Print Server Hot Folder Job Sorting for Image Formation Order
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image forming apparatuses struggle to control the order in which images are formed when multiple work instruction information files are stored in a specific folder, leading to unpredictable printing sequences.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus with a processor that acquires work instruction information, rearranges it to a predetermined order, and stores the rearranged information in a target folder for sequential image formation by an image forming apparatus, using a print server to manage job definition formats (JDFs) and content files within a hot folder system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple work instruction information files are stored in a specific folder, then the quantity of work instructions that can be processed increases, but the control over the order of image formation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The information processing apparatus performs preliminary sorting of work instruction files based on file names before transferring them to the image forming apparatus. This preliminary action ensures that the files are arranged in the correct processing order in advance, allowing the image forming apparatus to process multiple files sequentially without requiring complex real-time control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The information processing apparatus acts as an intermediary between the file storage system and the image forming apparatus. It receives multiple work instruction files, sorts them according to naming conventions, and transfers them in the correct sequence to the image forming apparatus, thereby mediating the order control function without requiring the image forming apparatus itself to have complex sorting capabilities.
2Productivity
If work instruction files are transferred to an image forming apparatus, then the productivity of image formation increases, but file name conflicts may occur leading to processing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different quality requirements to different parts of the file naming structure. File names are designed with specific local qualities including unique identifiers, sequence numbers, and descriptive information in designated positions. This local quality differentiation ensures that each file can be uniquely identified and processed in the correct order without conflicts, even when multiple files are transferred simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of file name structure to include sequence numbers and unique identifiers in specific positions. By modifying the file naming parameters to incorporate ordering information, the system ensures that files can be automatically sorted and processed in the correct sequence, preventing file name conflicts during high-productivity batch processing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a processor configured to: acquire work instruction information stored in a specific folder and target information that is a target of image formation and that corresponds to the work instruction information; change an order of the acquired work instruction information such that the target information corresponding to the work instruction information are subjected to the image formation in a predetermined order; and perform a process of sequentially storing the work instruction information the order of which is changed in a target folder from which an image forming apparatus takes information that is the target of the image formation.