Print Server JDF PDF Conversion for Multi-Vendor Printers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Different production printers interpret Job Description Format (JDF) and Portable Document Format (PDF) job tickets differently due to varying vendor implementations, leading to inconsistencies or failures in print output and increased processing burdens in print shops with multiple vendors' equipment.
Innovation Solution
A print server system that processes chains of programs to customize print job content, converting JDF and PDF data into implementations compatible with the specific capabilities of each printer, delaying processing until immediately before printing to reduce reprocessing needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If print jobs are processed and converted to different implementations immediately upon receipt, then print jobs can be tailored for specific printers, but processing load at the print server increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scheduling of print jobs to printers based on capabilities, but delays the actual conversion and tailoring of print job content until immediately before printing. This allows the system to prepare the printing plan in advance while avoiding premature processing of job content, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing processing load.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines when to process print job conversions based on when the job is actually ready to be printed. Processing is flexible and adaptive to the printing schedule rather than being static or predetermined, allowing the system to optimize processing timing and reduce unnecessary reprocessing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple printers from different vendors are used in a print shop, then printing capacity and versatility increase, but interpretation differences of JDF and PDF formats cause inconsistencies in print output
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies printer-specific processing chains that are customized to each printer's vendor and capabilities. Each printer receives locally optimized processing instructions tailored to its specific interpretation of JDF and PDF formats, ensuring that each printer produces consistent output according to its own characteristics while maintaining overall print shop consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The print server acts as an intermediary between the diverse printers and the incoming print jobs. It converts and adapts print job content into implementations that are compatible with each specific printer's capabilities, mediating the interpretation differences between vendors and ensuring consistent output across all printers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If print jobs are rescheduled to different printers prior to printing, then printing flexibility increases, but previously processed jobs require reprocessing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scheduling of print jobs to appropriate printers based on capabilities and availability, but delays the actual content conversion and processing until immediately before printing. This preliminary scheduling establishes flexibility for rescheduling without committing to processing until necessary, avoiding wasted reprocessing efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains dynamic processing where print job conversions are not statically committed but remain flexible until the moment of printing. This allows jobs to be rescheduled to different printers without requiring reprocessing, as the processing adapts dynamically to the final printing assignment rather than being fixed earlier in the workflow.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for handling print jobs. One embodiment is a system that includes a print server that serves a print shop having printers which exhibit different capabilities. The print server includes an interface that receives print jobs that each include content in the form of a Job Definition Format (JDF) job ticket and Portable Document Format (PDF) print data, a memory that stores the print jobs, and a controller. The controller schedules the print jobs for printing at the printers, and converts content of at least one of the print jobs to a different implementation, such that print jobs scheduled for printing at different printers include different implementations of content, based on the capabilities of the printer that they are scheduled for printing at.