Print Job Scheduling via Time Deviation Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In image forming apparatuses, print jobs with long processing times often cause bottlenecks, leading to delayed output, as existing systems lack efficient mechanisms to dynamically adjust the execution order based on print time deviations, relying on user intervention for order changes.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a time deviation calculation unit sets a window in the print queue, calculates total print time and deviation, and a print control unit rearranges jobs within this window to prioritize shorter print times, ensuring timely output without user confirmation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If print jobs are processed in the order of acquisition (FIFO queue), then the system maintains simple processing logic, but long print jobs cause bottlenecks and delay output completion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput completion speedVSAvoidwaiting time for users

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the execution order of print jobs based on real-time calculation of print times and deviations, transforming the static FIFO queue into a dynamic scheduling system that adapts to job characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the ordering parameter from simple acquisition time to a composite metric considering print time and deviation, enabling optimized scheduling that reduces overall completion time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the system automatically rearranges print job order based on print time deviation, then output efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprint output efficiencyVSAvoidjob scheduling system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-scheduling by automatically calculating print times and deviations, and rearranging jobs without external intervention, making the complex scheduling function self-contained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from print time calculations and deviation measurements to continuously optimize job ordering, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to actual printing conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If user confirmation is required for changing print job order, then user control is maintained, but work efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser control over print jobsVSAvoidwork efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system autonomously manages print job scheduling without requiring user confirmation, making intelligent decisions based on calculated metrics while users can still monitor and override if needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11573754B1Information processing apparatus, image formation system, and job processing method that automatically controls execution order of print jobs

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

Provided is an information processing apparatus that automatically controls the execution order of print jobs. For example, the image forming apparatus is an information processing apparatus for processing the print jobs. A time deviation calculation unit sets a window of a specific length in the print queue in which the print jobs are stored. A time deviation calculation unit calculates total print time and deviation of the print time of the print jobs in the window. The print control unit controls the execution order of the print jobs in the window based on the total print time and the deviation calculated by the time deviation calculation unit. The output unit outputs the print jobs in the execution order controlled by the print control unit.