Print Queue Action Merging to Reduce Processing Time and Waste
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing printer systems inefficiently manage pre-processing and post-processing actions in the print queue, leading to wasted time and resources due to overlapping or redundant actions.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects and combines or removes overlapping pre-processing and post-processing actions in the print queue, optimizing time and resource usage by replacing them with combined actions that take less time and waste, and adapting the visualization of the queue accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If pre-processing and post-processing actions are executed separately for each print job in the queue, then each job can be processed independently with full control, but time consumption and resource waste increase due to redundant overlapping actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges overlapping pre-processing and post-processing actions from adjacent print jobs into combined actions. When the post-processing action of one job overlaps with the pre-processing action of the next job, the system combines these actions into a single unified operation, eliminating redundant time consumption while maintaining independent processing control for each job.
2Productivity
If pre-processing and post-processing actions are executed separately for each print job, then job independence is maintained, but resource waste increases due to redundant actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines redundant pre-processing and post-processing actions from consecutive print jobs into unified actions, reducing waste of print medium, inks, and finishing materials. By merging overlapping actions, the system avoids redundant resource consumption while maintaining the ability to process each job independently with appropriate resource allocation.
3Loss of information
If the print queue visualization shows all individual pre-processing and post-processing actions, then complete job details are visible, but the visualization becomes complex and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges overlapping pre-processing and post-processing actions in the print queue visualization into single combined action entries. This reduces the visual complexity of the queue display while preserving complete information about all actions being performed, allowing operators to easily identify combined actions and understand the overall processing status without being overwhelmed by redundant individual action listings.
Data Source
AI summary
The method comprises the step of detecting in the print queue of a printer a pre-processing or post-processing action of a first print job which is followed by a pre-processing or post-processing action of a second print job succeeding the first print job, wherein the pre-processing or post-processing action of the first print job and the pre-processing or post-processing action of the second print job are suitable to be combined in at least zero combination actions which take less time and/or waste than a total of said two combinable actions. The pre-processing or post-processing action of the first job and the pre-processing or post-processing action of the second job are replaced by the at least zero combination actions in the print queue while taking the less time and/or waste of the at least zero combined actions into account, and the visualization of the print queue is adapted accordingly.