Print Job Queuing System with Consumable Status Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image formation systems that switch between immediate print mode and queue and hold mode do not adequately notify users when consumables run low, leading to delayed or failed print jobs, especially for users in immediate print mode who require quick processing.
Innovation Solution
An image formation system with a receiving unit, queuing unit, determination unit, notification unit, and execution unit that determines the print mode and consumable status, notifies users when consumables are low, and prioritizes print jobs based on mode and user action, ensuring timely processing of print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the image formation apparatus operates in queue and hold mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but print job processing speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between sleep mode and conducted state based on the presence of print jobs. When print jobs are detected, the apparatus transitions from sleep mode to conducted state to process jobs, then returns to sleep mode after completion. This dynamic state management allows the system to optimize between power consumption and processing speed based on actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary warm-up operations before processing print jobs in queue and hold mode. This ensures that the printing mechanism is fully operational and ready for immediate processing when needed, preventing delays while maintaining power-saving benefits during idle periods.
2Loss of information
If the image formation apparatus notifies users when consumables run out in queue and hold mode, then user awareness is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors consumable levels and automatically notifies users when thresholds are reached. This feedback loop provides timely information to users about consumable status without requiring complex manual checking procedures, balancing information delivery with system simplicity.
3Productivity
If immediate print mode is used to ensure fast processing, then print job processing speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on user requirements and job characteristics. For immediate print mode jobs, the system maintains a ready state to ensure fast processing, while for queue and hold mode jobs, it transitions to power-saving modes. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between processing speed and power consumption based on actual job requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An image formation apparatus obtains an amount of sheets remaining in its accommodation unit and from that amount determines whether a print job of interest can successfully be processed for printing. If so, then the print job of interest is processed for printing. If not, a print notification dialog box is output to provide notification that the print job cannot successfully be processed for printing and that it is necessary to resupply sheets required to process the print job for printing.