Workflow Assignment Processor for Print Job Tickets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing print job ticket systems, such as those using Job Definition Format (JDF), do not typically include the print workflow, which can vary significantly between different print shops, leading to inefficiencies in printing processes.
Innovation Solution
A workflow assignment processor and editor system that modifies job tickets to include a print workflow by comparing criteria sets with incoming job tickets, using hierarchical data structures and regular expressions to merge print workflows into the job tickets, ensuring they include both document characteristics and applicable print processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If print jobs are submitted with standard job tickets (JDF format), then document characteristics are clearly specified, but print workflow information is missing causing inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the standard JDF job ticket structure with print workflow information into a unified job ticket format. The workflow assignment processor merges criteria sets defining print processes with incoming job tickets, creating an enhanced job ticket that contains both document characteristics and applicable print workflows, thereby eliminating information loss without creating a completely new complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assignment of print workflows to job tickets before printing execution. The workflow assignment processor proactively matches incoming job tickets with appropriate criteria sets and assigns relevant print workflows in advance, so that workflow information is already prepared and attached when the job ticket reaches the print shop, preventing information loss at the point of need
2Adaptability or versatility
If each print shop has unique print production facilities, then customization is possible, but standardization of print workflows becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the print workflow information into discrete criteria sets that can be independently defined and assigned. Each criteria set represents a modular unit of print process information that can be selectively applied to job tickets based on matching conditions, allowing print shops to customize their workflow libraries without creating monolithic complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The enhanced job ticket structure serves multiple functions: it maintains compatibility with standard JDF formats for document characteristics while simultaneously carrying print workflow information from multiple criteria sets. This universal structure can accommodate different print shop configurations and workflow types without requiring separate specialized systems for each
3Productivity
If print workflows are not included in job tickets, then job ticket simplicity is maintained, but printing process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The workflow assignment processor operates autonomously to assign print workflows to job tickets without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically matches incoming job tickets against stored criteria sets, selects appropriate workflows, and attaches them to job tickets, thereby improving printing efficiency through automated workflow management rather than manual configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The workflow assignment processor acts as an intermediary between the job ticket submission system and the print execution system. It receives job tickets, enriches them with appropriate workflow information from criteria sets, and forwards the enhanced job tickets to print shops, thereby improving overall process efficiency without directly modifying the core JDF specification or requiring changes to existing print equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer readable mediums are provided that facilitate the automated merger of print workflow information into job tickets that express the characteristics of a document to be printed. In various embodiments, a job ticket that describes a number of characteristics of a finished document to be printed is automatically modified in a processor-based system. The modifications are performed by merging at least a portion of a print workflow with the job ticket where the print workflow specifies a process to print the finished document.