Visual Timeline Interface for Print Operator Data Entry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Print operators often record printer events inaccurately due to the delay in logging information at the end of the day, leading to errors and inefficiencies in data collection for production print systems.
Innovation Solution
A printer terminal device displays a visual timeline of printer events, indicating missing information with visual indicators, prompting operators to complete data entry in real-time, thereby improving data accuracy and reducing end-of-day logging errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If print operators record printer events at the end of the day using written logs, then they can complete their primary tasks, but the data accuracy deteriorates due to errors and approximations
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically captures printer event data in real-time as events occur, rather than relying on operators to record them later. This preliminary automatic data collection ensures accuracy while freeing operators to focus on their primary tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (the printer management system with visual timeline interface) that acts as a mediator between the printer events and the operator. This intermediary automatically collects and organizes data, then presents it to operators for review and supplementation, eliminating the need for operators to manually record all events from memory.
2Ease of operation
If print operators manually log printer events, then they maintain control over the process, but the time required for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic data collection and organization of printer events before presenting them to operators. This reduces the time operators need to spend on data collection while maintaining their ability to review and supplement information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates automated copies of printer event data in a structured visual timeline format, which operators can review and supplement. This copying approach eliminates the need for operators to manually create logs from scratch, significantly reducing data collection time.
3Measurement precision
If a visual timeline interface is implemented to prompt real-time data entry, then data accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data collection process into distinct visual elements on the timeline, with each event represented as a separate segment. Missing information is highlighted with specific visual indicators (e.g., question marks, color coding), allowing operators to quickly identify and address gaps without being overwhelmed by the entire dataset.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual timeline interface uses color changes and visual indicators to highlight events with missing information. This approach provides intuitive guidance to operators about what data needs attention, improving data accuracy without requiring complex interfaces or extensive operator training.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for visual timeline and operator prompt to improve data collection for a print system. One embodiment includes a printer terminal device configured to receive printer statuses of a printer over a period of time, each printer status indicating one of a printing state, an idle state, and an error state. The printer terminal device is configured to present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) at a display that includes a visual timeline of the printer statuses of the printer over the period of time with a different visual representation for each of the printing state, the idle state, and the error state. The printer terminal device is further configured to determine that a printer status displayed on the visual timeline is associated with absent user input, and to modify the visual timeline to display a visual indicator for the printer status indicating the absent user input.