Print Job Ticket Update via Difference File
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Solution Overview
Problem
In photographic processing systems, users face difficulties in temporarily changing print configurations without modifying the original job ticket, especially when multiple users share or when job tickets are read-only, leading to potential errors due to lack of knowledge about the ticket's structure.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a monitoring unit that detects job data and a difference file, allowing temporary changes to print configuration information by correcting the job data based on the difference file when it is placed in a hot folder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the user directly changes the original job ticket to temporarily change print configuration, then the print configuration can be changed, but the user must know the detailed structure of the job ticket which increases complexity and risk of errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the job ticket called a 'difference file' that contains only the specific configuration changes needed. Instead of requiring users to understand and modify the complex original job ticket structure, the system generates a simplified copy that mirrors only the necessary modifications, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the job ticket modification process into two independent parts: the original job ticket and a separate difference file. The difference file contains only the specific configuration changes (such as paper type, number of copies) without requiring knowledge of the complete job ticket structure. This segmentation allows users to make changes without understanding the overall structure.
2Reliability
If the job ticket is read-only or shared by multiple users, then data integrity is maintained, but it becomes basically impossible to change the print configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a difference file as an intermediary between the user's modification needs and the original read-only job ticket. The system merges the difference file with the original job ticket at processing time, allowing configuration changes without directly modifying the protected original file. This intermediary mechanism enables adaptability while preserving the reliability and read-only status of the shared job ticket.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a difference file that copies only the necessary modification data without altering the original job ticket. This copying approach allows multiple users to have their own difference files with different modifications, enabling configuration changes on read-only or shared tickets while maintaining data integrity of the original.
3Ease of operation
If the user changes the original job ticket, then the print configuration can be modified, but the original ticket structure must be understood which increases error risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a difference file that is a simplified copy containing only the necessary modification information. Users interact with this copy rather than the complex original structure, making operations easier while reducing errors since the difference file has a simpler, more intuitive structure designed specifically for modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates and manages the difference file, merging it with the original job ticket without requiring user intervention to understand the complex structure. The system handles the complexity of merging and conflict resolution, allowing users to simply specify their desired changes in the difference file, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing errors.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention aims to temporarily change print configuration information easily. To achieve such an object, an information processing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a monitoring unit configured to monitor that job data composed of print configuration information data and content data, and a difference file for temporarily changing the print configuration information of the print configuration information data to different print configuration information are put in a hot folder; and a correcting unit configured to, in a case where the job data and the difference file are put in the hot folder, correct the print configuration information data included in the job data on the basis of the difference file.