Workflow Scheduler for Continuous Print Process Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for task assignment in print services, such as Print on Demand, are inefficient when handling multiple-process tasks with closely correlated processes, as they rely on estimates and experience rather than a systematic approach to optimize the execution of continuous processes across different devices.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that analyzes print orders, divides them into processes, groups correlated processes, and schedules them for continuous execution, allowing for dynamic changes in processing dates and subjects, thereby optimizing the workflow across prepress, digital print, and postpress sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional task assignment methods based on estimates and experience are used, then simplicity of operation is maintained, but productivity and efficiency of multiple-process tasks are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the workflow into distinct process types (printing processes, postpress processes, prepress processes) and further divides them into individual tasks with specific attributes. Each task is independently analyzed and scheduled, allowing for optimized assignment while maintaining system manageability through structured classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple scheduling parameters including process correlation coefficients, task priorities, delivery times, and resource availability. By changing and optimizing these parameters systematically, the system achieves improved productivity for multiple-process tasks while maintaining operational control through parameter-based decision making.
2Productivity
If processes are scheduled independently without considering correlations, then ease of scheduling is maintained, but efficiency of correlated processes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by calculating process correlation coefficients based on historical data and task attributes. The scheduling system continuously receives feedback about process relationships and adjusts task assignments accordingly, ensuring that correlated processes are scheduled efficiently while maintaining ease of operation through automated correlation analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary analysis of process correlations and task attributes before scheduling. By pre-calculating correlation coefficients and identifying related processes in advance, the system prepares optimization data that guides subsequent scheduling decisions, improving efficiency of correlated processes without complicating the actual scheduling operation.
3Productivity
If all schedules are optimized repeatedly, then productivity is improved, but loss of time for rescheduling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling that adapts to changing conditions without requiring complete rescheduling. The system maintains flexible task assignments that can be adjusted based on real-time resource availability and priority changes, improving overall productivity while minimizing the time lost to rescheduling through incremental adjustments rather than full re-optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A workflow scheduler is provided in which highly correlated processes are scheduled so as to be continuously executed. The workflow scheduler analyzes an input print order, divides the print order into a plurality of processes to carry out the print order, arranges a schedule of the plurality of processes divided, groups a set of processes together from the plurality of processes into which the print order is divided according to grouping attributes of the plurality of processes, the set of processes being associated with each other by the grouping attributes, outputs the plurality of processes whose schedule is arranged by the schedule arranging unit in a recognizable manner, and arranges the schedule of the plurality of processes such that the set of processes is capable of being executed continuously.