Printer Queue Visualization for Media Availability and Output Grouping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in high-velocity industrial environments face challenges in managing print media and print jobs efficiently, as existing systems require manual calculations and cognitive load to determine which jobs can be printed based on available media, and do not provide a clear overview of media usage in the print job queue.
Innovation Solution
A visual element in the print job queue displays the status of each print job, indicating which jobs end up on the same output unit of print media, such as a stack or roll, and signals media availability, enabling operators to easily interpret job connections and media requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a manual calculation method is used to determine which print jobs can be printed based on available media, then the operator can assess media requirements, but the cognitive load and time required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical calculation process with an automated computer-based system. The print controller automatically calculates media requirements for each print job by analyzing job attributes (media type, quantity, dimensions) against available media in print media sources, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual computations while maintaining accurate assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the print controller to autonomously determine media compatibility and requirements without operator intervention. The automated calculation system independently assesses which print jobs can be printed with currently available media, freeing operators from this repetitive analytical task.
2Loss of information
If the input schedule displays detailed media information in separate panels, then comprehensive media tracking is achieved, but the operator cannot obtain a complete overview from a single view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate information panels into a single integrated user interface display. The input schedule now simultaneously presents media source information, print job queue status, and automated media requirement calculations in one unified view, allowing operators to comprehend the complete system state without navigating multiple separate screens or panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced input schedule serves multiple functions simultaneously: it displays available media in each source, shows the print job queue, indicates which jobs can be printed with current media, and provides media requirement calculations-all within a single interface. This multi-functional display consolidates what previously required separate panels into one comprehensive view.
3Loss of information
If the operator monitors multiple parts of the user interface window separately, then detailed information is accessible, but the overall understanding of print job and media status becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines previously distributed interface elements into an integrated display where media source status, print job queue information, and automated compatibility indicators are presented together in a single coherent view. This eliminates the need for operators to mentally integrate information from multiple separate interface regions.
4Ease of operation
If no visual indication is provided for print job connections to output units, then the print job queue can be displayed simply, but the operator cannot easily determine which jobs end up on the same stack or roll
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators in the user interface to show which print jobs are assigned to the same output unit (stack or roll). Different colors or highlighting patterns indicate jobs that share output destinations, allowing operators to quickly identify grouped jobs without complex analysis or separate displays.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and a printer for printing print jobs on print media, the printer comprising at least one print media source, a print controller for controlling the printing of the print jobs by means of a print job queue, and a user interface for displaying a representation list of the print jobs in the print job queue. The representation list comprises a visual element which is present at each scheduled print job in the representation list, is configured to signal a status of each print job and to display which print jobs end up to a same output unit of print media.