Dynamic Printing Parameter Adjustment for Target Cost Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the commercial printing industry, estimating the cost of large or complex print jobs is challenging due to the difficulty in accurately determining ink consumption and printing time, leading to potential financial risks for print shops and dissatisfaction for customers.
Innovation Solution
A method that adjusts printing parameters in real-time to meet a target cost by printing an initial portion of the job, determining the actual cost, and then adjusting parameters for subsequent portions to ensure the total cost does not exceed the target, using a data processing system to optimize ink usage and printing speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If processing is done in advance to determine ink consumption and printing time, then cost estimation accuracy is improved, but processing time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of a subset of documents (e.g., first 10 documents) to establish initial ink consumption rates and printing time estimates. This preliminary action provides a foundation for cost estimation without requiring complete processing of all documents in advance, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining reasonable accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual ink consumption and printing time during the print job execution, comparing these actual values against the preliminary estimates. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the cost estimation and can modify printing parameters for remaining documents to stay within the target cost, improving accuracy without requiring complete advance processing.
2Measurement precision
If complete document analysis is performed to determine final ink usage, then cost estimation accuracy is improved, but the complexity and labor required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the print job into segments: a preliminary segment where documents are processed in advance to establish baseline metrics, and a main execution segment where documents are printed with real-time monitoring. This segmentation allows the system to avoid complete advance analysis of all documents while maintaining sufficient accuracy through the representative sample approach.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete analysis on all documents, the system performs partial analysis on a representative subset (e.g., first 10 documents or a specified percentage). This partial action provides sufficient data to establish ink consumption rates and time estimates without the full complexity and labor of analyzing every single document before printing begins.
3Reliability
If printing parameters are adjusted to meet target cost, then profitability is improved, but print quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of printing parameters during job execution rather than static pre-determination. The system continuously monitors actual costs and adjusts parameters such as ink coverage, print speed, and resolution for remaining documents based on real-time feedback, allowing flexibility to maintain quality while meeting cost targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies printing parameters (ink consumption rate, print speed, resolution) dynamically based on the comparison between actual costs and target cost. These parameter changes are made incrementally and selectively, adjusting only enough to meet the cost target while preserving acceptable print quality through controlled modification rather than drastic reductions.
4Reliability
If real-time monitoring and adjustment is implemented, then cost control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the system continuously monitors actual ink consumption, printing time, and costs during job execution, compares these against the target cost, and automatically adjusts printing parameters for remaining documents. This automated feedback mechanism improves cost control without requiring complex manual intervention or oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The printing system performs self-adjustment based on monitored costs, automatically modifying its own operating parameters to meet the target cost without external intervention. The system calculates remaining document costs, determines necessary parameter adjustments, and implements them autonomously, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for printing a print job including a plurality of document pages includes receiving a target cost for printing the print job. The printing system is used to print a portion of the print job including one or more document pages using an initial set of printing parameters. An estimated total cost for printing the print job is determined including an actual cost determined for printing the portion of the print job and an estimated cost for printing a remainder of the print job. A data processing system is used to automatically determine adjusted printing parameters to be used for printing a subsequent portion of the print job if the estimated total cost exceeds the target cost. The printing system is then used to print the subsequent portion of the print job using the adjusted printing parameters.