Print Queue GUI with Scheduler for Job Timing Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Print operators in complex print shop architectures face challenges in determining the status of queued print jobs, as existing systems only provide a list of jobs without information on estimated start and completion times, making it difficult to plan and manage print jobs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a print queue, a scheduler, and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that estimates the time to print each job and displays graphical representations of print jobs based on their estimated time, allowing operators to visually determine the order and duration of print jobs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a list of print jobs is displayed, then the print operator can see the jobs in the queue, but the operator cannot determine when jobs will start printing or how long they will take to print
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the one-dimensional list view into a two-dimensional graphical representation where print jobs are displayed as bars with varying lengths. This dimensional change allows the inclusion of timing information (estimated print duration and start time) as visual properties of the bars, enabling operators to perceive timing data at a glance without adding complex interface elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses color coding in the graphical representation to convey different types of information about print jobs. Different colors or shading patterns indicate various job statuses, priorities, or timing characteristics, allowing operators to quickly distinguish between different job types and their expected completion times without increasing textual information density.
2Ease of operation
If detailed information about each print job is provided, then the operator can make better planning decisions, but the interface becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
By representing print jobs as graphical bars with length proportional to estimated print duration, the system encodes multiple data points (job identity, estimated duration, start time) into a single visual element. This allows operators to grasp job timing information intuitively through visual comparison rather than reading and interpreting numerical data, simplifying the interaction model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or metaphorical representation of the print queue as a timeline or Gantt chart. Instead of displaying raw data about job durations and start times, the system generates graphical bar representations that mirror the temporal structure of the print queue, making the information immediately comprehensible and easier to manipulate.
3Loss of information
If the print queue shows only basic job information, then the interface remains simple, but the operator lacks the information needed to estimate when jobs will start and finish printing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of estimated print durations and start times before the operator needs to make decisions. The scheduler component pre-computes these timing parameters based on the current queue state and printer capabilities, then encodes them into the graphical representation. This allows operators to view timing information instantly without performing manual calculations, thereby improving management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a scheduler component as an intermediary between the print queue data and the graphical display. This scheduler automatically estimates print durations and start times based on job characteristics and printer performance, then feeds this processed information to the GUI. The intermediary handles the complexity of timing calculations, allowing the interface to present simplified visual information while maintaining accurate productivity data.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for visually representing print jobs in a print queue. In one embodiment, a system comprising a print queue, a scheduler, and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) is disclosed. The print queue stores print jobs for a printer. The scheduler estimates a time to print each of the print jobs on the printer. The GUI displays a graphical representation of each of the print jobs in the print queue, where a size of a graphical representation of each of the print jobs is based on the estimated time to print each of the print jobs.