods to handle both print jobs and cost calculation jobs simultaneously, leading to reduced user work efficiency due to the need for separate modes and potential mixing of job types.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus separates print jobs and cost calculation jobs into distinct lists and processes, allowing simultaneous handling of both types without interference, with cost calculation performed independently and efficiently within the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the image formation apparatus handles both print jobs and cost calculation jobs in the same interface, then user work efficiency is improved, but job type mixing may occur causing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The job list is segmented into distinct sections: print job list and cost calculation job list. The control unit automatically separates received jobs into these categories based on job type, preventing mixing while maintaining a unified interface. This segmentation allows users to efficiently manage both job types without confusion or errors.
2Reliability
If separate modes are used for print jobs and cost calculation jobs, then job type confusion is prevented, but user work efficiency decreases due to mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus merges the handling of print jobs and cost calculation jobs into a single unified interface and processing system. The control unit simultaneously manages both job types within the same operational mode, eliminating the need for mode switching while maintaining clear separation through automated classification and distinct display lists.
3Measurement precision
If cost calculation jobs are processed separately from print jobs, then processing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with universal functionality to handle both print jobs and cost calculation jobs through a single integrated processing system. The same control unit performs different operations based on job type identification, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processing systems while maintaining accurate cost calculation through specialized algorithms for each job type.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus has a reception unit configured to receive a print job for performing printing using a print unit and a cost calculation job for calculating cost of printing to be performed using the print unit and a control unit configured to display, on a display unit, a first screen displaying a print job list including a print job received but not a cost calculation job received and a second screen displaying a cost calculation job list including a cost calculation job received but not a print job received. Each of the first screen and the second screen includes a field for receiving an instruction for switching display to the first screen or to the second screen.