Print Job Order Optimization for Media Length Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-speed production printers face inefficiencies due to limitations in handling variable paper lengths, leading to excessive sheet length transitions and forced cycle downs, which can be minimized by optimizing the order of print jobs.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to generate a revised print job order list that reduces media length transitions by matching starting and ending media length pair values, utilizing a directed graph to analyze and optimize the printing sequence of print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable paper length support is added to provide workflow flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the number of sheet length transitions increases causing forced cycle downs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the print job queue to identify and order jobs by their media length characteristics before printing begins. By pre-calculating the optimal sequence that minimizes transitions, the system prepares the printing process in advance to avoid forced cycle downs and maintain continuous high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the printing sequence based on the actual mix of jobs in the queue. Rather than using a fixed ordering strategy, it adapts the job sequence in real-time according to the variable paper lengths present, optimizing the transition points between different media lengths to minimize disruptions to the printing process.
2Ease of operation
If print jobs are processed in original queue order, then ease of operation is maintained, but media length transitions are not minimized causing forced cycle downs
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary optimization layer between the job queue and the print engine. This intermediary component analyzes the queue contents and reorders jobs based on media length compatibility without requiring changes to the original job submission process or user interaction, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the print queue composition and adjusts the job ordering strategy accordingly. By providing feedback about the current queue state and its impact on media transitions, the system automatically optimizes the sequence to minimize forced cycle downs while maintaining simple operation for users.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing system is disclosed. The printing system includes at least one memory device to store optimization logic and one or more processors, coupled to the at least one memory device, to execute the optimization logic to receive a print job batch including a plurality of print jobs each having starting and ending media length pair values and generate a revised print job order list having a sequence for printing the plurality of print jobs to reduce a number of media length transitions based on a matching of the starting and ending media length pair values of the plurality of print jobs.