Print Job Input Assistance Using Co-occurrence Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of print job setup options and constraints leads to increased operator time and effort, with existing systems often failing to provide appropriate candidate values, especially when setup options are partially changed or new jobs are generated, and operators lack knowledge on configuration.
Innovation Solution
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing an input assistance program that receives operator input for one setup option, searches for candidate values for unspecified options using a rule collection based on input values for other options, and displays these candidates, along with evaluation metrics to indicate reliability, thereby reducing operator effort and improving configuration skills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of setup options are provided for print job configuration, then the system offers comprehensive control and customization, but operator time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores co-occurrence relationships between setup options and their values based on historical print job data. When an operator configures a print job, the system automatically retrieves and presents candidate values for unspecified setup options based on these pre-computed relationships, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure every option and significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining comprehensive setup capabilities
2Ease of operation
If machine learning is used to present candidate setting values, then operator input effort is reduced, but the system fails to provide appropriate candidates when setup options are partially changed or for new jobs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts candidate value recommendations based on the current configuration state. It calculates co-occurrence relationships between specified setup options and unspecified ones in real-time, allowing the system to provide accurate candidate suggestions even when setup options are partially changed or for new print jobs, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses historical print job data to build and continuously refine co-occurrence relationship models. By analyzing patterns from past configurations, the system learns which setup option values frequently occur together and uses this feedback to improve candidate value recommendations, ensuring appropriateness even for new or modified print jobs
3Ease of operation
If all setup options require manual configuration, then operators have full control over each parameter, but erroneous input occurs frequently due to complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates candidate values for unspecified setup options based on co-occurrence relationships with specified options, allowing the system to assist itself in completing the configuration. This self-service approach reduces manual input requirements and minimizes erroneous input while maintaining operator control, as operators can still review and modify the suggested candidate values if needed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing an input assistance program and an input assisting method. A hardware processor of an apparatus for configuring setup options for a print job, receives an operator's input of a value for one of setup options for a print job, and searches for a candidate value for an unspecified setup option, for which no value is specified by an operator's input, among the setup options for the print job, by using a rule chosen from a rule collection prepared in advance, on the basis of the value input for the one of the setup options and a value or values each already specified for another of the setup options by an operator's input or by default. In response to finding a candidate value for the unspecified setup option, the hardware processor causes a display of the apparatus to display the candidate value.