Print Job Data Formatting for Automated Quality Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing information formats for transferring quality terms and quality reports in commercial printing services lack unified standards, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for manual processing and format conversions across different customers and printing companies.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that interprets and generates jobs using standardized data formats (PRX and PQX) to automate the quality adjustment and reporting processes, ensuring consistency and efficiency in meeting customer quality requirements across various printing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual processing and format conversions are used across different customers and printing companies, then flexibility in handling diverse quality terms is maintained, but work time and processing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling diverse quality termsVSAvoidwork time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal data exchange format (JDF) that can handle multiple types of quality terms and printing processes through a single standardized interface. The system uses a common data structure that accommodates diverse customer requirements while maintaining consistent processing workflows, eliminating the need for separate manual processing methods for different quality terms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms quality terms from unstructured textual descriptions into standardized parametric data within the JDF format. By converting quality requirements into structured parameters with defined data types and validation rules, the system enables automated processing while maintaining the ability to handle diverse quality specifications through parameter variation rather than process redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple data formats are used for quality terms and reports, then compatibility with different customer systems is improved, but processing efficiency and automation capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compatibilityVSAvoidprocessing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes JDF as a universal data exchange format that serves multiple functions: it carries quality terms from customers, transmits them through the printing workflow, and returns quality reports to customers. This single format handles diverse data types (quality requirements, process parameters, inspection results) while enabling automated processing across different printing systems and customer platforms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses JDF as an intermediary data format that bridges customer systems and printing company systems. Rather than requiring direct integration between diverse customer platforms and various printing equipment, the JDF format serves as a standardized mediator that translates and harmonizes data exchanges, enabling automation while maintaining broad system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If standardized data formats are implemented for quality terms, then automation and efficiency are improved, but flexibility in handling custom quality requirements may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkflow efficiencyVSAvoidcustom quality requirements handling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a parametric approach where quality requirements are expressed as configurable parameters within the standardized JDF format. The data structure includes extensible parameter fields that can accommodate custom quality specifications while maintaining the overall standardized framework. This allows automated processing through parameter validation and interpretation rather than rigid format constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic data structure within the JDF format that can adapt to different quality requirements. The parameter definitions and validation rules are configurable rather than fixed, allowing the standardized format to dynamically adjust to custom quality terms while maintaining automated processing capabilities through structured data interpretation and flexible parameter handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual quality adjustment and reporting processes are used, then customization for each customer is improved, but labor costs and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomer customizationVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated quality adjustment and reporting systems that self-configure based on customer requirements transmitted through the JDF format. The system automatically interprets quality terms, configures appropriate processing parameters, executes quality control operations, and generates customized reports without manual intervention. This automation maintains customer-specific customization while eliminating manual labor through intelligent system self-service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes automated feedback loops where quality requirements from customers are continuously interpreted, processed, and validated through the standardized data format. The system automatically adjusts processing parameters based on feedback from quality measurements and inspection results, enabling customized quality outcomes through automated closed-loop control rather than manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11847358B2Information processing apparatus, control method for information processing apparatus, and storage medium
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 CANON KK
  • US11847358B2 patent drawing
  • US11847358B2 patent drawing
  • US11847358B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A printing system provides an efficient operation process by automating work for producing a print product that meets quality terms requested by a customer with an information format for transferring quality terms or a quality report. A control method for an information processing apparatus includes receiving order data including quality request data from an order receiving system, interpreting the received quality request data, generating a job containing information that is used for quality adjustment to be performed by a production system, based on the interpreted quality request data, and sending the job to the production system. The job containing quality request data in a data format that is same as a data format of the received quality request data is generated.