Print Job Priority Control for Photobook Post-Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing photobook generation systems fail to effectively control the output of print jobs to paper discharge trays, leading to mixing of print products from different jobs and neglecting the order of post-processing steps, which affects operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that determines job sending priorities based on the number of post-processing steps required for each job, ensuring that jobs with more steps are processed first and using paper discharge tray management to prevent mixing of print products, while also considering the availability of paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If paper discharge tray control is implemented for each page in a job, then paper discharge control is improved, but print products from different jobs may still mix in the same tray and be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the paper discharge control by introducing separate paper discharge trays for different job types. Instead of using a single tray for all print products, the system divides the discharge path into multiple trays (e.g., first paper discharge tray for first job type, second paper discharge tray for second job type), preventing mixing of print products from different jobs while maintaining precise control over each job's discharge location.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing paper discharge control methods are used, then paper discharge is controlled, but the order of jobs is not kept based on post-processing step type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the discharge tray assignment before jobs are actually processed. The system pre-establishes the correspondence between job types and paper discharge trays based on post-processing step requirements, so that when jobs arrive, they are immediately directed to the correct tray without needing to track complex processing orders during execution.
3Ease of operation
If print products are discharged to the same tray, then discharge simplicity is maintained, but sorting and conveying to post-processing apparatus becomes troublesome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different discharge destinations for different job types. Instead of uniform discharge to a single tray, the system assigns specific discharge trays to specific job types based on their post-processing requirements. This localized differentiation maintains operational simplicity for each job type while enabling efficient sorting for post-processing.
4Speed
If jobs are processed in parallel without priority determination, then processing speed is maintained, but jobs with more post-processing steps cannot be prioritized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a priority determination mechanism that assigns different processing priorities to jobs based on their characteristics (such as number of post-processing steps). This parameter-based differentiation allows the system to maintain fast processing for simple jobs while ensuring complex jobs receive appropriate attention, thereby improving overall workflow efficiency without sacrificing speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing apparatus connected to a print apparatus via a network, characterized by comprises: receiving means for receiving a plurality of jobs; determination means for determining a priority level of each of the plurality of jobs in an order in which jobs are sent to the print apparatus, based on information of a post-processing step which corresponds to each of the plurality of jobs and is performed after the plurality of jobs are printed by the print apparatus; and sending means for sending the plurality of jobs to the print apparatus in accordance with the priority levels in which jobs are sent, which are determined by the determination means.