Print Job Scheduling by Image Quality and Printer Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing print job management systems fail to determine the optimal printing order for multiple print jobs, leading to deteriorated image qualities due to the lack of consideration for required image qualities during the printing process.
Innovation Solution
A printing management system that includes a first acquisition unit for acquiring image quality information, a second acquisition unit for acquiring printer characteristics, and a determination unit that determines the printing order of print jobs based on the required image qualities and printer characteristics to ensure high-quality printing results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If print jobs are processed in a simple sequential order without considering image quality requirements, then the printing process is simple and fast, but the image quality of printing results deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing image quality parameters as a basis for determining printing order. The printing management apparatus changes the ordering parameter from simple sequence to image quality level, ensuring that print jobs requiring higher image quality are processed during periods when the printer can deliver guaranteed high-quality output. This resolves the contradiction by making the printing process complex enough to consider quality parameters while maintaining operational simplicity through automated parameter-based scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the printing order in advance based on image quality requirements before actual printing begins. The system pre-analyzes the image quality needs of multiple print jobs and schedules them in the optimal order, so that when printing executes, the sequence is already optimized for quality without requiring real-time complex decisions during the printing process itself.
2Productivity
If multiple print jobs are processed simultaneously using multiple-up printing, then productivity increases, but image quality control becomes difficult and may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the processing approach for different print jobs based on their specific image quality requirements. Instead of treating all print jobs uniformly during multiple-up printing, the system assigns different priorities and scheduling positions to individual jobs according to their quality needs. This allows simultaneous processing while maintaining appropriate quality control for each job's specific requirements.
3Reliability
If print jobs are scheduled without considering printer characteristics, then scheduling is simple, but the feasibility of achieving required image qualities decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring printer characteristics and using this information to adjust and determine the optimal printing order. The printing management apparatus receives feedback about the printer's current state and capabilities, then uses this feedback to schedule print jobs in an order that maximizes the likelihood of meeting image quality requirements. This creates a closed-loop system where scheduling decisions are informed by actual printer performance data.
Data Source
AI summary
A printing management system includes a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, and a determination unit. The first acquisition unit acquires one or more pieces of image quality information. Each of the one or more pieces of image quality information is information on an image quality required for a printing result obtained by processing a piece of print information. The second acquisition unit acquires a printing characteristic of a printer. The determination unit determines a printing order of multiple pieces of print information in the printer, by using multiple pieces of image quality information, each of which is acquired for one of the multiple pieces of print information by the first acquisition unit, and by using the printing characteristic acquired by the second acquisition unit.