Dynamic Printer List Reordering for Print Job Attributes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current print management systems lack an efficient method to dynamically prioritize and display printers based on the specific attributes of a selected print job, leading to suboptimal printer selection and potential inefficiencies in print job processing.
Innovation Solution
A print management apparatus that includes a priority determining unit to calculate a priority for each printer using the settings information of a selected print job and printer information, adjusting the display order of printers in the printer list to reflect their suitability, thereby facilitating the selection of the most appropriate printer for the job.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If printers are displayed in a fixed order in the printer list, then the display structure is simple and stable, but the operator cannot efficiently select the most suitable printer for specific print job attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The printer list display order is changed from a fixed static arrangement to a dynamic arrangement that automatically reorders printers based on the attributes of the selected print job. The display controller receives print job information and dynamically adjusts the printer list order to prioritize printers that best match the job requirements, such as color vs. monochrome capabilities, paper size compatibility, and finishing options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display order parameter of the printer list based on multiple attributes of the print job including color requirements, paper size, finishing options, and printer availability. By varying the display order according to these parameters, the system enables operators to quickly identify and select the most appropriate printer without manually evaluating each printer's specifications.
2Productivity
If the printer list is reordered dynamically based on print job attributes, then the ease of printer selection is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of print job attributes before displaying the printer list. The display controller pre-processes the print job information to identify key attributes such as color requirements, paper size, and finishing options, then uses this information to pre-order the printer list accordingly. This preliminary action enables operators to immediately see the most suitable printers at the top of the list without manual filtering or evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The display controller acts as an intermediary between the print job specifications and the printer list display. It receives detailed print job information, processes this data against available printer capabilities, and generates an optimized display order that bridges the gap between job requirements and printer suitability, thereby improving processing efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Loss of information
If all printers are displayed in the printer list regardless of suitability, then completeness of information is maintained, but information overload occurs making selection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by displaying different information priorities to different printers based on their suitability for the specific print job. Printers that closely match the job attributes are displayed with higher prominence and detailed capability information, while less suitable printers are displayed with reduced information or lower priority. This selective information presentation maintains completeness while reducing operator cognitive load.
Solution Approach 2:
The printer list is segmented into priority groups based on compatibility with the print job attributes. The display controller divides printers into categories such as highly suitable, partially suitable, and unsuitable, and displays them in separate sections or with different visual indicators. This segmentation enables operators to quickly focus on the most appropriate printers while still having access to complete information about all available printers if needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A print management apparatus includes a memory that stores settings information of a print job, and printer information, a display controller that controls a display to simultaneously display a print job list representing a list of print jobs, and a printer list representing a list of printers, and a receiving unit that receives an input to the print job list displayed on the display. The display controller changes, in response to reception by the receiving unit of an input to select a print job displayed in the print job list, the display order of printers in the printer list by use of the settings information of the selected print job and the printer information. The receiving unit receives, from a screen displayed on the display and in which the changing of the display order is reflected, an input to select a destination printer to which to transmit a print job.