Print Workflow Processing with Segmented Copy Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital print workflow systems are inefficient and error-prone, requiring the creation of new workflows for changes, leading to wasteful reprocessing of entire print jobs and poor handling of late-stage submissions or revisions.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for modifying a predefined workflow by creating a copy of it, making changes only to the copied workflow, and reprocessing only the modified portion, enabling insertion or revision of print files without reprocessing the entire job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a user modifies a predefined workflow by creating a new workflow, then the workflow can be changed to accommodate specific print job requirements, but it requires creating an entirely new workflow and reprocessing the entire print job, which is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow is divided into individual processing steps or stages. When a modification is needed, only the specific segment (processing step) is modified rather than the entire workflow. This allows selective reprocessing of only the affected portion, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating an entirely new workflow from scratch, the system creates a copy of the existing workflow and applies modifications to the copy. This preserves the original workflow's integrity while enabling changes, and only the modified portions need to be reprocessed, reducing overall processing time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a user modifies a predefined workflow by implementing changes in the original workflow, then the workflow can be updated, but the user must remember to undo changes to restore the original state, which is error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the original workflow when modifications are needed. This copy can be modified freely without affecting the original workflow's integrity. The copy serves as an isolated workspace for changes, eliminating the risk of accidental modification to the original workflow while still achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow is segmented into independent processing steps that can be modified individually in the copy without affecting other steps or the original workflow. This segmentation isolates changes locally, maintaining overall workflow integrity while enabling flexible modifications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional process steps are added to a workflow, then the workflow can accommodate new processing requirements, but the entire print job must be reprocessed through all processing steps, which is wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow is divided into discrete processing steps or segments. When new process steps are added, they are inserted at specific locations in the segmented workflow structure. The system then identifies which segments need reprocessing and applies changes only to those segments, avoiding unnecessary reprocessing of the entire print job and reducing energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of reprocessing the entire print job through all workflow steps, the system performs partial reprocessing only of the affected segments or steps where changes were made. This partial action approach maintains workflow flexibility while minimizing the energy cost associated with complete reprocessing.
4Reliability
If a print job is reprocessed through the entire workflow after modifications, then all processing steps are executed, but it takes a long processing time, especially when only minor changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow is segmented into individual processing steps with clear dependencies and execution order. The system tracks which segments have been completed and which need reprocessing based on modifications. This segmentation enables the system to maintain processing completeness for affected segments while skipping already-processed segments, thereby preserving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial reprocessing only of the necessary segments rather than executing the entire workflow again. By identifying and reprocessing only the affected portions, the system maintains sufficient processing completeness for the modified areas while significantly reducing overall processing time and preserving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for processing a print job through a copy of a workflow, modifying the copied workflow and reprocessing the print job only through the modified portion of the copied workflow. In addition, methods and apparatus in accordance with this invention are provided for modifying or inserting additional print files into a print job that has already been processed through a workflow, and processing only the modified or inserted print files through the workflow.